The short answer: from $28,825 (MSRP plus destination) for the SV, up to roughly $37,000 for a fully loaded SR with all-wheel drive.
2026 Nissan Altima Pricing at a Glance
Nissan kept things refreshingly simple for 2026. The old S and SL trims are gone, leaving only the SV and SR — both powered by the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder and Xtronic CVT. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is a $1,500 option on either trim. Destination charge is $1,245.
| Trim | MSRP | With Destination |
|---|---|---|
| SV FWD | $27,580 | $28,825 |
| SR FWD | $28,980 | $30,225 |
| SV AWD | $29,080 | $30,325 |
| SR AWD | $30,480 | $31,725 |
That makes the Altima one of the cheapest ways into a brand-new midsize sedan in America — priced roughly in line with a comparable Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, but with far deeper dealer discounts right now.
What You Get for the Money: SV vs. SR
Altima SV — the value play
Standard: Nissan Safety Shield 360 (automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, automatic high beams), 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 17-inch alloy wheels, remote start, dual-zone climate control. EPA 30 mpg combined (FWD).
Altima SR — the sportier choice
Starts at $28,980 ($30,225 with destination): 19-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, 12.3-inch touchscreen, black chrome grille, rear spoiler, sport interior trim. Same engine and transmission.
Optional Packages Worth Knowing About
- SV Special Edition ($1,300): 17-inch dark wheels, sunroof, appearance upgrades.
- SR Midnight Edition ($2,000): blacked-out exterior, sunroof, dual-zone climate control.
- SV Premium Package ($3,000): leather-trimmed seats, larger touchscreen, heated front seats, Bose audio, adaptive cruise control, ProPILOT Assist.
- SR Premium Package ($3,400): similar upgrades plus available surround-view camera.
Engine, Performance & Fuel Economy
2.5-liter four-cylinder: 188 hp / 180 lb-ft (FWD), 182 hp / 178 lb-ft (AWD), Xtronic CVT. EPA: 26/36/30 mpg (FWD), 25/33/28 (AWD).
Ownership Costs: Insurance, Maintenance & Depreciation
Insurance is inexpensive for the segment. Maintenance is cheap: naturally aspirated engine, no turbo or hybrid battery. Depreciation caveat: 2027 is the final model year, so resale may soften versus the Camry and Accord — but dealer discounts of $2,000–$4,000 off MSRP are realistic on 2026 models.
The Last-Call Factor
Nissan confirmed the Altima returns for 2027 — then the nameplate departs for good. 2026 and 2027 are the last new Altimas you’ll ever be able to buy.
Altima vs. the Competition
| Model | Starting Price | Powertrain | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Nissan Altima | $28,825 | 2.5L gas, 188 hp | 30 mpg |
| Toyota Camry | ~$29,000+ | Hybrid, 225 hp | ~47 mpg |
| Honda Accord | ~$28,500+ | 1.5T / hybrid | ~34 mpg |
| Kia K5 | ~$28,000+ | 1.6T, 180 hp | ~31 mpg |
| Hyundai Sonata | ~$27,500+ | 2.5L, 191 hp | ~31 mpg |
Should You Buy a 2026 Altima?
Bottom line: at $28,825 to start, the 2026 Altima is the bargain of the midsize sedan class — and with the nameplate’s retirement on the horizon, it won’t be around much longer.
Learn More
- How to Negotiate the Best Price on a New Car
- Best Used SUVs Under $20,000
- How 2026 Car Tariffs Affect Prices
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the 2026 Nissan Altima cost?
It starts at $27,580 MSRP ($28,825 with the $1,245 destination charge) for the SV FWD; the SR starts at $28,980 ($30,225 with destination); and a fully loaded SR with all-wheel drive runs roughly $37,000.
What trims does the 2026 Altima come in?
Just two: SV and SR (the S and SL were dropped). Both use the same 2.5L engine and CVT; all-wheel drive is a $1,500 option on either trim.
What is the MPG of the 2026 Nissan Altima?
The EPA rates it at 26/36/30 mpg (city/highway/combined) with front-wheel drive and 25/33/28 mpg with all-wheel drive.
Is the 2026 Nissan Altima the last model year?
Not quite — Nissan confirmed the Altima returns for 2027, but that will be its final model year.
Is the Nissan Altima reliable?
Yes. It has a solid track record with a simple, proven powertrain and below-average maintenance costs.
Should I buy a 2026 Altima or a Toyota Camry?
Buy the Altima for the lowest price and bigger dealer discounts; buy the Camry for roughly 47 mpg fuel economy and stronger resale value.
Content Writer at AutosAdvise. Thomas Mills covers new car reviews, prices, specifications, and buying guides. He aims to make every article clear, practical, and easy to understand — so readers can compare models with confidence and choose the right car for their needs.
Pingback: Cheapest New Cars 2026: 10 Most Affordable Picks