The 2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 S was engineered to deliver 32 MPG combined: solid, sensible, and utterly unremarkable in the best way possible. This isn’t a hybrid promising stratospheric numbers, nor is it a sporty sedan prioritizing performance. The Altima 2.5 S occupies the heart of the mid-size market, serving drivers whose priorities are reliability, affordability, and a comfortable ride, with decent gas mileage as an important but not overriding factor.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 S achieves 28 MPG in the city and a respectable 39 MPG on the highway. The highway figure is particularly noteworthy. This is where the Altima’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) shines, keeping the engine at its most efficient RPMs during long cruises. The city MPG is less impressive, but still competitive within its class. Stop-and-go traffic simply isn’t where naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines and CVTs do their best work. Expect the highway number to be fairly consistent in real-world driving, while the city number has more variance depending on your driving style and traffic conditions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 S at $1,641. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Your costs will vary depending on how much you drive and the prevailing fuel prices in your area.

This $1,641 figure serves as a useful benchmark for comparing the Altima’s running costs to other vehicles. It reflects the car’s overall efficiency in typical driving conditions, a key consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA’s numbers provide a good baseline, remember that real-world fuel economy always varies. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and extended idling will all negatively impact your mileage. A light foot, careful route planning, and diligent maintenance will help you get closer to the EPA estimates, or even exceed them. The Altima’s fuel economy computer provides real-time and average MPG readouts, allowing you to monitor your driving habits and make adjustments accordingly.

The Altima’s smooth, predictable CVT tends to promote gentle driving anyway.

How it compares

The 2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 S competes directly with other mid-size sedans like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Ford Fusion. The Honda Accord LX, for example, achieves an EPA-estimated 31 MPG combined (27 city/36 highway), very nearly matching the Altima. The Toyota Camry LE posts similar numbers at 35 mpg highway.

The Ford Fusion, depending on the engine and trim, can range from less efficient to slightly more efficient than the Altima. These differences, while seemingly small, can add up over the years, making the Altima’s fuel economy a legitimate selling point for buyers meticulously comparing running costs. If you want to check the all Nissan fuel economy data, you’ll find that the Altima sits near the top of the list.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Proper tire inflation is critical for optimizing fuel economy. The Altima’s recommended tire pressure is listed on a sticker located on the driver’s side doorjamb. Maintaining the correct pressure reduces rolling resistance and improves gas mileage, and it’s a quick and easy task that yields noticeable results.

Avoid unnecessary idling. Letting the engine run while stationary consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern cars like the Altima don’t require extended warm-up periods, so you can start driving almost immediately after restarting.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, both of which waste fuel. Cruise control allows the Altima to maintain an efficient pace on long highway stretches, maximizing your MPG. Be aware of traffic conditions and disengage cruise control in heavy traffic or when approaching hills.

Plan your trips efficiently. Combining errands into a single trip minimizes cold starts, which are less fuel-efficient than driving a warmed-up engine. Consider the route with the fewest stops and the least amount of traffic. A little planning can translate into significant fuel savings over time.

Regular maintenance is essential for maintaining optimal fuel economy. Keep the engine properly tuned, replace air filters as recommended, and use the correct type of motor oil. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and delivers better gas mileage. Scheduled maintenance has a huge impact on your Altima’s MPG, so review the ALTIMA MPG across all years and compare to your real-world numbers.