Nissan Altima
30 MPG The 2026 Nissan Altima is EPA-rated at 30 MPG combined (26 city / 36 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 500 gallons, $1600 a year in fuel, or $0.107 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1998–2026 run it averages 26.4 MPG, improving by 6.5 MPG over 29 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.083 | $833 | $1250 | $1667 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.100 | $1000 | $1500 | $2000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.107 | $1067 | $1600 | $2133 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.117 | $1167 | $1750 | $2333 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.133 | $1333 | $2000 | $2667 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.150 | $1500 | $2250 | $3000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 30 MPG | 26 | 36 | $2100 | 297 | 1 |
| 2025 | 31 MPG | 27 | 38 | $2000 | 281 | 1 |
| 2024 | 31 MPG | 27 | 38 | $2000 | 282 | 1 |
| 2023 | 31 MPG | 27 | 38 | $2000 | 282 | 1 |
| 2022 | 32 MPG | 28 | 39 | $1950 | 278 | 1 |
| 2021 | 32 MPG | 28 | 39 | $1950 | 281 | 1 |
| 2020 | 32 MPG | 28 | 39 | $1950 | 278 | 1 |
| 2019 | 32 MPG | 28 | 39 | $1950 | 278 | 1 |
| 2018 | 28.5 MPG | 24.5 | 35 | $2200 | 317 | 2 |
| 2017 | 28.5 MPG | 24.5 | 35.5 | $2200 | 317 | 2 |
| 2016 | 28.5 MPG | 24.5 | 35 | $2200 | 320 | 2 |
| 2015 | 28.5 MPG | 24.5 | 34 | $2200 | 321 | 2 |
| 2014 | 28 MPG | 24.5 | 34 | $2250 | 322 | 2 |
| 2013 | 28 MPG | 24.5 | 34 | $2250 | 322 | 2 |
| 2012 | 24 MPG | 21.5 | 29.5 | $2625 | 373 | 2 |
| 2011 | 24 MPG | 21.5 | 29.5 | $2625 | 373 | 2 |
| 2010 | 23.7 MPG | 20.3 | 28.7 | $2650 | 380 | 3 |
| 2009 | 23.8 MPG | 20.8 | 29 | $2988 | 378 | 4 |
| 2008 | 24 MPG | 21 | 29 | $2950 | 373 | 4 |
| 2007 | 24 MPG | 21.3 | 29 | $2950 | 373 | 4 |
| 2006 | 22 MPG | 19.4 | 26.8 | $2830 | 405 | 5 |
| 2005 | 22 MPG | 19.4 | 27 | $2830 | 405 | 5 |
| 2004 | 21.8 MPG | 18.8 | 25.8 | $2863 | 410 | 4 |
| 2003 | 21.5 MPG | 19 | 25.5 | $2913 | 416 | 4 |
| 2002 | 21.5 MPG | 19 | 25.5 | $2913 | 416 | 4 |
| 2001 | 22 MPG | 19.5 | 27 | $2825 | 405 | 2 |
| 2000 | 22.5 MPG | 19.5 | 27 | $2775 | 397 | 2 |
| 1999 | 23.5 MPG | 20.5 | 28 | $2650 | 378 | 2 |
| 1998 | 23.5 MPG | 20.5 | 28 | $2650 | 378 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the Nissan Altima ranks 48 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Mazda 3 5-Door (30.3), BMW 530i Sedan (31), Chevrolet Cruze Eco (31), Chevrolet Malibu (31), Hyundai Elantra (31).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 297 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Nissan Altima get?
The 2026 Nissan Altima is rated at 30 MPG combined by the EPA — 26 city and 36 highway. Across all 29 model years in the database it averages 26.4 MPG, ranging from 19 to 32 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Nissan Altima cost in fuel per year?
At 30 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 500 gallons — roughly $1600 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.107 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2100.
Has the Nissan Altima become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 23.5 MPG in 1998 to 30 in 2026 — an improvement of 6.5 MPG, or 28% across 29 model years.
Is the Nissan Altima efficient for its class?
It ranks 48 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 2.8 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.