The Altima uses four cylinders in its current lineup; there is no factory V6 option today. In past generations, Nissan did offer a 3.5-liter V6, but modern Altimas are four-cylinder only.
Current engine options
Here are the four-cylinder powerplants that have been offered in recent model years, along with basic notes about where they appear in the lineup.
- 2.5-liter inline-4 (naturally aspirated): The standard engine on most trims, delivering balanced performance and efficiency.
- 2.0-liter VC-Turbo inline-4 (turbocharged): An available upgrade on higher trims for increased power and responsiveness.
In short, today’s Altima lineup relies on four-cylinder engines, with choices focused on efficiency or turbocharged performance rather than a larger six-cylinder option.
Historical engine options
In earlier generations, the Altima offered a larger V6 option that delivered more power for buyers seeking stronger acceleration, but that configuration has since been phased out.
- 3.5-liter V6 (VQ-series): A former top-tier engine offered on select trims in earlier years; it is no longer available in current models.
For buyers today, the Altima is a four-cylinder sedan, and any desire for V6 performance would have required considering older model years or different Nissan models.
What this means for buyers
Choosing a four-cylinder Altima typically yields better fuel economy, lower maintenance costs, and smoother highway comfort. If you want stronger off-the-line acceleration, the turbocharged 2.0-liter option in higher trims provides a noticeable boost, though it remains a four-cylinder setup.
Summary
The Nissan Altima is a four-cylinder car in its current generation, with two four-cylinder engine options available. A V6 option was offered in older Altimas but is not available today. For buyers, this means prioritizing efficiency or turbocharged performance within a four-cylinder framework.