2026 Nissan Altima: What's New, Trims, Specs & Features
The 2026 Nissan Altima delivers 188 hp and adds Safety Shield 360 as standard equipment on every trim. That is a 6-hp gain over the prior year and a meaningful upgrade to the standard safety suite. Read on for a full breakdown of trims, specs, and features, then check available inventory at Fort Worth Nissan.
What's New for 2026
The headline change for the 2026 Altima is a power increase to 188 hp on FWD trims, up from 182 hp on the outgoing model. Torque rises to 180 lb-ft from 178 lb-ft. Both figures apply to the FWD lineup; AWD trims continue with their own output ratings.
Safety Shield 360 is now standard across all four trims, meaning every buyer gets Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and a Rear View Camera regardless of trim chosen.
The SR Midnight Edition adds a gloss black V-Motion grille, 19-inch gloss black aluminum-alloy wheels, a gloss black rear spoiler, a power sliding glass moonroof, and Midnight Edition badging, giving the lineup a sharp appearance package at the performance end. The SV Special Edition continues with its own moonroof, rear spoiler, 17-inch gloss black wheels, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Wireless smartphone charging becomes available on SR and SR Midnight Edition trims.
Trim Lineup
The 2026 Altima is offered in four trims. All four are front-wheel drive; Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available across the lineup as well.
2.5 SV FWD, The entry point brings 17-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen, an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat, Remote Engine Start, Safety Shield 360, LED headlights, keyless entry with push-button start, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Premium Package adds the 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, a moonroof, heated front seats, ProPILOT Assist with adaptive cruise, and more.
2.5 SV Special Edition FWD, Builds on SV with 17-inch gloss black wheels, a rear spoiler, a dual exhaust finisher, a power sliding glass moonroof, the 12.3-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Remote Engine Start with Intelligent Climate Control, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and illuminated kick plates.
2.5 SR FWD, Steps up to 19-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, sport cloth seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, and a wireless charging pad. A Premium Package for SR adds the Bose 9-speaker audio system, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, ProPILOT Assist, Intelligent Around View Monitor 360-degree camera, and power lumbar support.
2.5 SR Midnight Edition FWD, Tops the lineup with a gloss black V-Motion grille, 19-inch gloss black aluminum-alloy wheels, a gloss black rear spoiler, Midnight Edition badging, a power sliding glass moonroof, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and wireless smartphone charging. This trim is noted as limited availability.
Performance & Powertrain
Every 2026 Altima uses a 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection Gasoline engine paired with a Xtronic CVT. FWD trims produce 188 hp at 6,000 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. AWD trims use the same engine and transmission combination with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, which continuously monitors grip and adjusts torque distribution to help maintain traction in challenging conditions.
Fuel economy on FWD trims reaches 26 city / 36 hwy / 30 combined mpg on regular unleaded gasoline. AWD trims are rated at 25 city / 33 hwy / 28 combined mpg. EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2026 Nissan Altima
The Altima's suspension uses an independent strut setup up front and an independent multi-link configuration in the rear, both with coil springs over shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar. SR trims add a sport-tuned suspension. Dual-Pinion Electric Power-Steering with speed-sensitive response is standard across the lineup.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo
The 2026 Altima seats five with 43.8 inches of front leg room and 35.2 inches of rear leg room. Rear seating uses a folding 60/40-split bench that can expand cargo flexibility when needed. Trunk space measures 15.4 cubic feet.
The 8-way power-adjustable driver seat is standard on every trim. An optional power 2-way lumbar support is available on SV and SR with the Premium Package. Seat material is cloth on SV base, with sport cloth on SR trims and optional leather-appointed seating on SV with the Premium Package.
Interior trim details include matte chrome-tone accents and an available carbon-fiber design trim. The SV Special Edition and SR Midnight Edition both include dual-zone automatic temperature control as standard, letting driver and front passenger set independent climate preferences.
Technology & Infotainment
The base SV trim includes an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display in the instrument cluster, SiriusXM radio, remote engine start, and keyless entry with push-button start. USB ports (2 in front) are standard, with 4-port setups available via the Premium Package.
The SV Special Edition, SR, and SR Midnight Edition all step up to a 12.3-inch high-resolution NissanConnect touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. That larger display brings sharper map graphics and easier access to apps while driving.
The optional Bose 9-speaker premium audio system is available on the SR trim through the Premium Package. Google Assistant and Siri Eyes Free voice recognition are available across all trims. Remote Engine Start with Intelligent Climate Control is a standout feature on the SV Special Edition, letting drivers pre-condition the cabin temperature before getting in.
NissanConnect Services, including Wi-Fi hotspot, vehicle tracking, remote software upgrades, and the MyNISSAN app, are available on SV trims through the NissanConnect Services Package.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Safety Shield 360 is standard on every 2026 Altima trim. The suite includes:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (monitors up to two vehicles ahead)
- Blind Spot Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Rear Automatic Braking
- Lane Departure Warning
- High Beam Assist
- Rear View Camera
- Rear Parking Sensors with Automatic Braking
- Driver Attention Monitor (Intelligent Driver Alertness)
ProPILOT Assist, Nissan's hands-on highway driving aid with adaptive cruise control and lane centering (including traffic stop-and-go capability), is available on both SV and SR through their respective Premium Packages. Intelligent Lane Intervention is also available on those two trims.
The Intelligent Around View Monitor 360-degree camera is available on the SR with the Premium Package.
Hill Start Assist and Vehicle Dynamic Control with traction control are standard on all trims. The Nissan Advanced Air Bag System includes dual-stage front air bags, knee bags, seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and curtain air bags covering both rows.
Nissan Safety Shield 360 overview 2026 Altima driver assistance technology
Who It's For / vs the Prior Year
Shoppers who considered the 2025 Altima but wanted more confidence in daily safety coverage will find the 2026 model's across-the-board Safety Shield 360 a decisive upgrade. The 6-hp bump on FWD trims is a tangible performance improvement, not just a spec-sheet change.
The 2026 Altima fits buyers who want midsize sedan space (35.2 inches of rear leg room, 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space) with sedan efficiency (up to 36 mpg highway) and sedan value. Those who commute across Fort Worth's highway network will appreciate the available ProPILOT Assist for adaptive cruise with lane centering. Buyers who deal with variable road conditions can add Intelligent AWD without stepping into a different vehicle class.
The SR Midnight Edition is the choice for buyers who want a sportier appearance package with gloss black trim throughout. The SV Special Edition is the value-oriented mid-level pick, delivering the 12.3-inch screen, wireless phone connectivity, moonroof, and rear spoiler without requiring a move to the SR trim level.
See the 2026 Altima at Fort Worth Nissan
The 2026 Nissan Altima brings a genuine powertrain improvement, standard safety tech on every build, and a trim structure that lets buyers choose exactly the features they need. Fort Worth Nissan carries current 2026 Altima inventory across FWD and AWD configurations in all available trims. Browse in-stock units, compare trims side by side, or schedule a test drive to see how the Altima fits your daily drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is new on the 2026 Nissan Altima?
The 2026 Altima gains 6 hp on FWD trims (now 188 hp) and makes Safety Shield 360 standard on every trim. The SR Midnight Edition is a new appearance package with gloss black exterior details.
Does the 2026 Nissan Altima come with all-wheel drive?
Yes. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available on all four 2026 Altima trims. AWD trims use the same 2.5-liter engine and Xtronic CVT and are rated at 25 city / 33 hwy / 28 combined mpg.
What safety features are standard on the 2026 Altima?
Safety Shield 360 is standard on every trim. That includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and a Rear View Camera.
What is the fuel economy on the 2026 Nissan Altima?
FWD trims are rated at 26 city / 36 hwy / 30 combined mpg on regular gasoline. AWD trims are rated at 25 city / 33 hwy / 28 combined mpg. EPA fuel economy data
Does the 2026 Altima have wireless Apple CarPlay?
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the SV Special Edition, SR, and SR Midnight Edition trims. The base SV trim includes wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity available through the Premium Package.
What is ProPILOT Assist on the 2026 Altima?
ProPILOT Assist is Nissan's highway driving aid that combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering. It can maintain a preset following distance, keep the Altima centered in its lane, and bring the vehicle to a complete stop in stop-and-go traffic before resuming speed. It is available on SV and SR trims through the Premium Package.
How much cargo space does the 2026 Nissan Altima have?
The 2026 Altima has 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space. The 60/40-split rear seat folds to expand cargo capacity further.
Where can I buy a 2026 Nissan Altima in Fort Worth?
Fort Worth Nissan carries in-stock 2026 Altima inventory. Use the inventory link on this page to browse available trims and configurations, or contact the dealership to schedule a test drive.
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.
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