45/100
2018Midsize CarsRegular

2018 Nissan Altima

EPA ID: 39504
22
City MPG
26
Combined MPG
26MPG· Average
32
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2018 Nissan Altima achieves an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 3.5L 6-cylinder engine paired with a automatic (av-s7), this midsize cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2018 Altima produces approximately 347 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Altima performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,300, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassMidsize Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine3.5L 6-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S7)
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions347 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score5/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,300
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $750

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
25.6
Impact vs EPA
+$32
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$585/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$16,000
45.6%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$10,096
28.8%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$8,600
24.5%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.1%
Total 5-Year Cost$35,096

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #20V315000·2021-06-30
critical
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: Corrosion to the secondary latch may cause it to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently released again and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, a warning label near the secondary hood latch, and an Owner’s Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: Recall 16V-029 remains open for any unremedied 2013-2015 Altimas and this recall applies to all vehicles covered by 16V-029 even if those repairs have already been performed.

Campaign #19V654000·2019-11-11
critical
Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Nissan Altima configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,300
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $750

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City22 MPG
Highway32 MPG
Combined26 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

69.4 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 86 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 5.8 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.