32 MPG combined is a respectable figure for the 2022 Nissan Altima 2.5L, and it accurately reflects the car’s intended mission: providing comfortable, reliable, and reasonably efficient transportation for families or individuals who prioritize practicality over driving excitement. This isn’t a sports sedan disguised as a mid-size, it’s a straightforward, honest vehicle that delivers exactly what its target demographic expects.

City and highway performance

The Altima’s 28 MPG city and 39 MPG highway ratings highlight the engine’s efficiency across a range of driving scenarios. The 2.5L four-cylinder provides adequate power for urban commuting, where stop-and-go traffic can affect fuel economy. However, the nearly 40 MPG on the highway is where the Altima truly shines, making it an appealing choice for those who frequently embark on longer journeys or have extended highway commutes. The continuously variable transmission (CVT), while not always a favorite among enthusiasts, plays a crucial role in optimizing fuel efficiency by keeping the engine in its most effective operating range.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Nissan Altima 2.5L is $1,350. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Of course, actual fuel costs will vary depending on individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the specific trim level and options equipped on the vehicle. However, the $1,350 estimate provides a useful benchmark for comparing the Altima’s fuel costs to those of other vehicles in its class. Buyers considering an Altima will find this data point valuable when assessing long-term ownership expenses.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA ratings provide a standardized measure of fuel economy, real-world results can vary. Factors such as driving style, traffic conditions, and even tire pressure can impact the actual MPG you achieve. Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking will reduce fuel economy, as will consistently driving at high speeds. Maintaining your vehicle properly, ensuring correct tire inflation, and avoiding unnecessary idling can all help to improve your real-world fuel economy and get closer to the EPA estimates. Understanding how your driving habits affect fuel consumption is key to maximizing efficiency.

How it compares

The mid-size sedan segment is fiercely competitive, and fuel economy is a key consideration for many buyers. The Toyota Camry, a perennial bestseller, achieves an EPA-estimated 28 MPG city and 39 MPG highway with its base 2.5L engine, matching the Altima’s highway figure but falling slightly behind in city driving. The Honda Accord 1.5T offers 30 MPG city and 38 MPG highway, presenting a slightly different balance, and the Hyundai Sonata SE manages 28 MPG city and 38 MPG highway. These small differences can add up over time, and buyers often weigh these figures against other factors such as price, features, and overall driving experience. For those seeking all-wheel drive, it is available on certain Altima trims, but fuel economy drops to 26 MPG city and 36 MPG highway.

Prospective buyers can explore all Nissan fuel economy data to see how the Altima fits into the brand’s overall lineup, and also examine ALTIMA MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One of the simplest ways to improve fuel economy in your 2022 Altima is to adopt a smoother driving style. Avoid rapid acceleration and braking, and try to anticipate traffic flow to maintain a consistent speed. The CVT transmission is designed to optimize fuel efficiency, so let it do its job by accelerating gradually and avoiding sudden bursts of power.

Regular maintenance is crucial for maximizing fuel economy. Ensure that your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Keep up with scheduled oil changes and other maintenance tasks. A well-maintained engine will run more efficiently and consume less fuel.

Minimize unnecessary weight in your vehicle. Carrying extra cargo can significantly reduce fuel economy, especially on shorter trips. Remove any items from your trunk or backseat that you don’t need regularly. Every pound counts, and lightening the load can make a noticeable difference over time.

Plan your trips strategically to avoid congested areas and peak traffic times. Stop-and-go traffic burns much more fuel than highway driving at a steady speed. Using navigation apps to find the most efficient route and avoid traffic jams can help you save fuel and reduce your overall travel time.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. This feature helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy compared to manually controlling the throttle. Set the cruise control to a reasonable speed and let the car manage the throttle for optimal efficiency, especially on long, straight stretches of road.