2026 Nissan Altima Review: The Sensible Sedan That Keeps Delivering
Priya Mehta·11 May 2026·9 min read
The Altima is the UAE's most affordable full-size sedan and one of its most popular. The 2026 update adds wireless CarPlay and improved ADAS. We test if the value proposition still holds.
Verdict
Pros: - Enormous cabin space for the price — best rear legroom under AED 100,000 - ProPilot semi-autonomous technology available for AED 74,900 - Nissan UAE dealer network is second only to Toyota in coverage
Cons: - CVT transmissions feel elastic compared to modern torque-converter autos - Exterior styling is anonymous - No hybrid option available in UAE
Price range: AED 74,900 – 89,900 Best for: Budget-conscious UAE buyers needing maximum space and features per dirham Not for: Driving enthusiasts, or buyers wanting a hybrid or premium feel
Introduction
The Altima is the UAE's unsung hero: a full-size sedan with rear legroom that rivals the BMW 5 Series, available new for AED 74,900. I drove the 2026 SL for a week in Dubai and immediately understood why Nissan UAE has consistently ranked it among its top 5 best-sellers.
Key Specs
| Spec | Altima S | Altima SR | Altima SL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L NA | 2.5L NA | 2.5L NA |
| Power | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT | CVT |
| Rear legroom | 910 mm | 910 mm | 910 mm |
| Price (AED) | 74,900 | 79,900 | 89,900 |
Practicality
The Altima's cabin is where the money has been spent. Rear legroom at 910 mm exceeds the Toyota Camry (900 mm) and the Honda Accord (894 mm). Three adults fit in the rear without the knees-in-chest experience that smaller sedans force.
The 436-litre boot is average for the segment. The Nissan NissanConnect 9-inch touchscreen receives wireless CarPlay in the 2026 update — previously the most-cited criticism of the outgoing model.
Driving Experience
The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine produces 182 hp — adequate rather than energetic. The CVT transmission divides opinion: it keeps the engine in its efficiency zone efficiently, but the elastic, continuously variable character will frustrate buyers used to traditional geared automatic transmissions.
Real-world fuel economy: 9.4 L/100 km in Dubai mixed traffic — acceptable for a non-hybrid full-size sedan.
ProPilot 2.0, standard on SL, manages lane centring and speed on UAE motorways. At AED 89,900, this technology level was unimaginable five years ago.
Our Verdict
The Altima SL is the best AED 89,900 sedan you can buy in the UAE for pure practicality. If you need a spacious, reliable family car with modern technology at a price that does not strain the budget, it is the undisputed answer.
Recommended: Altima SL in Gun Metallic with all-weather floor mats.