2022 Nissan Altima
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.5L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 28 / 39 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 32 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,100 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 278 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $26,733–$33,644 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
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 →
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 →
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.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 → |
Explore the full lineup of Nissan models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.