Which Nissan Altima Version Should You Buy?
The Nissan Altima catalogue covers six generations produced from June 1992 onward, including Sedan and Coupe bodies. The right version depends mainly on whether you value lower fuel consumption, stronger acceleration, AWD, or a Manual gearbox.
The Nissan Altima catalogue covers six generations produced from June 1992 onward, including Sedan and Coupe bodies. The right version depends mainly on whether you value lower fuel consumption, stronger acceleration, AWD, or a Manual gearbox. Based strictly on the available specifications, the sixth-generation restyling offers the broadest modern choice: the 2.5 CVT has either 185 hp with AWD or 191 hp with FWD, while the 2.0 T CVT combines 251 hp and 380 Nm with FWD. For a measured economy result, the fourth-generation 2.5 CVT Hybrid is the standout at 6 l/100 km combined. For measured acceleration, the fifth-generation 3.5 CVT is the quickest listed version at 5.7 seconds to 100 km/h.
Nissan Altima generations: what changed?
The first generation, produced from June 1992 to June 1997, was a Sedan with two versions. Both were named 2.4: the 2.4 MT used a 5-speed Manual, while the 2.4 AT used a 4-speed Automatic. Each delivered 150 hp and 216 Nm from 2388 cc and drove the front wheels.
The second generation ran from July 1997 to July 2001, including its February 1999 restyling. It remained a Sedan. The pre-restyling range had two versions, and the restyling also had two. All were 2.4 models with FWD, but output increased from 152 hp and 209 Nm before the restyling to 157 hp and 212 Nm afterward. Buyers could choose a 5-speed Manual or 4-speed Automatic.
The third generation covered August 2001 to September 2006, including its December 2004 restyling. Both phases were Sedans: the original range contained four versions, and the restyled range contained six. The key change was the addition of substantially stronger 3.5 choices alongside the 2.5. The 3.5 versions ranged from 248 to 264 hp, while the 2.5 versions produced 177 hp.
The fourth generation ran from September 2006 to December 2013, including its January 2009 restyling. The initial generation was listed as a Coupe with nine versions; the restyled generation was a Sedan with ten versions. Its catalogue included 2.5 and 3.5 Gasoline models, Manual and Variable transmissions, and a 2.5 CVT Hybrid. All listed versions used FWD.
The fifth generation ran from May 2012 to July 2018, including the February 2015 restyling. It was a Sedan throughout. The initial range had three versions, while the restyled range had two. Its 2.5 CVT variants produced 182 or 188 hp, and the 3.5 CVT produced 270 hp.
The sixth generation began in March 2018, with its first restyling beginning in July 2022. Both phases are Sedans with three versions apiece. The original range introduced both FWD and AWD, while the restyling retained that choice. Outputs span 182–251 hp, with the turbocharged 2.0 versions delivering 380 Nm.
Nissan Altima engine and specs comparison
Repeated names are distinguished below by generation, phase, power, or drivetrain. Displacement is shown exactly in cubic centimetres because similarly named versions do not always have identical database values.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First: 2.4 MT | 150 hp | 216 Nm | 2388 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First: 2.4 AT | 150 hp | 216 Nm | 2388 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second: 2.4 MT, 152 hp | 152 hp | 209 Nm | 2389 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second: 2.4 AT, 152 hp | 152 hp | 209 Nm | 2389 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second restyling: 2.4 MT, 157 hp | 157 hp | 212 Nm | 2389 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second restyling: 2.4 AT, 157 hp | 157 hp | 212 Nm | 2389 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third: 2.5 AT | 177 hp | 245 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third: 2.5 MT | 177 hp | 245 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third: 3.5 AT | 248 hp | 334 Nm | 3498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third: 3.5 MT | 248 hp | 334 Nm | 3498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third restyling: 2.5 MT | 177 hp | 245 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third restyling: 2.5 AT | 177 hp | 245 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third restyling: 3.5 MT, 254 hp | 254 hp | 338 Nm | 3498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third restyling: 3.5 AT, 254 hp | 254 hp | 338 Nm | 3498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third restyling: 3.5 MT, 264 hp | 264 hp | 340 Nm | 3498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third restyling: 3.5 AT, 264 hp | 264 hp | 340 Nm | 3498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth Coupe: 2.5 CVT, 175 hp | 175 hp | 244 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fourth Coupe: 2.5 MT, 175 hp | 175 hp | 244 Nm | 2490 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth Coupe: 3.5 MT, 270 hp | 270 hp | 350 Nm | 3506 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth Coupe: 3.5 CVT, 270 hp | 270 hp | 350 Nm | 3506 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fourth Coupe: 2.5 CVT, 177 hp | 177 hp | 245 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fourth Coupe: 2.5 MT, 177 hp | 177 hp | 245 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth Coupe: 3.5 MT, 274 hp | 274 hp | 350 Nm | 3498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth Coupe: 3.5 CVT, 274 hp | 274 hp | 350 Nm | 3498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fourth Coupe: 2.5 CVT Hybrid | 201 hp | 270 Nm | 2488 cc | Hybrid | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fourth restyling: 2.5 CVT, 172 hp | 172 hp | 237 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fourth restyling: 2.5 CVT, 177 hp | 177 hp | 244 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fourth restyling: 3.5 CVT | 274 hp | 350 Nm | 3498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fourth restyling: 2.5 CVT Hybrid | 201 hp | 270 Nm | 2488 cc | Hybrid | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fourth restyling: 2.5 MT, 172 hp | 172 hp | 237 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth restyling: 2.5 CVT, 172 hp | 172 hp | 237 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fourth restyling: 2.5 MT, 177 hp | 177 hp | 244 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth restyling: 2.5 CVT, 177 hp | 177 hp | 244 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fourth restyling: 3.5 MT | 274 hp | 350 Nm | 3498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Fourth restyling: 3.5 CVT | 274 hp | 350 Nm | 3498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fifth: 2.5 CVT, 188 hp | 188 hp | 249 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fifth: 3.5 CVT | 270 hp | 340 Nm | 3498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fifth: 2.5 CVT, 182 hp | 182 hp | 244 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fifth restyling: 3.5 CVT | 270 hp | 341 Nm | 3498 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fifth restyling: 2.5 CVT | 182 hp | 245 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Sixth: 2.0 CVT | 248 hp | 380 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Variable | FWD |
| Sixth: 2.5 CVT, 182 hp AWD | 182 hp | 242 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | AWD |
| Sixth: 2.5 CVT, 188 hp FWD | 188 hp | 249 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Sixth restyling: 2.5 CVT, 185 hp AWD | 185 hp | 242 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | AWD |
| Sixth restyling: 2.5 CVT, 191 hp FWD | 191 hp | 242 Nm | 2488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Sixth restyling: 2.0 T CVT | 251 hp | 380 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Variable | FWD |
Power density helps separate versions with similar headline outputs. The sixth-generation 2.0 CVT produces approximately 124.2 hp per litre, while the restyled 2.0 T CVT reaches approximately 125.7 hp per litre. The restyled 191 hp 2.5 CVT produces approximately 76.8 hp per litre. The fifth-generation 270 hp 3.5 CVT produces approximately 77.2 hp per litre, and the fourth-generation 274 hp 3.5 versions produce approximately 78.3 hp per litre.
Nissan Altima performance, mpg and fuel economy
The strongest measured acceleration belongs to the fifth-generation 3.5 CVT: 0–100 km/h takes 5.7 seconds and top speed is 235 km/h. The third-generation restyled 3.5 MT with 264 hp takes 6 seconds and reaches 235 km/h. The third-generation 3.5 AT with 248 hp records 7.1 seconds and 200 km/h.
Among measured 2.5 versions, the fifth-generation 2.5 CVT with 182 hp takes 7.3 seconds to 100 km/h and reaches 210 km/h. Another fifth-generation 2.5 CVT with 188 hp is listed at 8.7 seconds and 210 km/h. The sixth-generation 188 hp 2.5 CVT also records 8.7 seconds, while its top speed is not measured. Acceleration and top speed are not measured for the sixth-generation 2.0 CVT or any sixth-generation restyled version.
For economy, the fourth-generation 2.5 CVT Hybrid records 5.6 l/100 km in the city, 6.5 l/100 km on the highway, and 6 l/100 km combined. The restyled fourth-generation 2.5 CVT Hybrid records 7.1 l/100 km in all three cycles. The sixth-generation 188 hp FWD 2.5 CVT uses 8.4 l/100 km city, 6 l/100 km highway, and 7.4 l/100 km combined. That is 0.7 l/100 km less combined than the 248 hp 2.0 CVT, which records 9.4, 6.9, and 8.1 l/100 km respectively.
The sixth-generation 182 hp AWD 2.5 CVT records 9 l/100 km city, 6.5 l/100 km highway, and 7.8 l/100 km combined. Fuel consumption is not measured for the sixth-generation restyled 2.5 CVT in either 185 hp AWD or 191 hp FWD form, and it is also not measured for the 2.0 T CVT.
Nissan Altima dimensions, weight and capacity
No exterior length, width, or height measurements are provided, so those dimensions are not measured. The available comparison covers weight, clearance, fuel-tank capacity, and selected wheel sizes.
The first-generation 2.4 MT and 2.4 AT each have a 1294 kg kerb weight and 145 mm ground clearance; gross weight and tank capacity are not measured. Their equal output gives approximately 8.63 kg per horsepower.
The fifth-generation 3.5 CVT has a 1494 kg kerb weight and 1987 kg gross weight, producing approximately 5.53 kg per horsepower. The fifth-generation 182 hp 2.5 CVT weighs 1492 kg, or approximately 8.20 kg per horsepower. This illustrates what the 3.5 adds: 88 hp and 96 Nm while adding only 2 kg in these two listed specifications.
In the sixth generation, the 188 hp FWD 2.5 CVT weighs 1458 kg, while the 182 hp AWD 2.5 CVT weighs 1518 kg. AWD therefore adds 60 kg in this comparison while output is 6 hp lower. The 248 hp 2.0 CVT weighs 1550 kg, giving approximately 6.25 kg per horsepower. Each has 135 mm clearance and a 61-litre tank.
Selected wheel sizes include 215/60 R16, 215/55 R17, and 235/40 R19 for the sixth-generation 182 hp AWD 2.5 CVT. The fifth-generation restyled 2.5 CVT lists 215/60 R16, 215/55 R17, and 235/45 R18. Wheel sizes for the sixth-generation restyled versions are not measured.
Which Nissan Altima version should you choose?
Choose the sixth-generation restyled 2.0 T CVT if engine output is the priority. Its 251 hp exceeds the restyled 191 hp FWD 2.5 CVT by 60 hp, and its 380 Nm exceeds the 2.5’s 242 Nm by 138 Nm. It also has the highest power density in the supplied catalogue, at approximately 125.7 hp per litre. Acceleration, top speed, fuel consumption, weight, ground clearance, and wheel sizes are not measured, so those factors cannot be compared responsibly.
Choose the sixth-generation restyled 2.5 CVT with 185 hp if AWD is essential. Compared with the 191 hp FWD 2.5 CVT, it gives up 6 hp while retaining the same 242 Nm, 2488 cc engine, Variable transmission, and 61-litre tank. The supplied data contains no measured consumption or weight for either restyled version.
Choose the sixth-generation 188 hp FWD 2.5 CVT when measured economy matters more than AWD. Against the 182 hp AWD 2.5 CVT, it has 6 hp and 7 Nm more, weighs 60 kg less, and uses 0.4 l/100 km less combined. Its measured 7.4 l/100 km combined figure is also 0.7 l/100 km below the 248 hp 2.0 CVT.
Choose the fourth-generation 2.5 CVT Hybrid for the lowest measured combined consumption: 6 l/100 km. It produces 201 hp and 270 Nm, providing 24 hp and 25 Nm more than the 177 hp fourth-generation 2.5 CVT while using Hybrid rather than Gasoline power.
Choose the fifth-generation 3.5 CVT for the strongest fully measured performance case. Its 270 hp version reaches 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and has a 235 km/h top speed. Buyers who specifically want a Manual can instead examine the restyled third-generation 3.5 MT with 264 hp, whose measured result is 6 seconds to 100 km/h and 235 km/h.
For older, simpler comparisons, the second-generation restyled 2.4 MT is preferable on the supplied economy figures to the equivalent 2.4 AT: both produce 157 hp and 212 Nm, but the Manual uses 9 l/100 km combined rather than 9.8 l/100 km and weighs 51 kg less. No pricing, sale listings, maintenance costs, engine-oil requirements, reliability ratings, or engine-problem records are included, so none of those factors can be used to recommend one Altima over another.