Gas prices don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, so it makes sense that fuel efficiency tops the list for many shoppers walking through the doors at Boucher Nissan Waukesha.
The FWD Nissan Altima earns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. Add AWD, and those numbers shift to 25 city, 33 highway, and 28 combined. Either way, the Altima’s gas mileage holds up well against most midsize sedans in its class.
Those numbers come from the same source under the hood: a 2.5L four-cylinder engine putting out 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Nissan tuned it to strike a balance between everyday punch and efficient cruising. Drivers who spend a lot of time on the highway between Waukesha and Milwaukee will likely land closer to that 36 mpg ceiling.
All-wheel drive costs the Altima a modest 1-3 mpg across the board. It makes sense when you think about it: AWD systems add weight and mechanical drag. For most Wisconsin drivers, that trade-off is worth it.
Around Waukesha, it usually comes down to weighing a few extra miles per gallon against a few extra weeks of confident driving in snow and ice.
| Drivetrain | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| FWD (Front-Wheel Drive) | 26 | 36 | 30 |
| AWD (All-Wheel Drive) | 25 | 33 | 28 |
Yes. Between its efficient four-cylinder engine and its available AWD, the Altima gives drivers flexibility without sacrificing much at the pump. It’s clear the Altima was built for real-world driving, not just a lab test.
For anyone cross-shopping midsize sedans, the Altima earns its spot on the list simply by not asking drivers to choose between power and practicality.
FWD models are rated at 30 mpg combined, while AWD models come in at 28 mpg combined.
Slightly. AWD trims lose about 1-3 mpg across city, highway, and combined ratings compared to FWD.
Every Altima uses a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.
Yes. With up to 36 mpg highway in FWD form, the Altima ranks among the more efficient midsize sedans available.
FWD is the better choice for maximizing mpg, while AWD is worth the small mileage trade-off for added traction in rain or snow.
At the end of the day, understanding Nissan Altima MPG comes down to a simple choice: FWD for a few extra miles per gallon, or AWD for extra grip when Waukesha weather turns. Either way, the Altima delivers dependable performance that fits into daily life.
Curious which Altima configuration best fits your commute? Stopping by Boucher Nissan Waukesha for a test drive is an easy way to feel the difference firsthand.
