The Nissan Altima remains one of the most popular mid-size sedans in the US today. Based on automotive reviews, the Altima gets good ratings on its fuel economy. So how many miles to the gallon does the Altima get? We've researched the Altima's fuel consumption and other information for you.
The 2022 US version base-spec Altima S FWD has a combined fuel economy rating of 32 mpg. The top-spec Altima Platinum AWD and the new SR VC-Turbo have a similar combined fuel economy rating of 29 mpg.
Now that we know the numbers, how do we compare the 2022 Altima to its previous model years? How does it compare to other nameplates in the mid-size car segment? Which Altima model is the right one for you? Read on, and we'll help you understand more.
How Many Miles To A Gallon Does A Nissan Altima Get?
The US Department of Energy rated nine trims or models of the 2022 Nissan Altima, and the results are as follows. Do note that there are only six results here as the US DOE merged the AWD SV, SL, and SR models into one category.
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- Base trim 2.5 L, four cyl, FWD Automatic (variable gear ratios): Regular Gasoline - 28 MPG city, 39 MPG Hwy, 32 MPG combined city/hwy
- SR trim 2.5 L, four cyl, FWD Automatic (variable gear ratios): Regular Gasoline - 27 MPG city, 37 MPG Hwy, 31 MPG combined city/hwy
- SV/SL trim 2.5 L, four cyl, FWD Automatic (variable gear ratios): Regular Gasoline - 27 MPG city, 37 MPG Hwy, 31 MPG combined city/hwy
- SV/SL/SR AWD trim 2.5 L, four cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios): Regular Gasoline - 26 MPG city, 36 MPG Hwy, 30 MPG combined city/hwy
- AWD SR Platinum trim 2.5 L, four cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios): Regular Gasoline - 25 MPG city, 35 MPG Hwy, 29 MPG combined city/hwy
- SR Turbo trim 2.0 L, four cyl, FWD Automatic (AV-S8): Regular Gasoline - 25 MPG city, 34 MPG Hwy, 29 MPG combined city/hwy
Among the 2.5-liter models, the front-wheel-drive base trim delivers the highest fuel economy rating, while the all-wheel-drive Platinum model offers the lowest. The added weight of the AWD components and other premium features lowered the rating, but not by much.
The lone 2.0-liter trim currently comes in FWD configuration. Despite its forced induction engine's extra power, the SR Turbo still achieved decent fuel economy ratings.
Is The Nissan Altima A Fuel-Efficient Car?
The Nissan Altima's fuel efficiency rating is among the best in the mid-size car segment.
Excluding any hybrid cars, the Nissan Altima's rating is behind those of only two models - the 2022 Honda Accord and the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. Both the Accord and the Malibu have smaller 1.5-liter turbocharged engines.
How Many Gallons Of Gas Does A Nissan Altima Take?
According to Nissan USA, the 2022 Nissan Altima comes with two slightly different fuel tank capacities.
The FWD models of the 2022 Nissan Altima have a 16.2-gallon fuel tank capacity, while the AWD variants have a smaller 16.0-gallon fuel tank capacity.
How Far Can The Nissan Altima Travel On A Full Tank?
We have the Altima's fuel efficiency ratings from the US DOE and the fuel capacities from Nissan USA. Now, we can compute how far the Altima can travel theoretically on a full tank.
- Base trim 2.5 L FWD - 32 MPG combined x 16.2 gallons = 518.4 miles
- SR trim 2.5 L FWD - 31 MPG combined x 16.2 gallons = 502.2 miles
- SV/SL trim 2.5 L FWD - 31 MPG combined x 16.2 gallons =502.2 miles
- AWD trim 2.5 L - 30 MPG combined x 16 gallons = 480 miles
- AWD SR Platinum trim 2.5 L - 29 MPG combined x 16 gallons = 464 miles
- SR Turbo trim 2.0 L, FWD - 29 MPG combined x 16.2 gallons =469.8 miles
The FWD Altima S base model can theoretically travel 630 miles on a full tank. However, this driving distance is possible only if the Altima's driver uses the optimal gear to travel between 55 to 65 mph on a free-flowing highway all the time.
On another note, we acknowledge that published fuel tank capacities include space for unusable fuel at the bottom of the tank. However, modern fuel tank designs also include a reserve tank that can add 10 to 15% to the published capacity.
For simplicity, we can assume that the reserve tank capacity compensates for unusable fuel volume.
How Much Does A Nissan Altima Cost?
A car's sticker price is one of the first things considered by buyers when choosing a car. So how much do the different 2022 Nissan Altima trims cost?
- Base S trim 2.5 L FWD -$24,750
- SV trim 2.5 L FWD - $25,750
- SV trim 2.5 L AWD - $27,150
- SR trim 2.5 L FWD - $26,750
- SR trim 2.5L AWD - $28,150
- SL trim 2.5 L FWD - $30,190
- SR Midnight Edition 2.5L FWD - $28,500
- SR Midnight Edition 2.5L AWD - $29,900
- SL trim 2.5 L AWD - $31,590
- SR VC-turbo trim 2.0 L, FWD - $31,100
- Range-topping SR Platinum 2.5L AWD - $34,450
As of 21 April 2022, Nissan USA offers 11 different trims. Nissan added two SR Midnight Edition models to the nine that DOE previously tested. As the name implies, the Midnight edition has blackout exterior styling, among other cosmetic changes.
Below is an image of the 2022 Nissan Altima Midnight Edition.
Why Is The Nissan Altima Popular?
The Nissan Altima was the 4th best-selling midsized car in the US for 2021. Moreover, the Altima ranks 2nd in the 2021 J.D. Power Verified Consumer Rating. What makes the Altima a popular choice among US car buyers?
The Altima is Nissan's 30-year-old nameplate in the midsize sedan category. During the past three decades, the Altima built its reputation as a luxurious yet affordable option in the segment. The Altima takes its place in Nissan's stable above the compact Sentra and below the full-size Maxima.
Check out this great ad for the Nissan Altima's debut back in 1992.
According to consumer ratings, many people laud the 5-seater Altima's quiet and spacious cabin, multimedia audio quality, and comfortable ride. Furthermore, survey respondents like how they can set up the Altima to their driving styles and preferences.
The Altima is one of the few economical family sedans that offer an AWD option. Moreover, Nissan claims that the VC-Turbo trim uses the world's first variable-compression turbo engine.
Overall, the Altima attracts many customers because of its blend of comfort and fuel efficiency at an affordable sticker price.
What Cars Are Similar To The Nissan Altima?
The Nissan Altima has several competitors in the US midsize car market, and below are some of the most popular ones.
Toyota Camry
For the past 20 years, the Toyota Camry has been the most popular sedan in the US. In 2021 alone, over 313,000 Camry units rolled out of Toyota dealerships in America.
Like other popular marques from Toyota, the Camry built its reputation on quality, durability, and reliability over the years. Eventually, Toyota's designers gradually revamped the Camry's exterior to appeal to a broader customer base.
The 2022 Camry comes in 13 trims, and its prices range from $25,395 to $35,820.
Honda Accord
Because of its 202,000-unit sales performance, the Honda Accord is the 2nd most popular midsize car in the US for 2021.
The 46-year-old Accord marque has been one of America's most popular midsize cars for the past 15 years. The Honda Accord's resale value is also one of the highest in the segment.
The 2022 Accord boasts a spacious and premium-feeling cabin due to its vanity, comfort, and safety features. Many Accord fans like its small but spirited 1.5-L turbocharged engine and its fuel economy.
The Accord's MSRP ranges from $26,120 to $38,050.
Hyundai Sonata
The Sonata is the 5th best-selling midsize sedan in the US for 2021. This popular Korean competitor went into the garage of over 93,000 buyers last year.
The Sonata offers good fuel economy and a posh cabin that some journalists regard as one of the best in the segment. Most of the variants put out smooth and reliable power, but the sporty N-line provides close to 300 hp of turbocharged zest.
The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's prices range from $24,350 to $34,250.
Kia K5
Previously known as the Kia Optima, the K5 secured the 6th position in the 2021 US midsize segment sales. Last year, this Kia contender achieved over 92,000 in unit sales.
The Kia K5 shares many of the Sonata's good features, including the latter's cabin and boot space. These K5's GT variant also has the same 290-hp engine as the Sonatas N-line variant. However, while the Sonata excels in its classy interior, the K5 shines with its sporty exterior.
The 2022 K5's MSRP ranges from $23,790 to $31,190.
Chevrolet Malibu
Although it has an outdated interior design and a relatively dull powertrain, the Chevrolet Malibu was still the 9th best-selling midsize sedan in the US for 2021. This American representative sold over 39,000 units during the said year.
The Malibu offers a comfortable ride and decent fuel economy. Moreover, this seemingly underwhelming car has an above-average score of 84 in the J.D. Power predicted reliability rating.
The 2022 Malibu's prices range from $23,400 to $33,500.
Wrapping Up
The Nissan Altima is among the segment leaders in terms of fuel economy. Its base FWD trim offers an impressive 32 MPG combined, while its range-topping AWD variant still provides a respectable 29 MPG combined.
Thank you very much for reading through this article. We also hope that we were able to help you understand more about the Nissan Altima.
For more exciting articles about the Altima and the Nissan brand, do check out these great articles below.
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