2026 Nissan Altima MPG and Fuel Economy: Ratings by Drivetrain
The 2026 Nissan Altima remains one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid midsize sedans you can buy, returning up to an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined without any hybrid hardware. What most shoppers get wrong is assuming fuel economy changes from one trim to the next. On the Altima it doesn’t—every trim uses the same 2.5-liter engine, so the number that actually moves your MPG is your choice of drivetrain: front-wheel drive or available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. This guide breaks down the ratings, the trade-off, and the range you can expect. For the full equipment walkthrough, see our 2026 Altima trims, pricing, and features guide.
2026 Nissan Altima MPG by Drivetrain
Every 2026 Altima pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. Front-wheel drive is standard; Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available. Because the engine is shared across the lineup, the EPA-estimated ratings depend only on which drivetrain you pick—not on whether you choose the SV or the SR.
| Drivetrain | EPA-Estimated City | EPA-Estimated Highway | EPA-Estimated Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | 26 MPG | 36 MPG | 30 MPG |
| Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | 25 MPG | 33 MPG | 28 MPG |
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
How the Altima Delivers Its Numbers
The Altima earns its efficiency the old-fashioned way—no hybrid battery required. Three elements work together to keep fuel use low:
Direct Injection Gasoline Engine
The 2.5-liter DIG engine meters fuel precisely into each cylinder, using only what the moment demands rather than burning extra during light-load driving.
Xtronic CVT
Instead of stepping through fixed gears, the continuously variable transmission holds the engine in its most efficient rev range at any speed—so the powertrain rarely runs harder than it needs to.
City and Highway Balance
In steady highway cruising the CVT lets engine speed settle low to conserve fuel; when you need to merge or pass, it lets revs climb for immediate response. The result is a sedan that stays efficient in both stop-and-go traffic and open-road driving.
FWD vs. AWD: What the Traction Costs You
Choosing Intelligent All-Wheel Drive trims the combined rating by just 2 MPG—from an EPA-estimated 30 to 28. In normal, dry conditions the system routes power to the front wheels for efficiency, and sends torque rearward only when it detects reduced grip. For drivers who want extra confidence in rain, that’s a small efficiency trade for year-round traction that’s uncommon among gas-powered midsize sedans. The engine output shifts slightly with drivetrain as well.
| Drivetrain | Horsepower | Torque | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front-Wheel Drive | 188 hp | 180 lb-ft | 2.5L 4-cyl (DIG) | Xtronic CVT |
| Intelligent All-Wheel Drive | 182 hp | 178 lb-ft | 2.5L 4-cyl (DIG) | Xtronic CVT |
Fuel Tank and Estimated Highway Range
High MPG is only half the road-trip equation—tank size sets how far you go between stops. FWD Altimas carry a 16.2-gallon tank; AWD models use a 16.0-gallon tank to package the rear drivetrain. Pairing each tank with its EPA-estimated highway rating gives a useful, if illustrative, picture of highway range.
| Drivetrain | Fuel Tank | EPA-Estimated Highway MPG | Estimated Highway Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front-Wheel Drive | 16.2 gal | 36 MPG | ~583 miles |
| Intelligent All-Wheel Drive | 16.0 gal | 33 MPG | ~528 miles |
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Which 2026 Altima Trim Fits You
Fuel economy is identical across the lineup for a given drivetrain, so trim choice comes down to features and style rather than MPG. The 2026 Altima is offered in two trims—SV and SR—each with an available appearance package. Here’s where pricing starts so you can match efficiency to the equipment you want.
| Trim / Package | Drivetrain Options | Starting MSRP (FWD) |
|---|---|---|
| SV | FWD or available AWD | $28,825 |
| SV with Special Edition Package | FWD or available AWD | $30,125 |
| SR | FWD or available AWD | $30,225 |
| SR with Midnight Edition Package | FWD or available AWD | $32,225 |
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Adding Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available on either trim. For a complete feature-by-feature breakdown, see our 2026 Nissan Altima overview. When you’re ready to see what’s in stock, browse the new Altima inventory at Empire Nissan in Ontario.
2026 Nissan Altima Fuel Economy FAQ
Does the 2026 Nissan Altima come as a hybrid?
No. The 2026 Altima is offered only with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and does not have a hybrid version. Even so, its FWD models return up to an EPA-estimated 30 MPG combined, keeping it among the more efficient non-hybrid midsize sedans.
Does all-wheel drive lower the Altima’s MPG?
Slightly. FWD models are rated an EPA-estimated 26 city / 36 highway / 30 combined, while AWD models are rated an EPA-estimated 25 city / 33 highway / 28 combined—a 2 MPG difference in combined driving in exchange for added traction.
Visit Empire Nissan at 1377 Kettering Dr in Ontario, or call 909-740-6712 to schedule your 2026 Altima test drive.
Specifications, EPA-estimated ratings, and pricing are current as of publication and subject to change. Confirm current figures and availability with Empire Nissan.