2026 Nissan Altima

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The Altima won't amaze you with stellar acceleration or braking — our all-wheel-drive test model accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in an unremarkable 8.4 seconds — but it handles smoothly and remains stable even when navigating fast, sweeping curves. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is well tuned and helps make the Altima an almost invisible partner during day-to-day driving. Less appealing is the constant stream of little impacts you'll feel driving over rough road surfaces. The Altima's ride seems continuously busy in these instances, and larger impacts can be pretty jarring.

Though most of the Altima's sight lines are good, rear visibility is hampered by the high rear decklid. The low-resolution rearview camera and distracting window reflections from the dashboard and rear decklid, which you'll see during bright sunlight, are also annoying. Fortunately the Altima's ProPilot Assist system, which includes lane centering and low-speed adaptive cruise control, is a pleasant bonus. Adaptive cruise control works very well and requires little correction in traffic.

We tested the all-wheel-drive Altima, which the EPA estimates at 28 mpg combined. It posted an impressive 34 mpg on our mixed-driving real-world evaluation route. Opting for a front-wheel-drive Altima raises the estimated number to 31-32 mpg. Odds are you can expect to get pretty good fuel economy from the Altima.

The Altima is a calm place to sit out daily traffic. The front seats are generally comfortable, although some drivers might wish for more thigh support, and the wide range of steering wheel adjustment is a bonus. The interior lacks style but earns points for straightforward usability. The climate controls and touchscreen functions, in particular, are clearly labeled and easy to reach.

Large door openings make it easy to hop in and out, and there's plenty of classic midsize sedan headroom and legroom in the front and rear rows. That kind of room also handily accommodates large car seats, and LATCH anchors are easy to locate under fabric flaps. Engine noises are commendably well isolated, even under hard acceleration, and there's only minor wind noise around the pillars. Overall, the Altima is impressively quiet.

The Altima's trunk isn't the largest in the class, but it can still handle a few full-size suitcases. The squared-off shape also makes it easy to load to maximum capacity. The folding rear seats are standard fare, but they can only be released through a pull tab in the trunk and must be lowered by pulling on the seatback from the inside. They don't automatically fold when released. Front passengers have ample storage for small items, although the cupholders are a bit shallow for taller bottles.

We tested an Altima with the big 12.3-inch touchscreen, onboard navigation, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Though the screen's size and responsiveness feel modern, the outdated software and graphics are disappointing, but the navigation system works well and offers an alternative to Apple and Android apps. In our testing, it responded well to voice commands and easily found destinations through Google-powered searches. That said, you'll probably still want to use Apple or Android, as the Altima's onboard maps and graphics look hopelessly ancient. The backup and surround-view camera displays are also low-resolution and hard to see, especially when using them at night.

Roomy, comfortable and available with all-wheel drive, the Altima offers distinct value for a midsize sedan. Impressive fuel economy should appeal to drivers with long commutes, while all-wheel drive checks a crucial box for those in wet-weather climates.

But some spots of poor build quality and a lack of attention to detail set the Altima back where it can least afford it. Gaps where the dashboard meets the windshield, and a hood design that makes it look out of alignment, stand out when compared to better-built competitors. The Altima's warranties and roadside assistance are also pretty middle-of-the-road.