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2028 Nissan Altima Preview.

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The Nissan Altima sedan was scheduled to be canceled before the end of this year. But very recently, Nissan announced there would be a 2027 model year of the current generation after all. That could mean Nissan is giving the old model one more year to make some quick cash. Or that the company is actually still working on a new one that is not quite ready yet. Let’s explore the second idea.

The first-generation Altima came out in 1992. At that time, it looked a lot like a smaller version of the really cool Infiniti J30. Both cars were designed at the California Nissan design center. The first Altima replaced the old Nissan Stanza in the lineup. It was even called Stanza Altima in its first year. Sales went up to over 163,000 in 1994. The lame 2nd generation was never as popular.

Things got way better with the 3rd generation. A larger and more modern car that was again designed in California. Sales reached over 201,000 in its first full production year of 2002. The Altima’s best year was 2015, with over 333,000 of them sold. Quite amazing numbers.

Of course, things haven’t been that great for sedans since. And last year Nissan sold 114,000 Altimas. Which is not terrible for a car that came out back in 2018. Since then, the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, and Kia K5 were completely redesigned, and the Toyota Camry got a heavy refresh. The rest of the competition got the big sleep treatment.

I think a new Altima would be great news for Nissan. It could, of course, be based on the current car, with a brand new design and interior. And especially, it would offer Nissan’s e-Power EREV powertrain. Something it could easily share with the new Nissan Rogue. The e-Power would be a more efficient system than what Honda and Toyota offer. And basically, it would feel as smooth and quiet as an EV, most of the time. Without needing any charging.

I test drove a European Rogue with e-Power last year, and it was mostly fine. Except for the engine, which started once in a while and was pretty noisy and rough compared to the quiet EV power. Nissan claims the next-generation system that will be offered in the US is quieter and smoother, which would be quite nice.

I think Nissan can find a way to come up with a very new-looking Altima without spending too much cash. And the e-Power option would probably vastly increase sales numbers.

The illustrations above show what a redesigned Nissan Altima for 2028 could look like.

Conversation 12 comments

  1. This is the perfect time for Nissan to strike, and bring out a newish Altima. Toyota has a problem with the current Camry – they’ve limited supply on a hybrid only product and dealers are running wild on pricing. Bring out a redesigned Altima with an updated ICE offering and a hybrid option at reasonable prices and watch the balance shift.

  4. Something needs to be done about the sad sad dated Altima they are currently selling. Nissan; it’s leaving, it’s not; here’s a 2027 that’s the same old model. They did state it was sunsetting and the rumors were only wrong for the upcoming model year so far.

  6. Our family has had 3 Nissan vehicles since 2000 and loved every one of them. Nearly flawless reliability (or flawless) depending on the model. I would put a new Altima AWD with the new hybrid system at the top of my list. Particularly if it came in an SE-R version with upgraded suspension, a bit more power, and some good interior colors. Nissan, are you listening?

  7. I agree. If they gave it a refresh like the Sentra and keep the price competitive, I think they have a winner. We don’t need all new cars when platforms are so competent these days. Just updated styling and tech.

  9. I want the awd vc turbo altima why was that never made and no one ever comments about wanting one they release that I’m trading mine in today to get one of those

  10. Cool updates, although I’m not a fan of the fake grille indentations in the front bumper. Would rather see an actual grille insert or a lighting signature in its place. I do like the modern and minimalist rear treatment very much. I would hope that a next generation Altima would seriously drop the problematic CVT in favor of a conventional automatic transmission. Overall, the illustrations provide a cool speculative update for a vehicle that may or may not eventually materialize. It’s a sexy makeover for a somewhat awkward and dowdy vehicle.

  11. Sexy speculative update!

    I would also love to see Nissan build a sexy RWD Maxima flagship sedan. A true performance model that would put some much needed oomph back into the brand’s car lineup. It needs to be so much more than just a gussied up Altima on steroids.

  12. Nissan why did you change the car horn on the 2026 Altima. The horn sounds like a kiddie toy car. I’m very displeased. The 2015 horn sounds a lot BETTER. If it’s NOT broke DON’T fix it!!!!!!!

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