2026 Nissan Altima Performance & Specs: Horsepower, MPG, AWD, and SR Suspension
The 2026 Nissan Altima produces 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque from its 2.5L direct-injection engine. FWD trims return 36 mpg highway; adding AWD shifts that to 33 mpg highway. This page breaks down every performance spec by trim so you can compare before visiting inventory.
Altima Performance Overview: What the Numbers Mean
The 2026 Altima's 2.5L inline-4 DOHC engine is the sole powertrain, and it does a focused job. The engine uses direct injection and continuous variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust valves, which contributes to its efficiency across the rev range. Peak horsepower on FWD trims arrives at 6,000 RPM, while AWD trims produce 182 hp at the same engine speed. Torque on FWD trims peaks at 180 lb-ft at 3,600 RPM, giving the Altima its pull in everyday acceleration before you reach the upper rev band. AWD trims produce 178 lb-ft at the same RPM point.
The Xtronic CVT manages power delivery across all four trims. It operates with a gear ratio spread from 2.631 to 0.378, with a final drive ratio of 4.828. Hill Start Assist is standard across every configuration. The SR trim adds paddle shifters for manual shift mode, letting the driver control ratio selection on demand.
For Fort Worth drivers who spend time on I-35W or Highway 287, the combination of low-end torque at 3,600 RPM and a CVT tuned for highway cruise means the Altima settles into long-distance driving without laboring.
How the Engine and Drivetrain Work Together
The PR25DD engine sits transversely in an aluminum block and head assembly. Its 12.0:1 compression ratio is high for a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, and Nissan's Direct Injection Gas (DIG) system supports that compression by delivering fuel directly to the combustion chamber rather than the intake port. This approach extracts more work from each combustion cycle without requiring premium fuel.
The CVT's ratio range handles both low-speed acceleration and highway efficiency in a single unit. There is no traditional stepped gearbox, so the engine operates near its efficiency band more often than a conventional automatic would allow. That contributes directly to the 30 mpg combined rating on FWD trims.
AWD trims route power through an additional rear differential. The system is Nissan's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, which distributes torque between front and rear axles based on wheel slip and road conditions. The tradeoff is a modest reduction in fuel economy: 25 city / 33 highway / 28 combined versus the 26/36/30 rating on FWD trims. The compression ratio and displacement remain identical regardless of drivetrain configuration.
Specs Across the Trims: SV and SR Compared
The 2026 Altima comes in two grades: SV and SR. Each is available in FWD or AWD.
2.5 SV FWD
- Horsepower: 188 hp at 6,000 RPM
- Torque: 180 lb-ft at 3,600 RPM
- Transmission: Xtronic CVT
- Fuel economy: 26 city / 36 hwy / 30 combined
- Wheels: 17-inch machined aluminum-alloy with painted inserts (standard)
- Suspension: Independent front strut, multi-link rear, 25mm front stabilizer bar
- Paddle shifters: Not included
2.5 SV AWD
- Horsepower: 182 hp at 6,000 RPM
- Torque: 178 lb-ft at 3,600 RPM
- Transmission: Xtronic CVT with Intelligent AWD
- Fuel economy: 25 city / 33 hwy / 28 combined
- Wheels: 17-inch machined aluminum-alloy (standard); 19-inch optional
- Suspension: Same front strut setup with 22mm solid stabilizer bar at rear (AWD-specific)
2.5 SR FWD
- Horsepower: 188 hp at 6,000 RPM
- Torque: 180 lb-ft at 3,600 RPM
- Transmission: Xtronic CVT with paddle shifters
- Fuel economy: 26 city / 36 hwy / 30 combined
- Wheels: 19-inch machined aluminum-alloy (standard)
- Suspension: Sport-tuned, with ZF Sachs monotube rear shock absorbers, Active Ride Control, and Intelligent Trace Control standard
2.5 SR AWD
- Horsepower: 182 hp at 6,000 RPM
- Torque: 178 lb-ft at 3,600 RPM
- Transmission: Xtronic CVT with Intelligent AWD and paddle shifters
- Fuel economy: 25 city / 33 hwy / 28 combined
- Wheels: 19-inch machined aluminum-alloy (standard)
- Suspension: Sport-tuned with AWD-specific rear stabilizer bar
The SR's sport-tuned suspension is the clearest performance differentiator between grades. ZF Sachs monotube rear shocks are specific to the SR and represent a hardware upgrade from the SV's dampers. Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control are standard on SR and optional on SV (via the SV Premium Package).
Steering geometry is shared across all four trims: dual-pinion electric-powered rack, 15.3:1 overall ratio, 2.7 turns lock-to-lock, and a 37.4-foot curb-to-curb turning diameter.
The brake hardware is also common across trims: 11.65-inch vented front discs and rear solid discs (11.50-inch on FWD, 11.02-inch on AWD). All four-wheel ABS with four channels and four sensors is standard on every configuration.
Real-World Benefit: What These Specs Deliver Day to Day
The 36 mpg highway rating on FWD trims means a full 16.2-gallon tank covers roughly 583 highway miles before a fill-up. For drivers commuting from Fort Worth to Dallas or making regular runs on I-20, that range materially reduces fuel stops on a weekly basis.
The torque peak at 3,600 RPM sits low enough that normal city acceleration uses most of the available pull. Getting onto a freeway entrance or merging on I-30 does not require winding the engine to redline.
The SR's sport-tuned suspension changes how the Altima responds to steering input without making the ride punishing. The ZF Sachs monotube shocks resist body roll more firmly than standard twin-tube units. Intelligent Trace Control applies selective braking to individual wheels during cornering to reduce understeer, which is a measurable handling benefit rather than a purely cosmetic sport label.
AWD adds confidence on wet roads, which matters in North Texas during spring storm season. The system is reactive rather than predictive, engaging when wheel slip is detected, so it does not affect dry-road fuel economy in the same way a permanent AWD system would.
Zero Gravity front seat design reduces lower-back fatigue on longer drives by distributing weight across the seat surface rather than concentrating pressure at traditional contact points.
How the Altima Compares in the Midsize Sedan Segment
The Altima's 188 hp output and 36 mpg highway rating position it competitively within the midsize sedan class. Its direct-injection 2.5L engine architecture is similar in concept to what segment competitors use, but the Altima's class-exclusive Easy-Fill Tire Alert gives it a maintenance-support feature not universally found in the segment.
The availability of AWD across both the SV and SR trims is a broader offering than some rivals provide, where AWD is restricted to a single top trim. That means buyers seeking all-weather capability are not forced to purchase the highest grade to get it.
ProPILOT Assist, available on the SR and via the SV Premium Package, adds lane centering and adaptive cruise on the highway. This is a driver-assist system that contributes to reduced fatigue on long highway stretches, which is a practical performance benefit for regular interstate driving.
The Altima does not offer a turbocharged or hybrid variant for 2026. Its performance advantage over competitors is rooted in its combination of naturally aspirated efficiency, available AWD, and the SR's suspension hardware rather than outright horsepower output.
See the 2026 Altima's Full Spec Sheet at Fort Worth Nissan
The numbers on this page give you a clear picture of what each 2026 Altima trim delivers in terms of horsepower, torque, fuel economy, and suspension hardware. The next step is putting those specs in context behind the wheel. Fort Worth Nissan carries SV and SR inventory in both FWD and AWD configurations. Bring your specific performance questions and the team can pull the exact trim that matches your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the horsepower on the 2026 Nissan Altima?
FWD trims produce 188 hp at 6,000 RPM. AWD trims produce 182 hp at the same engine speed. Both use the same 2.5L direct-injection inline-4.
What is the fuel economy on the 2026 Altima?
FWD trims (SV and SR) return 26 city / 36 highway / 30 combined mpg. AWD trims return 25 city / 33 highway / 28 combined mpg. Figures are EPA estimates.
Does the 2026 Altima SV have AWD?
Yes. The SV is available in both FWD and AWD configurations. AWD is not restricted to the SR trim.
What is the difference in suspension between the SV and SR?
The SR uses a sport-tuned suspension with ZF Sachs monotube rear shock absorbers, Active Ride Control, and Intelligent Trace Control standard. The SV uses a standard multi-link rear suspension; Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control are optional on SV through the Premium Package.
Do all 2026 Altima trims have paddle shifters?
No. Paddle shifters with manual shift mode are standard on the SR only. The SV does not include them.
What size wheels does the 2026 Altima SR come with standard?
The SR comes standard with 19-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels and 235/40R19 all-season tires. The SV starts with 17-inch wheels.
How does ProPILOT Assist work on the 2026 Altima?
ProPILOT Assist combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering to assist steering, acceleration, and braking on highways. It is optional on the SV (via Premium Package) and available on the SR (via SR Premium Package).
What is the cargo capacity on the 2026 Altima?
The Altima provides 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat. Total interior volume is 116.0 cubic feet without a moonroof.
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