“Make sure they check the headlights. My headlights were so dim and fogged out w/ scratches all over the lenses also. There was nothing I could do but buy and install HID lights so now I can see the road. Also the lights INSIDE vehicle are TERRIBLE. Overall I am happy w/ this car except for the lighting inside and out! I would tell friends this about the lighting...the car is NOT SAFE to drive the way I got it!”
Nissan Altima: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Nissan Altima is a midsize everyday sedan known for a roomy cabin, comfortable road manners, good fuel economy, and straightforward technology. Older versions also included a two-door coupe, but the Altima has been sedan-only since 2014.
The Altima has long focused on making daily driving simple, comfortable, and economical. Across generations, it has paired family-friendly space with regular-gas engines and an easygoing character. Newer versions put more emphasis on phone-friendly screens and driver-assistance features, while older lineups offered sportier coupes and stronger V6 models.
Strengths
- The cabin gives passengers useful everyday space and works well for commuting or family duty.
- Fuel economy is a strong point, with the 2026 model rated at 36 mpg on the highway.
- The trunk is practical for an everyday sedan, measuring 15.4 cubic feet in 2026.
- Every 2023 Altima gained a broad suite of driver-assistance features as standard equipment.
- Sixth-generation models have standard smartphone integration, making everyday audio and navigation easier to use.
Who it's for
The Altima suits commuters and small families who want a roomy, uncomplicated used sedan for workdays, errands, and longer highway trips. It also makes sense for shoppers who value fuel economy and familiar controls more than sporty handling or luxury-car finishes.
Nissan Altima lineup
The S has traditionally been the straightforward entry point, while the SV is the middle-ground choice for added comfort and convenience without moving to the top of the range. Pick the SR for a sportier look and feel; since its 2016 arrival, it has served as the athletic branch and was tied to the stronger turbo engine in some sixth-generation years. The SL is the comfort-and-technology step-up, and Platinum models from earlier sixth-generation years sit above it as the former flagship. For 2026, the lineup is simplified to SV and SR-based versions.
Nissan Altima generations
From 2009 to 2026, the Altima spans three generations. The current 6th Generation arrived for 2019, following the 5th Generation — L33 (2013–2018).
6th Generation (2019–Present)
This generation brought a redesigned body and cabin, a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a turbo engine in place of the old V6, and the Altima’s first AWD system. A 2023 refresh updated the front styling, safety features, and touchscreen technology.
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2026Trim changes
The lineup shrinks to SV- and SR-based versions as S and SL leave. SR Midnight Edition joins, and the regular SR gains a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless charging.
2025Trim changes
SR VC-Turbo leaves the lineup. Every Altima now uses the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and CVT.
2024
The five-trim lineup, two engines, AWD setup, and standard safety suite carry over.
2023Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling, standard LED headlights, broader standard safety features, and a larger touchscreen on upper trims. SL replaces the former Platinum name.
2022
Only minor package adjustments. The body, engines, trim structure, and AWD setup carry over.
2021Trim changes
The turbo engine becomes exclusive to the SR trim family, with no broader styling or technology overhaul.
2020Trim changes
The safety suite becomes standard on SR and higher trims, while upper trims receive small cabin and convenience updates.
2019New generation
A full redesign brings a new body and cabin, a new 2.5-liter engine, a turbo engine replacing the V6, and the Altima’s first AWD system.
5th Generation — L33 (2013–2018)
The fifth-generation sedan arrived with a lighter structure, a redesigned 2.5-liter engine, a revised CVT, and a more upscale cabin. The older coupe continued for 2013, then the Altima became sedan-only; a substantial styling and suspension refresh followed for 2016.
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2018Trim changes
Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking become standard on every trim. The base 2.5 and 3.5 SR leave the lineup.
2017
Later 2017.5 models drop the base 2.5 and 3.5 SR. Some later-built upper trims also gain more standard collision-warning and automatic-braking equipment.
2016Mid-cycle update
New front and rear styling, revised cabin trim, suspension changes, and expanded driver-assistance features. The SR trim joins the lineup.
2015
V6 fuel economy improves slightly, while several trims gain added seats, lighting, navigation, and driver-assistance equipment.
2014
The coupe leaves the lineup, making the Altima sedan-only. The sedan receives smaller technology and package updates.
2013New generation
The sedan is fully redesigned with a lighter structure, revised four-cylinder engine and CVT, a richer cabin, and added technology. The coupe carries over on the older design for its final year.
4th Generation — L32 (2007–2012)
This generation covered the sedan introduced for 2007 and the related coupe introduced for 2008, with four-cylinder, V6, and hybrid versions. A 2010 refresh revised the front styling, cabin materials, and equipment; the coupe carried this basic design into 2013.
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2012Trim changes
The Altima Hybrid leaves the lineup. Gas-powered sedans and coupes receive only minor package and feature adjustments.
2011Trim changes
Mostly a carryover year after the 2010 refresh, with package reshuffling and a new Special Edition package for the 2.5 S sedan.
2010Mid-cycle update
Revised front styling, updated cabin materials, refreshed touchscreen and package content, and standard stability control across gas-powered models.
2009
Automatic door locks become standard, and the base sedan gains power mirrors and a trip computer. The basic design and engines carry over.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Nissan Altima.
2026 Nissan Altima2025 Nissan Altima2024 Nissan Altima2023 Nissan Altima2022 Nissan Altima2021 Nissan Altima2020 Nissan Altima2019 Nissan Altima2018 Nissan Altima2017 Nissan Altima2016 Nissan Altima2015 Nissan Altima2014 Nissan Altima2013 Nissan Altima2012 Nissan Altima2011 Nissan Altima2010 Nissan Altima2009 Nissan Altima
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nissan Altima a sedan or a coupe?
The Altima is mainly a four-door midsize sedan. Used coupes exist from older generations, but Nissan dropped the coupe after 2013, so later Altimas are sedan-only.
Does the Nissan Altima have all-wheel drive?
Yes. All-wheel drive first joined the U.S. Altima with the 2019 redesign and appears on several sixth-generation 2.5-liter trims. It was not paired with the VC-Turbo engine, so check the individual car’s drivetrain.
Does the Nissan Altima come as a hybrid?
Yes, but only as an older used model. The Altima Hybrid was sold through 2011 with a gas-electric 2.5-liter powertrain and an automatic transmission. Nissan dropped it for 2012, and later Altimas are not hybrids.
Can I find a Nissan Altima with a V6?
Yes, in older Altimas. The 3.5-liter V6 remained through 2018, including in trims such as the 3.5 SL. The 2019 redesign replaced V6 power with a turbocharged four-cylinder option, and newer Altimas use four-cylinder engines.
Which Nissan Altima generations are most common on the used market?
The fifth-generation sedan covers 2013 through 2018. The sixth generation began with the 2019 redesign and received a substantial styling, safety, and touchscreen update for 2023. Those are the two main modern versions shoppers will encounter.
Is the Nissan Altima roomy enough for a family?
Yes, for many small families. The latest Altima seats five and has 35.2 inches of rear legroom plus a 15.4-cubic-foot trunk. Its four-door sedan layout suits commuting, school runs, and highway trips.
Is the Nissan Altima good on fuel?
Yes. The latest 2.5-liter Altima is rated at up to 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. It runs on gas and is designed as an efficient everyday sedan rather than a high-performance car.
Nissan Altima Reviews
What owners are saying about the Nissan Altima.
4.2
Nissan Altima
(11,167 reviews)
“That i love the way the Nissan Altima handles while driving. It hugs the curve very well and accelerates nicely. Its very comfortable to drive. Love the look and feel of the vehicle inside and out. I would highly recommend it.”
“I loved my old Nissan Altima so much I bought a new one. My old one lasted me 15 years and now still running great for my son 134000 miles!”
“Safety features and reliability are most important. Style and comfort. Great on gas in today's world.”
“Lots of cheap plastics at places where a driver can reach in a car that cost me above $30,000/-Vague and lifeless steering. Lacks feedback”
“The Nissan Altima has been a very reliable and trouble-free vehicle for me. Has never given me any trouble and is durable, reliable, and dependable.”
Sources
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2026 / 2026 Nissan Altima Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2025 / 2025 Nissan Altima Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2019 / 2019 Nissan Altima Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Cars / 2025 Altima / Features
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2024 / 2024 Nissan Altima Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2019 / 2019 Altima Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2023 / 2023 Nissan Altima Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2022 / 2022 Nissan Altima Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2021 / 2021 Nissan Altima Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2020 / 2020 Nissan Altima Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2018 / 2018 Altima Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Altima / Altima 2020 Splash / 2020 Nissan Altima En