The Camry and Altima are on opposite ends
The sedan segment continues to shrink year after year, and with just five models to choose from in 2026, pickings are slim. The Toyota Camry received a full redesign last year, blazing onto roadways with a new powertrain and sleek styling. The Nissan Altima, on the other hand, seems to be faltering, losing more than it has gained over the past few years. It’s clear that Toyota has shown the Camry plenty of love, but, despite its shortcomings, Nissan’s midsize contender may still be able to hold a candle to one of the nation’s most beloved nameplates.
Toyota
Nissan
For 2026, both the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima gain some black-out elements in the form of the Nightshade trim and Midnight Edition package respectively. Enhanced features include black 19-inch wheels, black exterior elements, and black badging. The Altima range shrinks for the second year in a row, now down to just two models.
1. The Camry is all hybrid
Going forward, the Toyota Camry is available exclusively with a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and several electric motors. While not as engaging as the 228-horsepower Toyota GR86, the Camry offers plenty of power, up to 225 horsepower with FWD and 232 horsepower in AWD configurations. Regardless of drivetrain, the Japanese sedan features an eCVT. The base LE with FWD is the most efficient, earning up to 52 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway. The range-topping XSE AWD earns the lowest fuel economy, rated at 43 mpg across the board.
Toyota
Nissan cut the 248-horsepower engine from the Altima lineup last year, which leaves a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the sole powertrain. It produces 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. The Altima is available in FWD and AWD configurations, both of which are paired with a CVT. Altima models with FWD are the most efficient, earning 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Opting for AWD reduces fuel economy by one in the city.
2. The Altima is more affordable
Vehicle prices are hitting an all-time high with each passing year, but Toyota and Nissan have managed to keep their midsize sedans on the more affordable side. The Altima FWD is the more wallet-friendly of the two, priced from $27,580 to $30,980. Opting for AWD increases the cost by an additional $1,500.
Nissan
Priced from $29,100 to $35,500, the Camry FWD is one of the more expensive midsize sedans on the market. It’s priced above not only the Altima, but the Honda Accord, Kia K5, and Hyundai Sonata as well. Upgrading to AWD adds another $1,525 to the price of the vehicle.
Thanks to its standard hybrid powertrain, the Camry offers higher fuel economy at a lower price point compared to most competitors. One could consider the higher price a premium that’s covered by lower fuel costs over the life of the car.
3. The Camry’s styling is sharp, while the Altima offers aggression
The Toyota Camry underwent a full redesign inside and out for its ninth generation. All models come equipped with some level of LED lighting, heated power side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and 16- to 19-inch wheels, depending on trim level. While the base model is simply sleek, the range-topping XSE gets sportier, with a black rear spoiler, a color-keyed rear diffuser, and racing-inspired black air curtains.
The 2026 Nissan Altima doesn’t look bad by any means. It offers an aggressive nose marked by the V-motion grille, as well as some LED lighting across the range. The base model rides on athletic 17-inch wheels, while upper models get upgraded to 19-inch units. Only the SR Midnight Edition gets a rear spoiler, a limitation that puts the rest of the range at odds with the Altima’s overall aesthetic. The current Altima has been on the market since 2019 and was refreshed back in 2023, so the midsize sedan is due for an update. If you need your daily fix of car design mantra, pay a visit to Road Ethos.
Final thoughts
Toyota
Steven Paul
In a contest of midsize sedans, I’m undoubtedly going with the 2026 Toyota Camry. Its hybrid powertrain offers an excellent combination of performance and efficiency, and it boasts a stylish, modern look, no matter the trim level. While the Altima puts up a good contest given its lackluster range, it’s simply outclassed in nearly every area outside of price. Perhaps it could perform better with a little love from Nissan, but given its direction over the past few years, this could very well be the death knell for this version of the Altima.
About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog