In a segment crowded with practical four-doors, one affordable family sedan has quietly built a reputation for reliability that outpaces many of its rivals.While competitors focus on style, tech, or brand prestige, this model delivers consistently dependable performance and low ownership costs, making it a smart choice for buyers who want peace of mind alongside everyday usability.What sets this sedan apart is how well it balances everyday driving needs with proven durability.
Owners regularly report fewer mechanical issues and predictable maintenance costs, even compared with some of the most popular alternatives in its class.That dependable track record, combined with a comfortable ride and spacious interior, makes it especially appealing for families and commuters alike.For shoppers prioritizing long-term confidence and sensible ownership, this affordable midsize sedan proves that reliability doesn’t have to take a back seat to style or features.
It’s a standout in its category, offering solid performance, strong dependability, and real value where it matters most.In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, J.D.Power, RepairPal, and CarEdge.
Related The Most Reliable New SUV You Can Buy for Under $45,000 This dependable SUV combines durability, comfort, and smart tech, making it a top pick under $45K for buyers who value long-term peace of mind.Posts 1 By Tyler Dupont The 2026 Nissan Altima scores higher than Toyota and Honda A better record for reliability than its core rivals When you think reliability, the first names that are likely to pop into your head are Toyota and Honda.In the midsize sedan segment, the Camry and the Accord have been go-to options for those that want something simple and comfortable that will run forever.
However, there is another option in this segment with an even better reputation in 2026.The Nissan Altima is affordable and won't cost you a ton to keep running.2026 Nissan Altima reliability The Altima has been around for a long time, with the nameplate first debuting in the States back in 1992.
This means there is tons of data to draw from when it comes to reliability.The current generation has been running since 2019, and every model year since has scored highly for reliability.J.D.
Power awards the 2025 model 89 out of 100 for quality and reliability, which is among the highest scores they've awarded.Considering the 2026 model carries over nearly unchanged, you can expect similar levels of quality.I have owned four Nissans, 1 Maxima & 3 Altimas.
I currently average 33 mpg which is impressive.My current 2019 Altima is a Four Cylinder, which one would not know without asking, as the pick up speed is unbelievable.I have never experienced any major problems.
Very reliable car.Highly Recommend.Will Donahue on Cars.com Despite not having the same reputation as the Toyota Camry or the Honda Accord, owners report that the Altima is just as sturdy, if not more so.
Owners have awarded every model year of the current generation Altima has been given four stars out of five or higher for reliability.The Altima versus its rivals Model Reliability score Toyota Camry 80/100 Honda Accord 80/100 Kia K5 85/100 Hyundai Sonata 86/100 Toyota and Honda are both still fantastic brands, and you're not likely to face tons of issues if you buy a car from either of them.However, they aren't quite as good as they once were.
Where older models used to receive some of the highest scores possible, newer models have slipped slightly.This leaves them behind alternatives that are traditionally thought of as less reliable, like the Hyundai Sonata, the Kia K5, and, of course, the Nissan Altima.Related The Last New Car You Can Buy in America for Under $20,000 This budget-friendly car proves affordability isn’t dead, offering solid value, efficiency, and modern features under $20,000.
Posts 5 By Tyler Dupont Nissan's mid-size sedan is affordable and packed with value Excellent bang for your buck Where most of the options in this segment come close to breaking the $30,000, the Nissan Altima undercuts them.It may not be the most popular choice, but you do get quite a lot of value for your money.Nissan's midsize sedan is every bit as comfortable, capable, and practical as any of its rivals, but for slightly less money.
2026 Nissan Altima trims and pricing Model Starting MSRP SV $27,580 SV Special Edition $28,880 SR $28,980 For the 2026 model year, Nissan has reduced the number of trim levels available down to two.With the top and the bottom trims removed from the lineup, the starting price of the Altima goes up a little.Despite this, it is still one of the most affordable options in this segment.
New for this year is the Special Edition version of the SV, which is an aesthetic package to give the sedan a more aggressive look.While the SV is hard to resist because of its lower starting price, we'd still spend the little bit extra and get the SR.It is still on par with the cheapest trim levels of rivals like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
The SR comes equipped with some premium features, including a sportier suspension setup, a larger infotainment screen, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.Warranties and maintenance Limited warranty: Three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty: Five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary scheduled maintenance: Two years or 24,000 miles of oil changes While not above average, the warranty package offered by Nissan on the Altima matches what you would get from rivals like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.Nissan has also introduced a complimentary maintenance plan that covers your first two oil changes on the house.
Related 10 Reliable Vehicles That Don’t Come From Toyota or Honda Discover ten dependable vehicles from brands beyond Toyota and Honda, offering reliability without the usual contenders.Posts 5 By Tyler Dupont The Altima is not quite sporty, but it is easy on gas Quick enough without guzzling gas If you're looking for something fun, the Altima is not the best choice out there.However, if you want something comfortable, reliable, and cheap to run, Nissan's midsize sedan fits the bill.
That being said, it gets off the line quick enough for the average buyer and pretty easily keeps up with highway traffic.2026 Nissan Altima performance Nissan Altima Like Sedan 2026 Base: $27,580 Base Trim Engine 2.5L ICE Base Trim Transmission Xtronic CVT Base Trim Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive Base Trim Horsepower 188 HP @6000 RPM Base Trim Torque 180 lb.-ft.@ 3600 RPM Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined) 27/39/32 MPG Make Nissan Model Altima Segment Midsize Sedan Powered by Expand Collapse Every new Altima comes equipped with the same four-cylinder engine under the hood.
It may not be exceptionally powerful, but it does have a proven track record for reliability.All-wheel drive is standard on every model.The thing that most people are likely to worry about is the continuously variable transmission, but Nissan has done a good job of rectifying past issues and making the transmission more robust.
Subscribe to our newsletter for reliable sedan insights Want continuing, data-driven coverage of reliable midsize sedans? Subscribe to the newsletter for clear comparisons of reliability scores, ownership costs, trim and warranty breakdowns, and practical buying guidance focused on long-term value.Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.You can unsubscribe anytime.
Don't let the faux-carbon in the cabin and the paddle shifters fool you; the Altima isn't a sporty car.It is perky enough to keep up with traffic and overtake on the highway without too much effort, but it isn't quick by any means.Its steering is also a little numb, which continues to soften the fun factor.
Where it does excel, though, is in comfort.The ride quality is exceptional, with comfort being a clear priority here.Fuel economy Model City Highway Combind FWD 27 MPG 39 MPG 32 MPG AWD 25 MPG 34 MPG 28 MPG We would stick with the front-wheel-drive variants of the Altima, considering how much more efficient they are in comparison with the all-wheel drive models.
Either way, for a non-hybrid sedan in this segment, the Altima is impressively light on fuel.It matches the most efficient sedans in this segment.
Read More
