In short, the 2018 Altima is powered exclusively by a four-cylinder engine, with no six-cylinder option offered for this model year.
Engine lineup for the 2018 Altima
Note that there is no V6 option in the 2018 Altima. All trims share a four-cylinder powerplant, with drivetrain options affecting performance and handling.
- 2.5-liter inline-4 engine delivering about 179 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard, with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive available on select trims.
Bottom line: the 2018 Altima’s powertrain is four-cylinder only, aligning with Nissan’s emphasis on efficiency and practicality for this model year.
What this means for performance and buyer considerations
The four-cylinder setup emphasizes steady acceleration, solid fuel economy, and predictable maintenance costs compared with older V6 Altima variants. The absence of a V6 option makes the 2018 Altima a practical choice for buyers prioritizing efficiency and value in a midsize sedan. For stronger performance, buyers would need to consider different model years or other Nissan vehicles that offered larger powertrains in the past.
Note on later models
Starting with the 2019 model year, Nissan introduced a VC-Turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder as an optional engine for the Altima, delivering a blend of efficiency and enhanced performance. A V6 option was not reintroduced to the Altima lineup in subsequent years.
Summary: The 2018 Nissan Altima uses a four-cylinder engine only, with no six-cylinder option. The standard 2.5-liter I4 with CVT provides everyday practicality and efficiency, and all-wheel drive is available on some trims. For higher performance, you would look to other model years or different Nissan models, while later Altimas added a turbocharged four-cylinder option rather than reintroducing a V6.
How do I tell if my Nissan Altima is a 4 or 6 cylinder?
So you have cylinder 1 2 3 four this is an inline four cylinder um that's how you count. So you look for your belt. And you count um the one closest to it is one and you have two three and four.
What are common 2018 Altima problems?
Other 2018 Nissan Altima Issues: Electrical Issues
Somewhat common - the 2018 Nissan Altima suffers from issues with its infotainment system, more specifically, its backup camera. Owners report intermittent issues with the back up camera that eventually turn to permanent failure.
What year to stay away from Nissan Altima?
Nissan Model Years to Approach with Caution
| Model | Years to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Altima | 2013–2015 |
| Rogue | 2008–2013 |
| Sentra | 2013–2014 |
| Pathfinder | 2005–2010 |
Is the 2018 Nissan Altima a V6 or v4?
The 2018 Altima comes with two engine options. The base is a 2.5-liter inline-4 that makes 179 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, while you can also upgrade to a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 270 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission.