Nissan Altima MPG, gas tank, tires, and towing

The 2025 Nissan Altima with the 2.5-liter engine and front-wheel drive is rated 31 mpg combined (27 city, 38 highway) by the EPA. The all-wheel-drive Altima is rated 28 mpg combined. With a 16.25-gallon tank, a front-drive Altima can cover about 500 miles between fill-ups at the EPA rating.

Published November 13, 2026 · Sources · Share

On this page (10 sections)

Altima generations at a glance

  • 2008–2012: 2.5-liter four-cylinder or 3.5-liter V6, CVT on most versions, 20-gallon tank. The Altima Hybrid (2008–2011) paired a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor.
  • 2013–2018: the same two engine sizes, an 18-gallon tank, and a big jump in four-cylinder mileage.
  • 2019 and later: new 2.5-liter (PR25DD), all-wheel drive as an option, and, through 2024, a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo in place of the V6.

The Altima Coupe (2008–2013) isn’t covered on this page.

Gas mileage by year

The four-cylinder Altima has rated above 30 mpg combined since 2013. The V6 and the VC-Turbo trade a few mpg for power: the 2022 Altima SR VC-Turbo is rated 29 mpg combined.

202628–30 mpg combined · 2 versions
2026 Nissan Altima: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Altima2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD302636
Altima AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, AWD282533
202528–31 mpg combined · 3 versions
2025 Nissan Altima: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Altima2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD312738
Altima AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, AWD282534
Altima SL/SR2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD302736
202429–31 mpg combined · 4 versions
2024 Nissan Altima: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Altima2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD312738
Altima AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, AWD292634
Altima SL/SR2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD302736
Altima SR2.0L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), FWD292534
202329–31 mpg combined · 4 versions
2023 Nissan Altima: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Altima2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD312738
Altima AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, AWD292634
Altima SL/SR2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD302736
Altima SR2.0L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), FWD292534
202229–32 mpg combined · 6 versions
2022 Nissan Altima: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Altima2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD322839
Altima AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, AWD302635
Altima AWD SR/Platinum2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, AWD292634
Altima SR2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD312737
Altima SR2.0L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), FWD292534
Altima SV/SL2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD312737
202129–32 mpg combined · 6 versions
2021 Nissan Altima: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Altima2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD322839
Altima AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, AWD292635
Altima AWD SR/Platinum2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, AWD292534
Altima SR2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD312737
Altima SR/Platinum2.0L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD292534
Altima SV/SL2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD312737
202029–32 mpg combined · 5 versions
2020 Nissan Altima: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Altima2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD322839
Altima AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, AWD302635
Altima AWD SR/Platinum2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, AWD292634
Altima SR/Platinum2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD312737
Altima SR/Platinum2.0L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD292534
201929–32 mpg combined · 5 versions
2019 Nissan Altima: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Altima2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD322839
Altima AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, AWD302635
Altima AWD SR/Platinum2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, AWD292634
Altima SR/Platinum2.5L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD312737
Altima SR/Platinum2.0L 4-cyl, CVT, FWD292534
2010–2018ranges by year · details on fueleconomy.gov
Nissan Altima, 2010–2018: EPA MPG range across versions
YearCombinedCityHighwayVersions
201826–3122–2732–383
201726–3122–2732–393
201626–3122–2731–393
201526–3122–2731–372
201425–3122–2731–372
201325–3122–2730–382
201222–2620–2327–322
201122–3320–3327–333
201021–3418–3527–334

EPA estimates for new vehicles from fueleconomy.gov (U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE), data retrieved November 12, 2026. Your mileage will vary with how and where you drive. EPA data on this site starts with the 2010 model year.

Gas tank size and range

The tank shrank twice: 20 gallons in 2008–2012, 18 gallons in 2013–2018, and 16.25 gallons (16.0 with all-wheel drive) since 2019. Better mileage kept the range roughly the same. Estimate a drive with your own numbers in the trip gas cost calculator.

Nissan Altima: fuel tank and estimated range (tank × EPA combined MPG)
YearsEngineFuel tankEPA combinedRange on a full tank
2019–20222.5L 4-cylinder (PR25DD), FWD16.25 gal631–32 mpgabout 500–520 miles
2019–20222.5L 4-cylinder (PR25DD), AWD16 gal629–30 mpgabout 460–480 miles
2023–20242.5L 4-cylinder (PR25DD), FWD16.25 gal930–31 mpgabout 490–500 miles
2025–20262.5L 4-cylinder (PR25DD), FWD16.25 gal1030–31 mpgabout 490–500 miles
2023–20242.5L 4-cylinder (PR25DD), AWD16 gal929 mpgabout 460 miles
2025–20262.5L 4-cylinder (PR25DD), AWD16 gal1028 mpgabout 450 miles
2019–20242.0L turbo 4-cylinder (VC-Turbo, KR20DDET)16.25 gal629 mpgabout 470 miles
2013–20182.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE)18 gal430–31 mpgabout 540–560 miles
2013–20173.5L V6 (VQ35DE)18 gal425–26 mpgabout 450–470 miles
20183.5L V6 (VQ35DE)18 gal526 mpgabout 470 miles
2008–20122.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE)20 gal126–27 mpgabout 520–540 miles
20083.5L V6 (VQ35DE)20 gal1Before EPA data hereCheck your owner’s manual
2009–20113.5L V6 (VQ35DE)20 gal121–23 mpgabout 420–460 miles
20123.5L V6 (VQ35DE)20 gal322 mpgabout 440 miles
2008–20112.5L 4-cylinder hybrid20 gal233–34 mpgabout 660–680 miles

Tire size and pressure

Most Altimas run 32 or 33 psi cold, depending on wheel size. For 18-inch wheels on the 2012–2018 Altima, we couldn’t confirm the pressure in the manuals we checked, so use the tire and loading information label on the driver’s door jamb. Low pressure warning: tire pressure light.

Nissan Altima: tire size and pressure (cold) by trim
YearsTrimTire sizeFrontRear
2019–20252.5 S (16-inch)215/60R16632 psi32 psi
2019–20262.5 SV, SL (17-inch)215/55R17633 psi33 psi
2019–2026SR, Platinum (19-inch)235/40R19633 psi33 psi
2013–20182.5 S (16-inch)P215/60R16432 psi32 psi
2013–20182.5 SV, SL and 3.5 (17-inch)P215/55R17433 psi33 psi
2013–2018SR and 3.5 SL (18-inch)P235/45R184Check your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
2008–201216-inch wheelsP215/60R16132 psi32 psi
2008–201217-inch wheelsP215/55R17133 psi33 psi
201218-inch wheelsP235/45R183Check your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
2008–2011Altima HybridP215/60R16235 psi35 psi

Oil at a glance

The 2.5-liter has taken 0W-20 since 2013, while the VC-Turbo takes 5W-30. Full details by year: Altima oil type and capacity.

Nissan Altima oil at a glance
YearsEngineOilCapacity
2019–20222.5L 4-cylinder (PR25DD), FWD0W-2065.375 qt (5.1 L) with filter
2019–20222.5L 4-cylinder (PR25DD), AWD0W-2065.375 qt (5.1 L) with filter
2023–20242.5L 4-cylinder (PR25DD), FWD0W-2095.375 qt (5.1 L) with filter
2025–20262.5L 4-cylinder (PR25DD), FWD0W-20105.5 qt (5.2 L) with filter
2023–20242.5L 4-cylinder (PR25DD), AWD0W-2095.375 qt (5.1 L) with filter
2025–20262.5L 4-cylinder (PR25DD), AWD0W-20105.5 qt (5.2 L) with filter
2019–20242.0L turbo 4-cylinder (VC-Turbo, KR20DDET)5W-3065 qt (4.7 L) with filter
2013–20182.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE)0W-2044.875 qt (4.6 L) with filter
2013–20173.5L V6 (VQ35DE)0W-204Check your owner’s manual
20183.5L V6 (VQ35DE)0W-2055.125 qt (4.9 L) with filter
2008–20122.5L 4-cylinder (QR25DE)5W-3014.875 qt (4.6 L) with filter
20083.5L V6 (VQ35DE)5W-3014.875 qt (4.6 L) with filter
2009–20113.5L V6 (VQ35DE)5W-301Check your owner’s manual
20123.5L V6 (VQ35DE)5W-3035.125 qt (4.9 L) with filter
2008–20112.5L 4-cylinder hybrid0W-2024.875 qt (4.6 L) with filter

Can an Altima tow?

Not since 2013. The 2018, 2020, and 2023 owner’s manuals say not to tow a trailer with the Altima. The 2008 manual allowed up to 1,000 lb for the earlier car. If you need to pull a small trailer, pick a vehicle rated for it, such as the Nissan Rogue.

  • 6th generation, 2.5L (2019–2026): not rated for towing6
  • 6th generation, 2.0L VC-Turbo (2019–2024): not rated for towing6
  • 5th generation (2013–2018): not rated for towing5
  • 4th generation (2008–2012): up to 1,000 lb1

Recalls: check by VIN

Recalls are issued for specific VIN ranges, so two Altimas of the same year can differ. Look up your car at nhtsa.gov/recalls with its 17-character VIN, which is on the windshield at the driver’s side and on your registration card. Recall repairs at a Nissan dealer are free.

What to record in your log

An Altima often racks up highway miles, so small changes in MPG show up quickly. Log these:

  • Fill-ups with odometer and gallons, so you can compare your real MPG with the EPA rating. The MPG calculator helps.
  • Oil changes, with the grade, especially if you switched between a 2.5-liter and a VC-Turbo Altima.
  • CVT fluid checks and any change, with the fluid type.
  • Tire rotations and pressure checks.

Keep it all in a car maintenance log.

FAQ

What is the gas mileage of a Nissan Altima?

The EPA rates the 2025 Altima at 31 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 28 mpg with all-wheel drive. A 2013 four-cylinder Altima is rated 31 mpg combined.

How big is the gas tank on a Nissan Altima?

16.25 gallons on 2019 and later front-wheel-drive models and 16.0 gallons with all-wheel drive. The 2013–2018 Altima holds 18 gallons, and the 2008–2012 Altima holds 20.

Can you tow with a Nissan Altima?

Nissan says not to tow a trailer with a 2013 or later Altima. The 2008 manual allowed up to 1,000 lb.

Does the Altima VC-Turbo need premium gas?

The 2020 and 2023 manuals list regular unleaded for the Altima. See premium vs regular gas.

Milealot is an independent site, not affiliated with or endorsed by Nissan North America. Nissan, Altima, and VC-Turbo are trademarks of their owner and are used here only to name the vehicles.

Sources

  1. 2008 Nissan Altima Owner’s Manual (capacities, fuel, tires, towing) (checked November 12, 2026)
  2. 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid Owner’s Manual (capacities, tires) (checked November 12, 2026)
  3. 2012 Nissan Altima Owner’s Manual (capacities, fuel, tires, tire rotation) (checked November 12, 2026)
  4. 2015 Nissan Altima Owner’s Manual (capacities, fuel, tires, tire rotation) (checked November 12, 2026)
  5. 2018 Nissan Altima Owner’s Manual and Maintenance Information (capacities, maintenance schedule, towing) (checked November 12, 2026)
  6. 2020 Nissan Altima Owner’s Manual and Maintenance Information (capacities, tires, oil reminder, maintenance schedules, towing) (checked November 12, 2026)
  7. 2023 Nissan Altima Owner’s Manual and Maintenance Information (capacities, tires, towing) (checked November 12, 2026)
  8. Nissan USA, 2010 Altima maintenance schedule by component (checked November 12, 2026)
  9. 2024 Nissan Altima Owner’s Manual and Maintenance Information (capacities, fuel, tires, towing, maintenance schedules) (checked November 13, 2026)
  10. 2025 Nissan Altima Owner’s Manual and Maintenance Information (capacities, fuel, tires, towing, maintenance schedule) (checked November 13, 2026)
  11. 2026 Nissan Altima Owner’s Manual and Maintenance Information (capacities, fuel, tires, towing, maintenance schedule) (checked November 13, 2026)
  12. U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE, fueleconomy.gov vehicle data (MPG; retrieved November 12, 2026)