30 MPG combined is an acceptable figure for the 2019 Nissan Altima AWD with the 2.5L engine. This mid-size sedan is designed for families and commuters who value practicality and all-weather security over fuel savings. It’s a car bought for its space, safety features, and the assurance of all-wheel drive, a combination where fuel economy is slightly less important.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Altima AWD 2.5L gets 26 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. The variable gear ratio automatic transmission is key to these numbers, constantly adjusting to optimize engine speed for cruising efficiency on the open road or stop-and-go traffic. The 35 MPG highway figure is respectable for an AWD sedan of this size, expect it on long road trips if you’re gentle with the accelerator.

However, the city rating reflects the inefficiencies of moving a relatively heavy vehicle from a standstill repeatedly.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Nissan Altima AWD 2.5L at $1,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using fuel prices at the time of the EPA’s testing. Actual costs will fluctuate depending on your driving habits and fuel prices in your area.

This $1,450 benchmark provides a point of comparison when evaluating the overall cost of ownership against other vehicles in its class.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures offer a comparison, real-world fuel economy will vary. Aggressive driving, heavy acceleration, frequent short trips, and carrying extra weight can all hurt your mileage. Expect the combined MPG to drop, potentially below 25 MPG if you drive mainly in dense urban areas with frequent stops and starts.

Consistent highway driving at moderate speeds should allow you to meet or exceed the EPA’s 35 MPG estimate. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) can keep the engine operating in its most efficient range, but this depends on the driver’s input.

How it compares

The Altima’s fuel economy is competitive within the mid-size AWD sedan segment. The Subaru Legacy, known for its standard all-wheel drive, gets a slightly better 27 MPG city and 35 MPG highway with its base 2.5L engine. The Toyota Camry, while not available with AWD in the US market, delivers better fuel economy with its standard 2.5L engine, achieving 28 MPG city and 39 MPG highway but lacks all-weather traction. If you’re prioritizing fuel economy above all else, the front-wheel drive version of the Altima outperforms the AWD variant, achieving 28 MPG city and 39 MPG highway. Exploring ALTIMA MPG across all years can also help you understand the evolution of fuel efficiency in this model. The Mazda 6, another stylish option, is FWD and achieves 26 MPG city and 35 MPG highway, similar to the Altima AWD but without the added traction. The choice hinges on the buyer’s priorities: AWD capability versus maximum fuel savings.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Regularly check your tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended specifications on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Practice smooth acceleration and braking. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and hard braking. Gradual acceleration allows the CVT to smoothly adjust to the optimal gear ratio for efficiency. Anticipating traffic flow and coasting to a stop can also reduce fuel consumption.

Minimize idling. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate being stationary for more than 30 seconds, it’s more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine. This is especially true when the engine is already warm.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra weight increases fuel consumption. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk or backseat that are not essential for your daily commute.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, preventing fluctuations in engine speed and fuel consumption. This can be effective on long highway trips.

For more on the Nissan lineup, examine all Nissan fuel economy data to better understand where the Altima AWD fits.