2026 Nissan Altima

For more than three decades, the Nissan Altima has set the standard for what a practical, value-based sedan can be. With high-end comfort, elegant styling inside and out, and efficient but exciting performance, the Altima has been the choice of a generation of drivers who rely on it for daily commutes, suburban errands, and family outings.

Since its introduction for the 1993 model year, the Altima has represented the perfect balance of elegance, style, and capability, offering drivers a reasonably priced sedan loaded with cutting-edge technology and features that one would expect only in luxury automobiles costing thousands of dollars more.

The 2026 Nissan Altima continues that long-running legacy of sedan excellence, with top-of-the-line comfort, available all-wheel drive, and innovative driver-assistance and infotainment technology. Though the trim lineup for the Altima has been scaled back slightly for 2026, there are a variety of special editions that add features and aesthetic flair.

Though SUVs have taken market share from sedans over the last decade, the Nissan Altima continues to remain popular among drivers who prefer sedan performance and ride quality.

Power and Performance

As an efficient, practical sedan, the Altima was never meant to be mistaken for a sports car. However, it has always delivered impressive performance for its class, giving drivers the responsiveness and pep of a luxury sports sedan at a far more attainable price point. That legacy lives on in the 2026 Altima, which offers precise performance, world-class efficiency, and tight, responsive handling.

Powertrain

The 2026 Altima offers quick acceleration and excellent performance at highway speeds thanks to its reliable, potent engine. Beneath the hood of the Altima is a proven 2.5-liter four-cylinder powerplant that delivers an impressive 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an advanced Xtronic transmission, which gives it smooth shifting and responsive acceleration, especially at highway speeds.

Though the 2026 Altima comes standard with front-wheel drive, available Intelligent AWD provides drivers with extra traction and control on a variety of driving surfaces. The advanced automatic system enhances traction by continuously evaluating driving conditions in real-time and redistributing power to the front and rear wheels accordingly. When extra traction isn’t needed, the system operates in front-wheel drive, but when slippage is detected, it automatically engages the rear wheels to provide additional control on wet, icy, or snowy surfaces.

Efficiency

Though the 2026 Altima offers impressive power and performance, it does so without sacrificing fuel efficiency, which is especially important to those who commute regularly. With an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency rating of 30 MPG combined, the Altima gets an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. With a 16.2-gallon fuel tank, the Altima has amazing range, able to go nearly 500 miles before needing to refuel.

The all-wheel drive version of the 2026 Altima has an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency rating of 28 MPG combined, with an estimated fuel economy of 25 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. Though it has a slightly smaller 16-gallon fuel tank, it still has a range of approximately 450 miles before refueling is required.

This excellent range and efficiency is one of the top reasons to pick a sedan over an SUV. With the 2026 Nissan Altima, you can travel further and fill up less often, saving time and money.

Handling

The Altima’s performance isn’t only about its engine and drivetrain; it also incorporates other systems that deliver the ride quality of a luxury sedan with sports-car handling and responsiveness. From its standard 17-inch machine-finished aluminum wheels and all-season tires to its finely-tuned power steering, the 2026 Altima offers enhanced handling, whether you’re running errands across town or setting out on the open road for a weekend getaway.

The Altima’s suspension consists of independent front coil-over shocks and an independent multi-link rear suspension. There’s also an optional brake-actuated limited-slip differential with Intelligent Trace Control, which aids in handling by applying subtle brake pressure to the individual wheels to maintain the intended line of travel. The system improves handling on winding roads and prevents understeer for better control at driving speeds.

Safety and Driver Assistance

For commuters and families who prefer a sedan, safety is a top concern when selecting an automobile. Fortunately, the Altima is considered one of the safest vehicles on the road, as the 2026 Altima has earned the coveted 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This rating is based on the Altima’s excellent crash-test performance, along with its innovative safety systems and advanced driver-assistance and collision-mitigation tech.

Safety Features

Every 2026 Altima has the confidence-inspiring Nissan Advanced Air Bag System, which features multiple dual-stage airbags that deploy within milliseconds of a collision to protect drivers and passengers from the effects of an accident. The Altima’s comprehensive air bag array protects its occupants from multiple angles, providing 360 degrees of safety within the cabin.

There are also advanced systems that improve stability and traction, two factors that can influence the likelihood of an accident when driving. For example, the Altima incorporates a traction control system that prevents wheel spin on slippery driving surfaces by redistributing power away from slipping wheels. The Altima also has an overarching Vehicle Dynamic Control system that maintains stability under aggressive driving maneuvers. It helps drivers keep the Altima upright and prevent flipping during sharp, evasive maneuvers to avoid accidents.

Driver-Assistance Systems

The 2026 Altima has several advanced driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems that help prevent accidents stemming from routine causes. Its collision avoidance features include Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Rear Automatic Braking. These systems alert drivers to impending collisions and even apply the brakes to stop the vehicle if the driver doesn’t respond quickly enough.

The standard driver assistance features in the 2026 Altima also include:

• Brake Assist
• High Beam Assist
• Easy-Fill Tire Alert
• Blind Spot Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Cruise Control
• Driver Attention Alert
• Rear Sonar System

These systems are all designed to increase convenience and keep drivers focused and engaged, thereby preventing collisions. There are also advanced optional features, such as Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Lane Intervention, ProPILOT Assist, and an Intelligent Around View Monitor, that further enhance safety and convenience in the Altima. ProPILOT Assist is particularly useful, as it goes further than typical adaptive cruise control to provide an almost autonomous driving experience.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Modern sedans like the Altima are loaded with top-end technology that keeps drivers connected and engaged no matter where they may travel. The Altima offers drivers innovative connectivity and infotainment tech to enhance the driving experience and allow occupants to stay in touch, whether they’re commuting, dropping the kids off at school, or searching for a map on a vacation road trip.

Connectivity Features

The 2026 Altima has multiple connectivity features that provide a constant connection on the road, including standard Bluetooth wireless streaming for both phone functions and audio. While Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are built into every Altima, wireless integration is available as an option. Wireless charging is also an option on some Altima trim levels.

The standard NissanConnect suite of software provides drivers with an assortment of premium capabilities. For example, there is the MyNISSAN app that enhances convenience by providing smartphone-controlled remote, security, and infotainment features. NissanConnect also offers live, over-the-air software updates, so you’ll always know your tech is running the latest software. There’s even an available Wi-Fi hotspot powered by NissanConnect.

Infotainment Tech

The infotainment tech in the 2026 Altima begins with the standard eight-inch touchscreen display powered by the NissanConnect infotainment platform. There’s also a reconfigurable seven-inch Advanced Drive-Assist display that provides drivers with critical information while on the road. On the SR trim level, drivers get an even larger 12.3-inch infotainment display that provides easy access, intuitive controls, and high visibility.

Every Altima also comes with standard infotainment features such as a six-speaker audio system, an auxiliary audio input, illuminated steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and speed-sensitive audio. The power of the internet is always available, thanks to the Altima’s integrated Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice recognition is powered by Siri Eyes Free or Google Assistant. Drivers who opt for the SR Premium Package get a Bose Premium Audio System that provides high-quality, crystal-clear sound for an improved listening experience.