DecodedCarsNissan Altima vs Toyota Camry
2026 Nissan Altima vs 2026 Toyota Camry — two midsize cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Toyota Camry is more fuel-efficient: 51 vs 30 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $950 a year less in fuel for the Toyota Camry (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Nissan Altima has had fewer recall campaigns (33 vs 44).
The two cars
The 2026 Nissan Altima is a midsize car offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 193 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,435 lb.
The 2026 Toyota Camry is a midsize car offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 194 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,627 lb (4dr Sedan AWD).
Buying used? The 2023 Altima and the 2024 Camry have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2015 Altima and the 2018 Camry.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Nissan Altima if…
- You put reliability history first (33 vs 44 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Toyota Camry if…
- You want lower fuel bills (51 vs 30 MPG)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Pros & cons of each
2026 Nissan Altima
- AWD / 4WD available
2026 Toyota Camry
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 51 MPG combined — 63% better than the average 2026 midsize car (31.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Nissan Altima specs →Full 2026 Toyota Camry specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →