How Big Is a Nissan Altima Gas Tank

The Nissan Altima gas tank size typically ranges from 16.2 to 18.0 gallons, depending on the model year and trim. This capacity supports a driving range of up to 500 miles on the highway, making it ideal for long commutes and road trips.

Key Takeaways

• Standard Tank Size: Most Nissan Altima models feature a 16.2- to 18.0-gallon gas tank, with newer models (2020–2024) averaging 16.2 gallons.
• Fuel Efficiency Matters: The Altima’s combined MPG (up to 32 mpg) significantly impacts how far you can go on a full tank.
• Model Year Variations: Older models (pre-2019) may have slightly larger tanks, while newer trims prioritize aerodynamics and weight reduction.
• Driving Range Estimates: With a full tank, expect 450–520 miles of driving, depending on driving conditions and engine type.
• Hybrid vs. Gas Models: The Altima Hybrid (discontinued after 2011) had a smaller tank but better efficiency, offering a unique balance.
• Maintenance Tips: Keeping your fuel system clean and tires properly inflated helps maximize range and tank efficiency.
• Real-World Usage: City driving reduces range due to stop-and-go traffic, while highway cruising extends it.

How Big Is a Nissan Altima Gas Tank? A Complete Guide

If you’re considering buying a Nissan Altima—or you already own one—you’ve probably wondered: *How big is a Nissan Altima gas tank?* It’s a simple question, but the answer can have a big impact on your driving experience. Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip, commuting daily, or just trying to stretch your fuel budget, knowing your car’s fuel capacity is essential.

The Nissan Altima has been a popular midsize sedan for decades, known for its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. But one feature that often gets overlooked is the size of its gas tank. While it might seem like a minor detail, the tank size directly affects how often you’ll need to stop for gas, how far you can drive on a single fill-up, and even how you plan your long drives.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the Nissan Altima gas tank size across different model years, explain how it impacts your driving range, and share practical tips to help you get the most out of every gallon. Whether you drive a 2010 Altima or a brand-new 2024 model, this article will give you the information you need to make smarter fuel decisions.

Nissan Altima Gas Tank Capacity by Model Year

One of the first things to understand is that the Nissan Altima gas tank size isn’t the same across all years and trims. While Nissan has kept the design relatively consistent, there have been subtle changes over the years due to updates in engineering, fuel efficiency goals, and vehicle weight optimization.

Let’s break it down by generation and model year to give you a clear picture.

2007–2012 Nissan Altima (3rd Generation)

The third-generation Altima, which includes models from 2007 to 2012, typically came with a **18.0-gallon gas tank**. This was especially true for the V6 engine models, which were more performance-oriented and required a larger fuel reservoir to support their power output.

Even the 4-cylinder versions during this period often featured the same 18.0-gallon tank, giving drivers a generous range. For example, a 2010 Altima with the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine could achieve around 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. With an 18-gallon tank, that translates to a highway range of nearly 576 miles—impressive for a sedan of that era.

2013–2018 Nissan Altima (4th Generation)

With the introduction of the fourth-generation Altima in 2013, Nissan made some changes to improve fuel economy and reduce overall vehicle weight. As part of this effort, the gas tank size was slightly reduced.

Most 2013–2018 Altima models now feature a **16.2-gallon gas tank**. This might seem like a step back, but it was part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency. The newer engines, especially the 2.5L 4-cylinder, were more fuel-efficient, so the smaller tank didn’t significantly hurt the overall driving range.

For instance, a 2016 Altima with the 2.5L engine gets about 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. With a 16.2-gallon tank, that’s roughly 437 miles in the city and a whopping 632 miles on the highway—more than enough for most drivers.

2019–2024 Nissan Altima (5th Generation)

The current generation of the Altima, introduced in 2019, continues with the **16.2-gallon gas tank**. However, Nissan has made significant improvements in aerodynamics, engine technology, and transmission efficiency, which help offset the slightly smaller tank.

The 2020 and newer models, especially those with the available 2.0L VC-Turbo engine, offer even better fuel economy. The 2.0L turbo variant delivers up to 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, while the standard 2.5L engine achieves up to 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.

Even with the same 16.2-gallon tank, the real-world range remains strong. On the highway, you can expect to travel between 500 and 600 miles on a full tank, depending on driving habits and conditions.

Special Cases: Altima Hybrid

It’s worth noting that Nissan offered a hybrid version of the Altima from 2007 to 2011. The Altima Hybrid used a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and had a smaller gas tank—just **14.5 gallons**.

While the tank was smaller, the hybrid system’s efficiency more than made up for it. The Altima Hybrid achieved up to 35 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, giving it a combined range of over 450 miles. However, due to limited demand and the rise of more advanced hybrids from competitors, Nissan discontinued the Altima Hybrid after 2011.

How Gas Tank Size Affects Driving Range

Now that you know the typical Nissan Altima gas tank size, let’s talk about what it really means for your driving experience: **range**.

Range is the total distance your car can travel on a full tank of gas. It’s calculated by multiplying your car’s fuel efficiency (in miles per gallon) by the size of the gas tank (in gallons).

For example:
– A 2023 Altima with 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway and a 16.2-gallon tank:
– City range: 28 mpg × 16.2 gallons = **454 miles**
– Highway range: 39 mpg × 16.2 gallons = **632 miles**

That’s a huge difference based on driving conditions. And it highlights why understanding both tank size and fuel economy is so important.

Real-World Range vs. EPA Estimates

It’s important to remember that EPA fuel economy ratings are based on standardized tests and may not reflect your actual driving experience. Factors like traffic, weather, speed, and driving style can all impact your real-world range.

For instance, if you drive mostly in stop-and-go city traffic, your actual mileage might be 10–15% lower than the EPA estimate. On the flip side, if you cruise steadily on the highway at 65 mph with cruise control, you might even exceed the EPA rating.

So while the numbers above give you a good baseline, your actual range could vary. That’s why it’s helpful to track your own mileage over time using your car’s trip computer or a fuel tracking app.

Tips to Maximize Your Altima’s Range

Want to get the most out of your Nissan Altima gas tank? Here are some practical tips:

1. **Drive Smoothly:** Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking. Smooth, steady driving improves fuel efficiency.
2. **Use Cruise Control:** On long highway drives, cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, which saves fuel.
3. **Keep Tires Properly Inflated:** Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce mileage. Check your tire pressure monthly.
4. **Reduce Weight:** Remove unnecessary items from your trunk. Extra weight means your engine works harder.
5. **Avoid Idling:** Idling burns fuel without moving you anywhere. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine.
6. **Use the Right Fuel:** Stick to the recommended fuel grade (usually regular unleaded). Premium fuel won’t improve performance unless your engine is designed for it.
7. **Maintain Your Vehicle:** Regular oil changes, clean air filters, and timely tune-ups keep your engine running efficiently.

By following these tips, you can stretch your Altima’s range and reduce how often you need to visit the gas station.

Comparing the Altima to Competitors

How does the Nissan Altima gas tank size stack up against other midsize sedans? Let’s take a quick look at some popular rivals.

Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry, one of the Altima’s biggest competitors, typically has a **15.8-gallon gas tank** in recent models. With fuel economy ratings of up to 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway (for the 2.5L 4-cylinder), the Camry offers a similar range to the Altima—around 442 miles in the city and 608 miles on the highway.

So while the Camry has a slightly smaller tank, its efficiency helps it keep pace.

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord comes with a **14.8-gallon gas tank** in most trims. However, the Accord’s 1.5L turbo engine delivers excellent fuel economy—up to 32 mpg city and 42 mpg highway. That gives it a highway range of about 622 miles, which is actually better than the Altima’s.

The Accord proves that a smaller tank doesn’t always mean less range—efficiency matters just as much.

Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata features a **16.4-gallon gas tank**, slightly larger than the Altima’s. With fuel economy of up to 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, the Sonata offers a range of about 459 miles in the city and 623 miles on the highway.

So the Sonata edges out the Altima in both tank size and highway range, making it a strong competitor.

Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion (discontinued after 2020) had a **16.5-gallon gas tank**. With fuel economy ranging from 21 to 29 mpg depending on the engine, its range was generally lower than the Altima’s, especially in city driving.

Overall, the Altima holds its own in the midsize sedan class. While some competitors have slightly larger tanks or better efficiency, the Altima offers a balanced combination of size, range, and comfort.

Why Tank Size Matters for Different Drivers

Not all drivers need the same things from their car. Your lifestyle and driving habits will determine how important gas tank size is to you.

Commuters

If you drive 50–70 miles round-trip to work each day, a larger tank means fewer fill-ups. With a 16.2-gallon Altima, you could go a full week (or more) without stopping for gas, especially if you take the highway.

For example, a 35-mile daily commute at 30 mpg uses about 2.3 gallons per day. Over five days, that’s 11.5 gallons—well within the Altima’s capacity.

Road Trippers

Planning a long road trip? A bigger tank means fewer stops and more time enjoying the journey. With a full tank, the Altima can easily cover 500+ miles on the highway, which is perfect for cross-state drives.

Imagine driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco (about 380 miles). You could make the trip on a single tank with room to spare—no need to hunt for gas stations along the way.

City Drivers

If you mostly drive in the city, you’ll get fewer miles per gallon due to traffic and frequent stops. In this case, a larger tank helps offset the lower efficiency.

Even with 25 mpg in the city, a 16.2-gallon tank gives you over 400 miles of range. That’s still plenty for daily errands, school runs, and weekend outings.

Eco-Conscious Drivers

If you’re focused on reducing your carbon footprint, you might prefer a car with better fuel economy—even if the tank is smaller. The Altima’s 2.0L VC-Turbo engine offers a good balance of power and efficiency, making it a solid choice for green-minded drivers.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Fuel System Healthy

A well-maintained fuel system ensures your Altima runs efficiently and gets the most out of every gallon. Here’s how to keep it in top shape.

Use Quality Fuel

Always fill up at reputable gas stations. Cheap or contaminated fuel can damage your engine and reduce performance. Look for stations with high turnover—this means fresher fuel.

Replace the Fuel Filter

The fuel filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine. Over time, it can become clogged, reducing fuel flow and efficiency. Most manufacturers recommend replacing it every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

Clean the Fuel Injectors

Fuel injectors can get clogged with carbon deposits, leading to poor fuel atomization and reduced mileage. Use a fuel injector cleaner every 10,000 miles or have them professionally cleaned during service.

Check the Gas Cap

A loose or damaged gas cap can cause fuel vapors to escape, triggering the “check engine” light and reducing efficiency. Make sure your gas cap is tight and in good condition.

Monitor Fuel Trims

Modern Altimas use sensors to monitor how much fuel is being injected. If your fuel trims are consistently high or low, it could indicate a problem with the fuel system, oxygen sensors, or air intake. Have it checked by a mechanic if you notice poor mileage or rough idling.

Conclusion: Is the Nissan Altima Gas Tank Big Enough for You?

So, how big is a Nissan Altima gas tank? The answer is: **big enough for most drivers**. With a capacity of 16.2 to 18.0 gallons—depending on the model year—the Altima offers a generous range that supports everything from daily commutes to long road trips.

While newer models have slightly smaller tanks than their predecessors, improvements in fuel efficiency help maintain strong driving ranges. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a 2010 Altima with an 18-gallon tank or a 2024 model with 16.2 gallons, you can expect to travel 450–600 miles on a full tank, depending on driving conditions.

Ultimately, the right car for you depends on your needs. If you prioritize long-range driving and minimal stops, the Altima’s gas tank size and efficiency make it a smart choice. And with proper maintenance and smart driving habits, you can maximize every mile.

So the next time you’re at the pump, remember: your Altima isn’t just fueling up—it’s ready for the road ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the gas tank size of a 2023 Nissan Altima?

The 2023 Nissan Altima has a 16.2-gallon gas tank. This size is consistent across most trims and engine options, including the 2.5L 4-cylinder and the 2.0L VC-Turbo.

How many miles can a Nissan Altima go on a full tank?

A Nissan Altima can travel between 450 and 630 miles on a full tank, depending on the model year, engine, and driving conditions. Highway driving typically yields the longest range.

Did older Nissan Altimas have bigger gas tanks?

Yes, older models (2007–2012) often had 18.0-gallon tanks, which were larger than the 16.2-gallon tanks in newer models. This was due to different engineering priorities at the time.

Does the Nissan Altima Hybrid have a smaller gas tank?

Yes, the discontinued Altima Hybrid (2007–2011) had a 14.5-gallon gas tank. However, its hybrid system improved efficiency, giving it a competitive range despite the smaller tank.

Can I increase my Altima’s gas tank size?

No, the gas tank size is fixed by the manufacturer. Aftermarket modifications are not recommended and could void your warranty or compromise safety.

How often should I fill up my Nissan Altima?

Most drivers can go 7–10 days between fill-ups, depending on mileage. If you drive 300–400 miles per week, you’ll likely need to refuel once a week.