Nissan Altima generations: 1993 to the 2027 Altima

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Nissan Altima has had six US generations: 1993–1997, 1998–2001, 2002–2006, 2007–2012, 2013–2018 and 2019 to today. The 2027 Altima comes as SV ($27,790) or SR ($29,190; $30,690 with AWD) with a 188-hp 2.5L four-cylinder and CVT. The V6 ended after 2018 and the VC-Turbo after 2024.

Type
Midsize sedan (FWD or AWD)
Price (MSRP)
$27,790–$30,690 (2027 MY) · MSRP excl. $1,275 destination. Low = SV FWD; high = SR Intelligent AWD.[1]
Powertrains
Altima 2.5L (FWD), Altima 2.5L (AWD) · 182–188 hp
Current generation
Sixth generation, 2019–present

2027 Nissan Altima price and trims

The sixth-generation Altima launched for 2019. For 2027 Nissan sells it in SV and SR grades with standard Safety Shield 360, Zero Gravity seats and remote engine start. AWD is offered only on the SR.[10][11][12]

Nissan Altima trims with 2027 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2027)Powertrain
SV$27,790FWD. Excl. $1,275 destination (2027 MY)2.5L 4-cylinder (188 hp, 180 lb-ft), Xtronic CVT[10][12]
SR$29,190FWD; Intelligent AWD $30,690. Excl. $1,275 destination (2027 MY)2.5L 4-cylinder (188 hp, 180 lb-ft FWD; 182 hp, 178 lb-ft AWD), Xtronic CVT[10][12]

Every Altima trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Nissan Altima engines, horsepower and mpg

EPA had not posted 2027 Altima ratings at publication; figures are EPA's 2026 ratings. Nissan quotes up to 26 mpg city and 36 highway for the 2027 FWD car.

Nissan Altima powertrains with Nissan-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Altima 2.5L (FWD)SV, SR2.5L direct-injection 4-cylinder[1][2][3]188180Xtronic CVTFWD26/36/302026 MY[3]
Altima 2.5L (AWD)SR2.5L direct-injection 4-cylinder[1][2][4]182178Xtronic CVTIntelligent AWD25/33/282026 MY[4]

Output is as rated by Nissan; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

The Altima VC-Turbo (2019–2024)

The 2019 Altima was the first Nissan sedan with the 2.0-liter Variable Compression Turbo. Its compression ratio varies between 8:1 for performance and 14:1 for efficiency, and Nissan rated it at 248 hp and 280 lb-ft on premium fuel. It came only with FWD, on SR and Platinum grades, and at launch cost $29,150 in the SR.

EPA lists the Altima turbo through the 2024 model year. From 2025 every Altima uses the 2.5-liter four-cylinder.[6][7]

Altima Intelligent AWD

All-wheel drive arrived with the 2019 redesign, when it was offered on every 2.5L grade. For 2027 it is limited to the SR, for $1,500 more than the SR FWD. Nissan rates the AWD engine at 182 hp and 178 lb-ft, and EPA rates the 2026 AWD car at 28 mpg combined, 2 mpg below FWD.[6][1][2][4]

Xtronic CVT basics

Nissan describes its Xtronic CVT as working like “one gear”: a belt runs between two pulleys whose working diameters vary continuously, removing the steps between gears and keeping the engine in its best power range. Nissan first used it in North America on the 2003 Murano. The Altima switched to the Xtronic CVT for 2007 in place of a conventional automatic, and every Altima since 2013 uses one; EPA lists some versions with the codes AV-S6 and AV-S7.[9][5][8][7]

When the Altima had a V6

The 3.5-liter VQ V6 was offered from the 2002 third generation through the 2018 model year, peaking at 270 hp in the 2007 redesign. The 2019 redesign dropped it in favor of the VC-Turbo, which was itself dropped after 2024.[5][7]

Nissan Altima generations by year

Every US Nissan Altima generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Sixth generation2019–present2.5L 4-cylinder (188 hp, 180 lb-ft); 2.0L VC-Turbo 4-cylinder (248 hp, 280 lb-ft on premium fuel, 2019–2024)Debuted at the 2018 New York show and launched from $23,750 in S, SR, SV, SL and Platinum grades. It brought the first Altima with Intelligent AWD and an available 2.0L VC-Turbo, the variable-compression engine that launched in the Infiniti QX50. For 2027 the lineup is down to SV and SR.[5][6][1][7]
Fifth generation2013–20182.5L 4-cylinder (179 hp) and 3.5L V6, both with Xtronic CVTLaunched in summer 2012 with a lighter body, Zero Gravity seats and a next-generation CVT. An SR grade arrived for 2016, a Midnight Edition for 2017 and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2018. The redesigned Rogue overtook it as Nissan's best seller in late 2017.[5][7]
Fourth generation2007–20122.5L 4-cylinder (175 hp); 3.5L V6 (270 hp); CVT or 6-speed manual; Altima Hybrid 2.5L (2007–2011)The first Altima with an Xtronic CVT, which replaced the conventional automatic. A coupe with its own bodywork from the A-pillar back joined for 2008 (EPA lists it through 2013), and an Altima Hybrid was sold in a limited number of states for 2007–2011.[5][8][7]
Third generation2002–20062.5L 4-cylinder (175 hp); 3.5L VQ V6 (240 hp at launch, 250 hp from 2005); SE-R 260 hp (2005–2006)The first Nissan on the FF-L platform, with a 6.9-inch-longer wheelbase, and the first Altima with a V6, four-wheel disc brakes and multi-link rear suspension. It was named 2002 North American Car of the Year.[5][8][7]
Second generationL301998–20012.4L 4-cylinder; 5-speed manual or 4-speed automaticA US-market design from Nissan's California studio, built in Tennessee. Major updates came for 2000, including a power increase and side airbags.[8][5][7]
First generation1993–19972.4L 4-cylinder (150 hp); 5-speed manual or 4-speed automaticThe first Altima rolled off the line in Smyrna, Tennessee, in June 1992 as a 1993 model, replacing the Stanza; early cars were officially “Stanza Altima”. Grades were XE, GXE, SE and GLE.[8][5][7]

Nissan Altima problems and recalls

The most widespread documented Altima problem is a secondary hood latch that can corrode or bind open on 2013–2018 models, covered by several recalls up to 20V315. 2015–2017 cars also had a rear door latch recall, 2019–2020 VC-Turbo engines a bearing recall, and CVT warranty coverage was extended on 2007–2010 and 2013–2016 models.

Documented Nissan Altima issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Front passenger air bags may have the wrong fasteners (recall 26V526)[13]Sixth generation (2019 onward)2025Recall 26V526
Door strikers may be poorly welded and break (recall 26V023)[14]Sixth generation (2019 onward)2025Recall 26V023
VC-Turbo engine bearings may have manufacturing defects (recall 25V437)[15]Sixth generation (2019 onward)2019–2020Recall 25V437
Rearview camera harness damage can distort the image (recall 23V628)[16]Sixth generation (2019 onward)2019–2021Recall 23V628
Continental tires may have been over-cured (recall 21V169)[17]Sixth generation (2019 onward)2019–2020Recall 21V169
Tie rod ball joint fastener may be loose (recall 21V138)[18]Sixth generation (2019 onward)2020–2021Recall 21V138
Fuel tube clip may be unlocked (recall 18V922)[19]Sixth generation (2019 onward)2019Recall 18V922
Back-up camera settings can hide the rear image (recall 19V654)[20]Fifth generation (2013–2018) and 20192018–2019Recall 19V654

All 20 documented Altima issues and 18 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show buyer-reported prices and dealer invoice estimates for the Nissan Altima.

More Altima research

See how an Altima was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Nissan build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Nissan build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

How many generations of Nissan Altima are there?

Six: 1993–1997, 1998–2001, 2002–2006, 2007–2012, 2013–2018 and 2019 to today.

What was the last Altima with a V6?

The 2018 model. EPA lists the 3.5L V6 Altima from 2002 through 2018.

Does the 2027 Altima have the VC-Turbo?

No. The 2027 Altima uses only the 2.5L four-cylinder. EPA lists the 248-hp 2.0L VC-Turbo through the 2024 model year.

Which Altima has all-wheel drive?

Since 2019, Altimas with the 2.5L engine have offered Intelligent AWD. For 2027 it is available only on the SR, at $30,690.

How much does the 2027 Altima cost?

SV $27,790, SR $29,190 and SR AWD $30,690, before $1,275 destination.

What year did the Altima replace the Stanza?

1993. The first Altima was built in Smyrna, Tennessee, in June 1992 as a 1993 model.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Nissan for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. 2027 Nissan Altima priced from $27,790 (Oct 14, 2026) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  2. 2027 Nissan Altima Specs & Trims — Nissan USA (nissanusa.com)
  3. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Nissan Altima (FWD) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  4. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Nissan Altima AWD — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  5. Nissan Altima heritage: five generations, 5.6 million sold (Mar 28, 2018) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  6. Nissan announces U.S. pricing for all-new 2019 Altima (Sep 28, 2018) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  7. EPA model-year listings: Nissan Altima 1993–2026 — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  8. The Nissan Altima – A Look Back at Generations 1 to 4 (May 2012) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  9. 2003 Nissan Murano Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  10. 2027 Nissan Altima priced from $27,790 (Oct 14, 2026) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  11. Nissan announces U.S. pricing for all-new 2019 Altima (Sep 28, 2018) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  12. 2027 Nissan Altima Specs & Trims — Nissan USA (nissanusa.com)
  13. Recall 26V526: Air Bags May Not Deploy Properly — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  14. Recall 26V023: Improperly Welded Door Strikers/FMVSS 206 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  15. Recall 25V437: Engine Failure — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  16. Recall 23V628: Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  17. Recall 21V169: Tire Failure may Cause Sudden Air Loss — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  18. Recall 21V138: Tie Rod Ball Joint Fastener Not Tightened Properly — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  19. Recall 18V922: Fuel Tube may Leak or Disconnect — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  20. Recall 19V654: No Back-Up Camera Display Image/FMVSS 111 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Nissan North America, Inc. or Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.. Nissan and the model names are trademarks of their owners.