Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the Altima beats their 26.3 mpg average by 3.7 mpg, about $180 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1993, the 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid (2007–2011), does 33.8 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.5L 6-cyl (2002–2018), 23.2: $519 a year apart.
Every Nissan Altima engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | 34.6 / 33 | 2007–2011 | $1,136 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 24.8 / 34.5 | 2002–2026 | $1,352 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 20.9 / 27.9 | 1993–2001 | $1,613 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 20.1 / 27.8 | 2002–2018 | $1,655 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Camry gets 51 mpg, the Honda Accord 40 mpg and the Toyota Prius 55.3 mpg, next to 30 mpg for the 2026 Altima. The Altima costs the most of them to run: $586 a year more than the Toyota Prius.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.107 |
| Fuel per year | $1,280 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,400 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | −$180 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,435 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Nissan Altima gives up 10 mpg in town: 36 on the highway against 26 in the city, $410 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 36 mpg | $1,067 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +10 mpg (38%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Altima changed over the years
The Altima peaked in 2022 at 32 mpg (28 city, 39 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2004 at 22 — 10 mpg apart, or $545 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 30. The biggest single-year change came in 2019: 28.5 to 32 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 / 36 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2025 | 27 / 38 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2024 | 27 / 38 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2023 | 27 / 38 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2022 | 28 / 39 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2021 | 28 / 39 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2020 | 28 / 39 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2019 | 28 / 39 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2018 | 24.5 / 35 | 2 | $1,347 | |
| 2017 | 24.5 / 35.5 | 2 | $1,347 | |
| 2016 | 24.5 / 35 | 2 | $1,347 | |
| 2015 | 24.5 / 34 | 2 | $1,347 | |
| 2014 | 24.5 / 34 | 2 | $1,371 | |
| 2013 | 24.5 / 34 | 2 | $1,371 | |
| 2012 | 21.5 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,567 | |
| 2011 | 25.3 / 30.7 | 3 | $1,407 | |
| 2010 | 26 / 30.7 | 3 | $1,371 | |
| 2009 | 25.7 / 30 | 3 | $1,407 | |
| 2008 | 25.7 / 30 | 3 | $1,407 | |
| 2007 | 26 / 30 | 3 | $1,407 | |
| 2006 | 19.5 / 28 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2005 | 19.5 / 28.5 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 2004 | 19 / 25.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2003 | 19.5 / 25.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2002 | 19.5 / 25.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 2001 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2000 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1999 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1998 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1997 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 56 EPA ratings of the Nissan Altima — 4 engines across 1993–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,435. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Nissan Altima get?
30 mpg combined, 26 city and 36 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1993 the Altima has averaged 26.6 mpg.
Is the 2026 Altima more efficient than the 2025?
No: 30 against 31 mpg combined, about $41 a year more to run.
Which Altima year has the best gas mileage?
The 2022, at 32 mpg combined (28 city, 39 highway).
Does the Altima get better gas mileage than the Toyota Camry?
No: 30 mpg for the 2026 Altima against 51 for the 2026 Toyota Camry, about $527 a year more to run.
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