Core summary
2026 Nissan Altima: midsize sedan with FWD or available AWD.
The 2026 Nissan Altima is a five-seat midsize sedan sold in the United States in SV and SR grades. Its common powertrain is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter direct-injection four-cylinder paired with Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available on both grades. Output is 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque for front-drive cars, or 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft for AWD versions. The range combines a conventional sedan layout with standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 driver-assistance technology. Available equipment includes ProPILOT Assist, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, a wireless charger and a Bose nine-speaker system. The 2026 Altima is the sixth generation, launched for the 2019 model year. This profile uses Nissan North America’s U.S. specification card; Nissan identifies equipment and availability differences for other countries and U.S. territories.
History & generations
Nissan introduced the Altima as a North American midsize sedan for the 1993 model year, replacing the Stanza in the U.S. lineup. The first generation used a four-cylinder layout and established the nameplate’s family-sedan role. The second generation followed for 1998, while the third generation arrived for 2002 with a larger body and more powerful engine choices. The fourth generation began with the 2007 model year and expanded the range with a coupe body style. For 2013, Nissan introduced the fifth-generation sedan, emphasizing lower mass, fuel economy, cabin refinement and smartphone connectivity. The sixth generation debuted for 2019 and added available all-wheel drive, a feature uncommon among midsize sedans. The current 2026 model remains part of that sixth-generation design family, with updated packaging, trim content and connectivity features.
First generation (U13)
The original North American Altima replaced the Nissan Stanza sedan.
Second generation (L30)
A redesigned sedan expanded Altima’s presence in the midsize segment.
Third generation (L31)
A larger redesign introduced stronger engines and a more substantial body.
Fourth generation (L32)
The fourth generation added a coupe body style and continued V6 power.
Fifth generation (L33)
A lighter sedan emphasized efficiency, comfort and connected technology.
Sixth generation (L34)
The current generation introduced available AWD and updated cabin technology.
Body, platform & design
The current Altima uses a conventional three-box sedan profile with a long wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs, and Nissan’s V-Motion grille treatment. The SV grade uses 17-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, while the SR uses 19-inch SR aluminum-alloy wheels and a sport-tuned suspension. The SR also adds a gloss-black V-Motion grille, gloss-black rear diffuser, dual chrome exhaust finishers, sport cloth upholstery and paddle shifters. An SR Midnight Edition package adds gloss-black 19-inch wheels, a gloss-black rear spoiler and Midnight Edition badging. The SV Special Edition package uses 17-inch gloss-black wheels and adds a body-color rear spoiler, moonroof and larger connectivity equipment. The 2026 color palette includes solid, metallic, tri-coat and two-tone finishes. Exterior dimensions are 192.9 inches long, 72.9 inches wide and 111.2 inches between the axles.
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Engine & drivetrain
Every 2026 Altima uses a 2.5-liter Direct Injection Gasoline DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing. Front-wheel-drive models produce 188 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. AWD models produce 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft. The engine is paired exclusively with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. FWD is standard across the range, and Intelligent AWD is available on SV and SR. The AWD system monitors traction and can direct power to the wheels that need it. The SR adds paddle shifters with manual shift mode and a sport-tuned suspension. Nissan lists independent strut front suspension, multi-link independent rear suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars and dual-pinion electric power steering. Braking hardware consists of front ventilated discs and solid rear discs, with ABS, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.
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Trim differences
The 2026 U.S. lineup consists of SV and SR grades, with equipment packages expanding each version. The SV includes the 2.5-liter engine, FWD, an Xtronic CVT, 17-inch wheels, an eight-way power driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, an eight-inch NissanConnect display, Apple CarPlay integration, Android Auto compatibility and standard Safety Shield 360. SV packages include Premium, NissanConnect Services and Special Edition. The SV Premium Package adds a 12.3-inch display, wireless smartphone integration, a wireless charger, moonroof, leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, ProPILOT Assist and dual-zone automatic climate control. The SR adds sport styling, 19-inch wheels, sport cloth, paddle shifters, a sport-tuned suspension and a 12.3-inch display. The SR Premium Package adds sport leather-appointed seats, heated front seats and steering wheel, Bose audio, ProPILOT Assist and an Around View Monitor. The SR Midnight Edition is an appearance package.
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Interior & seating
The Altima seats five and provides 100.6 cubic feet of passenger volume without a moonroof, or 98.8 cubic feet with one. Front legroom measures 43.8 inches and rear legroom measures 35.2 inches. The trunk holds 15.4 cubic feet, and the rear seatbacks split 60/40 for added carrying flexibility. Nissan’s Zero Gravity-inspired front-seat design is offered as part of the Altima’s comfort-focused interior approach. SV models use charcoal cloth as standard, with leather-appointed seating available through the Premium Package. SR models use charcoal sport cloth, with sport leather-appointed seats available through the SR Premium Package. Standard cabin technology includes an eight-inch NissanConnect touchscreen, Bluetooth, voice recognition, SiriusXM and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available upgrades include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, a wireless charger, rear console vents, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and a nine-speaker Bose audio system.
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Efficiency & range
Nissan’s 2026 U.S. fuel-economy ratings are 26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined for SV and SR front-wheel-drive models. SV and SR AWD models are rated at 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined. The figures apply to regular gasoline and are EPA estimates. The FWD Altima has a 16.2-gallon fuel tank, while AWD models use a 16.0-gallon tank. Nissan lists active grille shutters among the exterior efficiency equipment. The larger 19-inch wheels and sport-oriented hardware on SR models correspond with the lower FWD highway rating compared with SV FWD. Actual fuel use varies with traffic, weather, speed, load, tire condition and driving style. The Altima is a gasoline sedan rather than a hybrid or battery-electric vehicle in the 2026 U.S. range.
Safety & equipment
Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard on every 2026 Altima. The package includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning and high-beam assist. Standard equipment also includes a rear sonar system, RearView Monitor, intelligent forward-collision warning, vehicle dynamic control with traction control, hill-start assist and intelligent driver alertness. ProPILOT Assist is available through Premium Packages. Nissan describes it as a system that can help maintain lane centering, preserve a preset following distance and bring the car to a stop in traffic before resuming travel. An Intelligent Around View Monitor is available on the SR Premium Package and uses four cameras to create a composite bird’s-eye view. The 2026 Altima has not been selected for NHTSA’s listed 2026 model-year crash-test program. Owners should use NHTSA’s VIN-based recall lookup for vehicle-specific recall status.
Strengths
The Altima’s strongest attributes are its available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, generous front-seat legroom, useful trunk volume and comprehensive standard driver-assistance package. The 2.5-liter engine is shared across the range, simplifying the powertrain choice. The SV offers a straightforward equipment balance, while its Premium Package adds major cabin and driver-support upgrades. The SR provides the most distinct driving character through its sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters and 19-inch wheels. The sedan also retains physical usability advantages over many crossovers, including a low step-in height, a separate trunk and a stable highway-oriented body. Its 26/36/30-mpg FWD rating gives the standard SV a practical fuel-economy profile for long-distance commuting. The 2026 model also offers wireless smartphone connectivity and available Bose audio without requiring a separate vehicle architecture.
A practical midsize sedan with useful AWD and broad standard safety equipment.
Considerations
The 2026 Altima uses one naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and one transmission, so buyers do not have a higher-output engine option. AWD is available only on SV and SR, and its EPA ratings are lower than those of comparable FWD versions. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, wireless charging, ProPILOT Assist and premium seating are package-dependent rather than standard across the range. The SR’s 19-inch wheels and sport-tuned suspension create a more assertive specification but also distinguish it from the comfort-oriented SV. The current sedan body limits cargo access compared with a hatchback or crossover, although the 60/40-split rear seatbacks improve versatility. Nissan’s 2026 U.S. brochure also states that equipment and specifications can differ in Hawaii, U.S. territories and other countries. Recall status should be checked by VIN rather than inferred from model year alone.
Recommended use
The Altima is best suited to drivers who want a traditional midsize sedan for commuting, highway travel and family use. Its 43.8 inches of front legroom, five-passenger cabin and 15.4-cubic-foot trunk support regular passenger and luggage duties. The SV is the more rational configuration for buyers prioritizing fuel economy and lower equipment complexity, especially with front-wheel drive. The SV Premium Package is relevant for drivers who want a larger display, wireless connectivity, heated seating and ProPILOT Assist. The SR is aimed at buyers who value a sportier appearance and firmer chassis tuning without changing the engine. AWD makes the Altima more suitable for regions with recurring rain, snow or low-traction conditions, although it does not turn the sedan into an off-road vehicle. As a gasoline sedan, it fits buyers who prefer familiar refueling and conventional long-distance operation.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2026 Nissan Altima still in production? A: Yes. Nissan lists the Altima as a 2026 model in its U.S. vehicle range.
Q: How many people can the 2026 Altima seat? A: The sedan seats five people.
Q: Does every 2026 Altima have all-wheel drive? A: No. Front-wheel drive is standard, while Intelligent AWD is available on SV and SR.
Q: What engine does the 2026 Altima use? A: It uses a 2.5-liter direct-injection four-cylinder with an Xtronic CVT.
Q: Which Altima has the sportiest specification? A: The SR adds sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters and 19-inch wheels.
Q: Is ProPILOT Assist standard? A: No. ProPILOT Assist is available through SV and SR Premium Packages.
What makes the Nissan Altima different?
A practical midsize sedan with useful AWD and broad standard safety equipment.
Who should consider it?
Daily commuting, highway travel and family transport.
Sources & updates
Research for this Nissan Altima profile prioritized current manufacturer specifications, model-year equipment pages and official press material. Independent safety or regulatory records were used where available. Historical references were kept separate from current-generation specifications and image identification.
Equipment, pricing and certified figures can vary by market, trim and model year. The expandable reference list below contains the linked sources used for verification. Last editorial review: August 29, 2026.
View all official references (9 more)
Last editorial review: August 29, 2026. Specifications remain market- and model-year-specific.