2026 Nissan Altima review

2026 Nissan Altima Review: 

There are two big changes to the 2026 Nissan Altima: The base trim (S) and top trim (SL) have both been discontinued, leaving only the SV and SR trims. That makes picking an Altima pretty straightforward. The SR is the sportier of the two trims and has a larger touchscreen. It's also less comfortable than the SV according to Edmunds' editors, and if you really want the bigger touchscreen, look for an SV trim with the SV Special Edition package equipped. 

Otherwise, the Altima remains appealing if your primary concern is cost. A used Altima can be had for thousands of dollars less than its competitors, and it boasts impressive fuel economy for a non-hybrid vehicle. Of course, if you want a hybrid, you've got to look elsewhere, because you can't get a hybrid Altima. Edmunds' editors also noted the Altima's build quality isn't up to the same standard as the competition.

• Technology

• Comfort

• Cargo and storage

• Ease of use

• Driving
  

What tech does the 2026 Nissan Altima have?

Connectivity

Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard on the Altima. Upgrading to the larger touchscreen adds wireless connectivity to both. Otherwise, you can also connect your phone using Bluetooth®. There is one USB-A and one USB-C port in both the front and rear of the vehicle. In Edmunds' testing, wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® worked fine. 

Infotainment

This vehicle has been on sale since 2019, and it shows. The standard touchscreen is only eight inches; it works well enough, but it's definitely dated next to newer competitors. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is an available feature on the SV trim and comes standard on SR trims. This screen is much more modern, but keep in mind that the software powering it is still hopelessly outdated. That said, it's a perfectly good screen if you're going to spend all your time connected to Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™. 

Driver-Assist Tech

The good news is that the advanced driver aids on the Nissan Altima worked very well in Edmunds' testing. There was praise for adaptive cruise control as well as lane-keeping assistance. The bad news? Most of these features either exist higher up the trim structure or require getting a special package. And the rear camera is quite dated, offering a grainy view out the back of the car. That's especially troublesome because rear visibility in the Altima is already not great. 

How comfortable is the 2026 Nissan Altima? 

Front Seating

The front seats are mostly comfortable, though Edmunds' editors pointed out that they're a bit flat. That could lead to discomfort on long drives. But there's plenty of space in front, offering enough legroom and headroom for even taller occupants. The seats aren't confining, making them more accessible to a wider range of body types, and the steering wheel is easily adjustable, broadening its appeal. Heated front seats are available, but cooled seats are not offered. 

Rear Seating

In the rear is a very roomy bench, though a tall passenger sitting behind another tall passenger may feel cramped. Headroom in the Altima's back seat is good, even with the available sunroof installed. There are no heated or cooled seats available in the second row of the Altima. 

Ride Quality and Interior Noise

You'll always know whether the road is smooth or bumpy when you're behind the wheel of the Nissan Altima. It also doesn't do a great job of suppressing impacts from driving over rocks, divots, or other mediocre surfaces. That said, most of the outside noise stays there; engine noise isn't an issue, and wind noise is suppressed as well as any other midsize sedan. 

Does the 2026 Nissan Altima have good storage?

Cargo 

The 15.3 cubic feet of storage you get in the back of the Nissan Altima is about average. It's less than you get with the Honda Accord but it's more than you get from the Toyota Camry. This is an easy space to slide in a few suitcases thanks to its wide, boxy shape; there are no weird intrusions that make for a funky storage space. The rear seats fold down, but the design of the Altima's chassis intrudes into the storage area, robbing it of what would be some additional storage space.

Storage

There are lots of places to store small items in the Altima. There's a little cubby in front of the gear shifter, and the center console storage bin has a tray that's perfect for storing car keys. The door pockets are also large, though the molded plastic is particularly tough and inflexible compared to competitors, and as such they don't offer much in the way of flexibility. 

How easy is the 2026 Nissan Altima to use?

Entry, Exit, and Car Seats

The doors open very wide in both the front and second rows, which is great for two reasons: It makes it a lot easier to get in and out of the Altima, and installing a car seat is much easier. Edmunds' editors weren't impressed by the hiding of the LATCH anchors underneath the seat cushions; in other cars, they usually stick out a little or are easier to find. However, the editors noted that installing a car seat was hassle-free. 

Interior Layout and Visibility

This is a simple interior. That's both a pro and a con. If this is your first time in a modern vehicle, you won't have a hard time figuring out where the buttons you need are or what they do. It's also a very spartan interior, with lots of black plastic and not much of a mixture of materials. Visibility out the front and side is very good and that stands in contrast to poor rear visibility. It doesn't help that the backup camera is also on the grainy side. 

What’s the 2026 Nissan Altima like to drive?

Driving

This isn't the car for you if you're looking for fun, spirited driving. But the Nissan Altima does just fine driving around town. The engine is responsive, and the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is barely noticeable. Braking is OK, though it took a little longer to stop in panic-braking situations in Edmunds' testing than its primary competitors. It has enough power to get up steep inclines and to get up to highway speeds as long as you're not in a big hurry. 

Fuel Economy/Electric Efficiency

Definitely a highlight of the Nissan Altima. It gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in combined driving, which is good for a non-hybrid midsize sedan. Of course, you can't get a hybrid Altima, which may take some of the shine off this number. 

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates