The 2026 Nissan Altima is back, but with a noticeably shorter menu. For 2026 Nissan Altima trims, the lineup centers on two core trims, SV and SR, with an SV Special Edition Package and an SR Midnight Edition Package also available. The 2026 Altima is offered only with Nissan's naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder; the VC-Turbo engine is not part of the 2026 lineup. It does exist. The question is whether it's still worth buying. What Was Cut and What Remains? Here's the trim structure the 2025 Altima had versus what the 2026 offers: Trim 2025 2026 S Available Discontinued SV Available Available SR Available Available SL Available Discontinued VC-Turbo engine Available on SR Discontinued The S trim, the entry-level option that kept the Altima accessible to budget-conscious buyers, is gone. So is the SL, which offered leather seating, Bose audio, and premium features for buyers who wanted a more upscale sedan experience. The turbocharged 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine producing 236 hp has also been removed from the lineup entirely. What remains is the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder in two configurations, dressed up with some new standard equipment. What the 2026 Nissan Altima Actually Offers Both the SV and SR are powered by the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT. Front-wheel drive is standard on both. Spec 2026 Altima SV 2026 Altima SR Engine 2.5L 4-cyl, 188 hp and 180 lb-ft (FWD) / 182 hp (AWD) 2.5L 4-cyl, 188 hp and 180 lb-ft (FWD) / 182 hp (AWD) Transmission Xtronic CVT Xtronic CVT Drivetrain FWD (AWD: +$1,400) FWD (AWD: +$1,395) EPA MPG (FWD) 26 city / 36 hwy / 30 combined 26 city / 36 hwy / 30 combined Touchscreen 8-inch (wired CarPlay) 12.3-inch (wireless CarPlay) Wheels 17-inch alloy 19-inch alloy Suspension Standard Sport-tuned NHTSA Safety Rating 5-Star 5-Star What's new standard on the 2026 SV: Wireless charging is standard on the SR. The 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now standard on the SR, up from an optional upgrade. A new SR Midnight Edition package adds blacked-out exterior trim, darkened grille, and black 19-inch wheels for buyers who want a sportier appearance. The Altima retains Nissan’s Zero Gravity front-seat design, intended to support a more natural seating posture and improve comfort on longer drives. The Honest Case For Buying the 2026 Altima The Altima's available all-wheel drive is a genuine differentiator in the midsize sedan segment. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are FWD-only at comparable prices; the Camry AWD is only available on hybrid trims. For NJ buyers who want a sedan, the 2026 Nissan Altima AWD is one of very few options at this price point. Fuel economy At 26 MPG city and 36 MPG highway on the naturally aspirated engine, the Altima's fuel economy is competitive. At current NJ gas prices of approximately $4.27 per gallon and 15,000 annual miles, a driver in an Altima FWD at 30 MPG combined spends approximately $2,135 in annual fuel, a meaningful running cost consideration for a daily commuter sedan. 5-Star NHTSA safety rating The 2026 Altima carries a 5-Star overall NHTSA safety rating, the highest available. For buyers prioritizing safety, this is a meaningful datapoint. Who Is the 2026 Altima Actually Right For? The 2026 Altima makes the most sense for buyers who: Prioritize fuel economy and low running costs over driving excitement Commute primarily on highways where the Altima's 36 MPG highway figure is the relevant number Want Zero Gravity seat comfort on longer daily drives It's a harder sell for buyers who want the most modern interior in the segment, the most engaging driving experience, or the widest range of trim configurations. Visit Sansone Nissan Browse the 2026 Nissan Altima SV vs SR inventory at Sansone Nissan in Avenel, NJ, with both FWD and AWD configurations. Check the 2026 Nissan Altima price and make an informed decision If you're comparing the Altima against the Sentra or Rogue for your next vehicle, the team can walk through how each fits your commute and budget before you decide. FAQs How many trims does the 2026 Nissan Altima come in? The 2026 Altima has two core trims, SV and SR, with available SV Special Edition and SR Midnight Edition packages/configurations. Does the 2026 Nissan Altima come with AWD? Yes. All-wheel drive is available on both the SV and SR trims for an additional $1,395–$1,400. What happened to the Nissan Altima turbocharged engine? The 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine producing 236 hp has been discontinued for 2026. Both remaining trims use the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 188 hp. What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Nissan Altima? The 2026 Altima FWD is EPA-estimated at 26 MPG city, 36 MPG highway, and 30 MPG combined. The AWD configuration is rated at 25 MPG city, 33 MPG highway, and 28 MPG combined. Where can I test drive the 2026 Nissan Altima near Avenel, NJ? Sansone Nissan in Avenel, NJ carries the 2026 Altima in both SV and SR configurations with FWD and AWD options available.
