Nissan Altima Oil Change Cost
A 2020 Nissan Altima oil change costs about $70–$135 at a quick-lube chain or $33–$59 if you do it yourself. Per the owner's manual, the 2.0L VC-Turbo 4-cylinder (KR20DDET) takes 5 qt of 5W-30 (full synthetic); 2.5L 4-cylinder (PR25DD) takes 5.38 qt of 0W-20 (full synthetic). Most chains price a package for up to 5 quarts, so the extra quarts add to the bill.
Oil type & capacity: Nissan owner's manuals · Prices: chain and retail sources (below) · Prices as of 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research · Methodology
Nissan Altima oil change cost by year and engine
| Years | Engine | Oil | Capacity | DIY parts | Quick-lube shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2020 | 2.0L VC-Turbo 4-cylinder (KR20DDET) | 5W-30Full synthetic · API SN / ILSAC GF-5 | 5 qt | $33–$52 | $70–$125 |
| 2019–2020 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (PR25DD) | 0W-20Full synthetic · API SN / ILSAC GF-5 | 5.38 qt | $39–$59 | $75–$135incl. 1 extra qt |
| 2017–2018 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE) | 0W-20Full synthetic · API SN | 4.88 qt | $33–$52 | $70–$125 |
| 2017–2018 | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) | 0W-20Full synthetic · API SN | 5.13 qt | $39–$59 | $75–$135incl. 1 extra qt |
| 2013–2016 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE) | 0W-20Full synthetic · API Certification Mark | 4.88 qt | $33–$52 | $70–$125 |
| 2016 | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) | 0W-20Full synthetic · API Certification Mark | 5.13 qt | $39–$59 | $75–$135incl. 1 extra qt |
| 2015 | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) | 0W-20Full synthetic · API Certification Mark | 5.1 qtfrom litres | $39–$59 | $75–$135incl. 1 extra qt |
| 2010–2014 | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) | 5W-30Conventional · API Certification Mark | 5.13 qt | $24–$41 | $40–$85incl. 1 extra qt |
| 2010–2012 | 2.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE) | 5W-30Conventional · API Certification Mark | 4.88 qt | $21–$37 | $35–$75 |
Capacity and oil grade are from Nissan’s owner’s manuals (with filter). Costs are CarWhere estimates from the price assumptions on the methodology; before coupons, tax and shop fees. Local prices vary.
Why some Nissan Altima oil changes cost more
Quick-lube packages are usually priced for up to 5 quarts. Some Nissan Altima engines listed here take more than that (2.5L 4-cylinder (PR25DD) 5.38 qt, 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) 5.13 qt, 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) 5.1 qt), so expect a per-quart charge on top of the advertised price.
What the Nissan Altima oil change includes
- Full synthetic: Manual names an ester/synthetic oil.
- Conventional: SAE 5W-30 meeting API Certification Mark; the spec doesn't name synthetic, so it's priced at conventional-oil rates (a blend or full synthetic meeting the same spec costs more).
- A new oil filter is included in every estimate (DIY and shop).
- Shop estimates assume a standard quick-lube package; dealer service departments often charge more.
More Nissan Altima maintenance specs
Oil change cost by vehicle
Frequently asked questions
How much is an oil change for a 2020 Nissan Altima?
About $70–$135 at a quick-lube chain before coupons, tax and shop fees, or $33–$59 in parts to do it yourself. That's for 5 qt of full synthetic oil plus a filter. Prices vary by location.
What kind of oil does the Nissan Altima take?
By year and engine, the manuals call for 5W-30, 0W-20, meeting API SN / ILSAC GF-5 / API SN / API Certification Mark. The table above lists each year.
How many quarts of oil does the Nissan Altima need?
Between 4.88 qt and 5.38 qt with the filter, depending on year and engine (2010–2020 manuals). Engines over 5 quarts usually pay an extra-quart charge at quick-lube shops.
Is it cheaper to change the oil on a Nissan Altima yourself?
Usually, yes. Parts alone run $33–$59 for a 2020, versus $70–$135 at a shop. A shop visit includes labor, disposal and a quick inspection; DIY needs a drain pan, a filter wrench, ramps or stands, and a place to recycle used oil.
Sources
- Nissan North America, 2019 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual, Technical and consumer information - Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities (PDF p. 536), accessed 2026-11-05.
- Nissan North America, 2020 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual, Technical and consumer information - Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities (PDF p. 523), accessed 2026-11-05.
- Nissan North America, 2017 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual, Technical and consumer information - Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities (PDF p. 474), accessed 2026-11-05.
- Nissan North America, 2018 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual, Technical and consumer information - Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities (PDF p. 434), accessed 2026-11-05.
- Nissan North America, 2013 Nissan Altima Owner's Manual, Technical and consumer information - Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities (PDF p. 385), accessed 2026-11-05.
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