2022 Nissan Altima — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
Sedan

2022 Nissan Altima

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $26,733–$33,644
Fuel Economy 30 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Sedan
Est. Annual Fuel $1,750/yr
The 2022 Nissan Altima scores 7.3/10 at Carivo, ranking #802 of 1310 sedans and an estimated $1,750/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2022 Nissan Altima

Engine2.5L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular
City / Hwy MPG28 / 39 MPG
Combined MPG32 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$1,900
CO₂ Emissions278 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSedan
Base Price$26,733–$33,644

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2022 Nissan Altima

Our scoring places the 2022 Nissan Altima at 7.3/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.2/10, while Reliability at 6.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.8/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 6.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $26,733–$33,644, 30 MPG, seating 5, the Nissan Altima sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The 7.5/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Our take: The 2022 Nissan Altima is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in performance and technology and reliability hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Sedans

The 2022 Nissan Altima ranks #802 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 39% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $26,733 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $27,664.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $35k →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2022 Nissan Altima

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$8,750 ($1,750/year at $3.50/gal)
InsuranceVaries widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying

We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.

Which Altima Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2019 Nissan Altima scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2022's 7.3 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.4/10$29,293 Read review →
2025 7.4/10$29,293 Read review →
2024 7.3/10$28,440 Read review →
2023 7.3/10$27,586 Read review →
2022 (this review) 7.3/10$26,733
2021 7.1/10$25,880 Read review →
2020 7.1/10$25,027 Read review →
2019 7.0/10$24,174 Read review →
2018 7.0/10$23,320 Read review →
2017 6.9/10$22,467 Read review →
2016 7.0/10$21,614 Read review →
2015 6.8/10$20,761 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2022 Nissan Altima

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra

Common Questions — 2022 Nissan Altima

Is the 2022 Nissan Altima reliable?

We rate the 2022 Nissan Altima's reliability 6.8/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.

Is the 2022 Nissan Altima worth buying?

It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #802 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 39% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2022 Nissan Altima cost?

The 2022 Nissan Altima starts at $26,733 and ranges up to $33,644 across trims (MSRP when new). At 30 MPG, expect roughly $1,750/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which Altima years should you avoid?

Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Altima years we've rated are 2015 (6.8/10), 2017 (6.9/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.4/10). See the full year table above before deciding.

Owner Essentials — Nissan Altima

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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