6 Minutes
Altima Lives On: A Mid-Size Sedan Clings to Relevance
When the 2026 Nissan Altima was unveiled, it came as a relief to sedan loyalists: the Altima nameplate hasn't been retired yet. But Nissan's decision to keep the Altima in the lineup comes with a quieter, more trimmed-down approach. In an era dominated by SUVs, crossovers and trucks — and with several traditional sedans either discontinued or downsized by their makers — the Altima arrives for 2026 with modest updates and a sharper focus on value and appearance options.
Why this matters
Passenger cars have been steadily pushed to the margins of many automakers' lineups because SUVs and trucks return higher margins and meet consumer demand. In the U.S., several mainstream brands have already pared back their sedan offerings, leaving a smaller but still competitive field for mid-size shoppers. Nissan’s move to retain the Altima is as much about preserving choice as it is about appealing to customers who prefer the driving dynamics and style of a sedan.
What’s new for 2026?
The 2026 Altima doesn’t receive a full redesign; instead, Nissan refined trim availability and added fresh cosmetic and tech upgrades. The base S trim that formerly started around $27,000 has been dropped. For 2026, the Altima is available in SV and SR trims, with the SR gaining a new Midnight Edition package aimed at buyers who favor a darker, sport-inspired look.
- Starting price: $27,580 (excluding destination)
- Destination & handling: $1,245
- Available trims: SV and SR (S and SL discontinued)
- New feature: standard 12.3-inch touchscreen in SR / Midnight Edition
Midnight Edition highlights
The Midnight Edition gives the SR an aggressive look: black V-motion grille, two-tone black roof, darkened window trim and badges, plus black 19-inch wheels. Interior comfort remains practical with dual-zone automatic climate control and a moonroof. Color choices include Super Black, Pearl White TriCoat, Tactical Green Metallic and Gray Sky Pearl.
Powertrain and mechanical overview
Under the hood, Nissan keeps the familiar 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Output is tuned slightly differently depending on drivetrain choice:
- FWD: 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque
- AWD: 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque
Both versions use Nissan’s Xtronic CVT transmission. The SR AWD can reach a sticker of about $30,480 before fees, making AWD an accessible option for buyers in colder climates or those who value added traction. The Altima's power figures are competitive within the mainstream mid-size segment, though some rivals offer alternative transmissions (notably an eight-speed automatic) or turbocharged engines for stronger acceleration.
How the Altima compares to its key rivals
The mid-size sedan market may be smaller than it was a decade ago, but the remaining players are well-equipped. Here’s a breakdown of the most relevant competitors and where the Altima fits in.
Hyundai Sonata
Price: starts around $27,300 (excl. destination). The Sonata pairs a 2.5-liter engine with a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission — an advantage for buyers who prefer a conventional shift feel over a CVT. Hyundai also offers hybrid variants starting at roughly $29,050, appealing to economy-minded drivers.
Kia K5
Price: starts around $27,390. The K5 is positioned as a sportier-looking alternative and uses a 191-hp 2.5-liter inline-four in base form. A turbocharged 2.5L powertrain delivers 290 hp on the sportier GT model from about $33,490 — a performance edge that the Altima doesn’t match in its standard lineup.
Honda Accord
Price: starts about $28,295 for the turbocharged 192-hp model; hybrid variants start around $33,655 with a combined 204 hp. The Accord keeps a more traditional sedan aesthetic and balances comfort with competent driving dynamics. It often appeals to buyers seeking a roomy interior and refined ride quality.
Toyota Camry
Price: the 2026 Camry launches primarily as a hybrid, starting near $29,000. Toyota’s latest Camry hybrids offer the strongest base combined outputs in this group: approximately 225 hp for FWD and 232 hp with AWD. That makes the Camry the most powerful base hybrid offering among mainstream mid-size competitors, with strong appeal for buyers prioritizing power plus efficiency.
Other sedans that have recently exited or paused updates — such as the Subaru Legacy and Chevrolet Malibu — mean the Altima must contend with well-rounded rivals that emphasize either technology, performance or efficiency.
Altima’s strengths and compromises
The Altima’s value proposition centers on:
- Price competitiveness — starting just under many rivals once fees are excluded;
- Available AWD — an important differentiator in its class;
- Styling and option packages like the Midnight Edition that broaden appeal;
- Practical tech updates such as a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless charging in upper trims.
On the flip side, the Altima leans on a CVT rather than a multi-speed conventional automatic, which some buyers find less engaging. Its base engine is adequate but not class-leading for outright power, especially compared with turbocharged K5 variants or the higher-output Camry hybrids.
Who should consider the 2026 Altima?
The Altima suits buyers who want a comfortable, reasonably priced mid-size sedan with available all-wheel drive and a handful of modern tech upgrades. It’s a solid choice for commuters who prefer a lower ride height and sedan handling over an SUV, and for those who value a distinctive look without moving into premium price territory.
“The Altima survives by leaning into practicality and updated styling packages, but the competition remains fierce.”
Quick highlights
- Starting price: $27,580 (excl. destination); SR AWD around $30,480
- Engine: 2.5L I4 — 188 hp (FWD) / 182 hp (AWD)
- Transmission: Xtronic CVT
- Trim focus: SV and SR; Midnight Edition adds a blacked-out aesthetic
In short, Nissan kept a steady hand with the Altima for 2026: incremental improvements, targeted styling choices, and a simplified trim lineup. The Altima remains a pragmatic pick in a reduced sedan field — but whether it stands out will depend on which priorities (price, performance, tech or AWD) matter most to individual buyers.
Which mid-size sedan would you choose — the dark-trimmed Altima or one of the sportier or hybrid-focused rivals? Your answer will reveal whether you prioritize image, efficiency, or driving dynamics.
Source: autoevolution
Comments
mechbyte
nice they kept it, but this is more re-skin than new car. Midnight Edition looks slick tho, yet cvt + no turbo = missed chance. could've been bolder
v8rider
Altima clings on ok but is AWD and a black grille enough? CVT still kills the fun, 188 hp meh. If Nissan didn't offer a turbo or hybrid, who's buying? feels half baked
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