2026 Nissan Altima vs. Toyota Camry

New Nissan Altima Inventory Why Buy From Fort Worth Nissan Nissan Altima Research Hub

For 2026, the midsize sedan market presents a stark choice. Toyota has shifted the Camry exclusively to a hybrid powertrain, while Nissan continues to offer the Altima with a proven, traditional gasoline engine. For Fort Worth drivers who prefer straightforward engineering, lower upfront costs, and superior long-distance comfort, the 2026 Nissan Altima remains a top contender.

This guide breaks down the technical differences between these two rivals to help you decide which sedan belongs in your driveway.

Head-to-Head: 2026 Specs at a Glance

Feature	2026 Nissan Altima (2.5L)	2026 Toyota Camry (LE Hybrid)
Engine	2.5L Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) 4-Cylinder	2.5L 4-Cylinder Hybrid System
Horsepower	188 hp	225 hp (Net Hybrid System)
Torque	180 lb-ft	N/A (System Torque Not Rated)
Transmission	Xtronic CVT®	eCVT
Drivetrain	FWD (Std) / Intelligent AWD (Avail)	FWD (Std) / Electronic AWD (Avail)
Est. Starting MSRP	~$27,580	~$30,000+
Front Legroom	43.8 inches	42.1 inches
Seat Tech	Zero Gravity™ Seats	Standard Fabric

Powertrain: Proven Gas vs. Forced Hybrid

	The most significant difference for 2026 is under the hood. Toyota forces every Camry buyer into a hybrid system. While hybrids offer fuel economy benefits, they also introduce added complexity and higher initial purchase prices. The 2026 Nissan Altima sticks to what works: a 2.5-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) engine. This naturally aspirated engine delivers 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT® for linear acceleration without the "rubber band" feel of older transmissions. For Fort Worth commuters, the benefit of the Altima is simplicity. You get a lower curb weight and a lower starting price, without worrying about long-term battery degradation or hybrid system maintenance.

The most significant difference for 2026 is under the hood. Toyota forces every Camry buyer into a hybrid system. While hybrids offer fuel economy benefits, they also introduce added complexity and higher initial purchase prices.

The 2026 Nissan Altima sticks to what works: a 2.5-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) engine. This naturally aspirated engine delivers 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT® for linear acceleration without the "rubber band" feel of older transmissions.

For Fort Worth commuters, the benefit of the Altima is simplicity. You get a lower curb weight and a lower starting price, without worrying about long-term battery degradation or hybrid system maintenance.

Interior Comfort: The Zero Gravity Advantage

Specs on a page don't tell the whole story; you have to sit in the car. This is where the Altima secures a decisive win with its Zero Gravity™ front seats. Inspired by NASA research, Nissan engineered these seats with 14 pressure points to simulate a neutral posture. This design minimizes fatigue during long drives, reducing the physical stress on your lower back and legs. While the Camry offers a comfortable cabin, it lacks this specific ergonomic technology.

Specs on a page don't tell the whole story; you have to sit in the car. This is where the Altima secures a decisive win with its Zero Gravity™ front seats.

Inspired by NASA research, Nissan engineered these seats with 14 pressure points to simulate a neutral posture. This design minimizes fatigue during long drives, reducing the physical stress on your lower back and legs. While the Camry offers a comfortable cabin, it lacks this specific ergonomic technology.

Technology and Value

	The 2026 Altima features an available 12.3-inch HD color display with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. While the Camry matches this screen size in upper trims, the Altima SV and SR trims often bundle these premium tech features at a more accessible price point than comparable Toyota trims. Safety is standard on both vehicles. The Altima includes Nissan Safety Shield® 360 on every trim, featuring: Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection Rear Automatic Braking (A class-exclusive feature in previous years) Blind Spot Warning Rear Cross Traffic Alert Lane Departure Warning High Beam Assist

The 2026 Altima features an available 12.3-inch HD color display with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. While the Camry matches this screen size in upper trims, the Altima SV and SR trims often bundle these premium tech features at a more accessible price point than comparable Toyota trims.

Safety is standard on both vehicles. The Altima includes Nissan Safety Shield® 360 on every trim, featuring:

Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
Rear Automatic Braking (A class-exclusive feature in previous years)
Blind Spot Warning
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Lane Departure Warning
High Beam Assist

Why Buy from Fort Worth Nissan?

Choosing the right car is only half the battle; choosing the right dealership ensures your ownership experience is worry-free.

#1 in Customer Satisfaction: We have been named the No. 1 regional Nissan Service Center in customer service satisfaction based on NCSI scores.
Price Protection Guarantee: We transparently advertise our best price and will compare our offer against local competitors to ensure you get the best deal.
Community Focused: When you buy from us, you support our partnerships with the Fort Worth Boys & Girls Club and Fort Worth ISD.

Visit Fort Worth Nissan at 3451 W Loop 820 S to test drive the 2026 Altima and feel the Zero Gravity difference for yourself.

New vehicle pricing includes all offers and incentives. Tax, Title and Tags not included in vehicle prices shown and must be paid by the purchaser.

Prices of the vehicles on this website does not include options and/or accessories that have been installed at the dealership, which will be an additional cost. On most vehicles this will be Lifetime Warranty Window Tint, Wheel Locks and Touchscreen protector for $1,295.

While great effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, errors do occur so please verify information with a customer service rep. This is easily accomplished by calling us at 817-560-9000 or by visiting us at the dealership.