Nissan Altima vs. Toyota Camry (2026): Price, Features, Fuel Economy, and Ownership Costs

The 2026 Nissan Altima is the lower-cost way into this comparison: its listed front-wheel-drive trims start at $27,580, while Toyota lists the 2026 Camry from $29,600. The Altima also offers all-wheel drive and has published EPA ratings of up to 30 mpg combined. However, the available material does not provide a verified 2026 Camry MPG table or a complete, matched ownership-cost study, so it is not responsible to declare one car cheaper to own from MSRP alone.

Choose between them by matching the exact trim and drivetrain, confirming the dealer’s out-the-door quote, and calculating fuel, insurance, financing, maintenance, taxes, and resale over your own mileage and ownership period.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		RMZ City 1:36 Camry XSE Car Model, Diecast Pull Back Model Toy Car, Doors Open, Collection Kids Toy...	$14.97	Buy on Amazon
2		Showcasts Toyota Camry 32459D - 1/34 Scale Diecast Model Car (Red)	$8.99	Buy on Amazon
3		LOVEPOSELY 1:36 Scale Camry XSE Diecast Model Car Toy, Zinc Alloy Pull Back Supercar Vehicles Toy...	$12.59	Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

2026 Nissan Altima vs. 2026 Toyota Camry at a glance

Prices and equipment can change. Nissan’s figures come from its current specifications page and its December 15, 2025 press kit; Toyota says availability and option packages can vary by region. Verify the window sticker and buyer’s order before treating any listed number as final.

Price: the Altima starts lower, but compare like with like

Nissan’s official 2026 Altima specifications page lists the following front-wheel-drive starting MSRPs:

#1 Best Overall

RMZ City 1:36 Camry XSE Car Model, Diecast Pull Back Model Toy Car, Doors Open, Collection Kids Toy for Aged 3 and up, Gift White

• [Product Size] 4.9×1.9×1.5 inches(1:36 scale). Package weight: Approx. 0.37 pounds. Suitable for playing.
• [Good Quality] Detailed interior and exterior trim, using high grade alloy die-cast into form.
• [Great Diecast Toy Car] Made of non-toxic paint spray, doesn’t contain harmful substances, protecting the safety of children greatly.
• [Funny Pull Back Car Model] Left and right doors can be opened. Place the car on the ground, press down on the body and pull it back, the car will move forward.
• [Awesome Toy for Kids] Sturdy body, fine workmanship. Suitable for collections, birthdays, Christmas and decorations. Great for kids, boys, girls and adults.

$14.97

Buy on Amazon

Source: Nissan USA 2026 Altima Specs & Trims. These are manufacturer list prices, not guaranteed transaction prices. The page’s treatment of destination charges should be kept separate when you compare it with a dealer quote.

Nissan’s press kit adds two all-wheel-drive list prices:

Nissan lists destination and handling at $1,275 in that press kit. It also says taxes, title, license, destination charges, dealer pricing, and later changes affect the out-the-door amount. Do not add $1,275 to one vehicle while comparing it with a quote that already includes destination; put both cars on the same fee basis.

Toyota’s official 2026 Camry model page shows a $29,600 starting MSRP: Toyota 2026 Camry model page. That is a range starting point, not the price of a particular trim with options. Toyota’s specifications page warns that vehicles may be built with popular options and that availability varies by region: Toyota 2026 Camry Full Specs. Ask a dealer for the exact trim, drivetrain, destination, installed options, taxes, and registration.

What the price gap means

At the published entry points, the Camry starts $2,020 above the $27,580 Altima SV FWD. That is a comparison of two starting MSRPs, not a promise that the cars have identical equipment. An Altima SR, AWD Altima, or heavily optioned Camry can change the gap quickly. Compare an SV with the Camry configuration you would actually buy, then repeat the exercise with an SR if sport-oriented equipment matters.

Powertrain and drivetrain choices

Altima engine and transmission

The 2026 Altima uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower in front-wheel drive and 182 horsepower with all-wheel drive. Both versions use Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). Intelligent AWD is available rather than standard across the range.

The lower horsepower figure for AWD is important when comparing stickers: AWD is not simply a traction option with identical output. It also carries a higher purchase price and a lower published EPA rating than the corresponding FWD configuration.

Camry drivetrain information

The cited Toyota pages establish the 2026 Camry starting MSRP and provide a specifications pathway, but the available page text does not supply enough verified drivetrain and trim data for an apples-to-apples table here. Confirm whether the specific Camry in a dealer quote is front- or all-wheel drive, its powertrain specification, and any price difference before comparing it with an Altima FWD or AWD.

Rank #2

Showcasts Toyota Camry 32459D - 1/34 Scale Diecast Model Car (Red)

• Toyota Camry - 32459D Showcasts Model Vehicle
• 1/34 Scale Collectible Model Mid-size Compact Car
• This is a 5.625"L x 2.25"W x 1.625"H Diecast Metal model with some plastic parts
• Openable Doors And Pullback Action
• 1 car, no box

$8.99

Buy on Amazon

Choosing FWD or AWD

• Choose FWD when: the lower purchase price and best Altima fuel rating matter more than added traction hardware.
• Choose AWD when: regular snow, steep unpaved roads, or local weather makes additional driven wheels worth the price and efficiency trade-off.
• Do not treat AWD as free: Nissan’s published figures show both a higher MSRP and a drop from 30 to 28 mpg combined for the listed SV/SR configurations.

Features and everyday usability

Altima standard safety equipment

Nissan says Safety Shield 360 is standard on the 2026 Altima. The package includes:

• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• High Beam Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Blind Spot Warning
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Rear Automatic Braking

These systems are driver aids, not substitutes for attention. Nissan’s press-kit limitation states: “The driver must never rely exclusively on any vehicle feature to warn about, prevent, or lessen the severity of a collision.” The same note says the driver remains responsible for monitoring surroundings and operating the vehicle safely.

Altima screens and smartphone connectivity

Nissan lists an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. An available 12.3-inch display adds wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. The 2026 specifications presentation associates the 12.3-inch system and wireless connectivity with upper trims, while the SV presentation shows the 8-inch screen and standard Apple CarPlay. Because packages can change what is included, verify the window sticker for the exact VIN rather than assuming every SR or Special Edition has the same screen.

Altima SR equipment

The SR is the styling and handling-focused Altima. Nissan describes sport-tuned suspension, sport seats, 19-inch wheels, and paddle shifters. Those items can make the SR more appealing to a driver who values steering response and a sportier cabin, but larger wheels and a firmer suspension may not be the priority for someone optimizing ride comfort or replacement-tire cost.

Available driver assistance and cameras

Nissan lists Intelligent Around View Monitor and ProPILOT Assist as available features, not standard equipment across the line. Check the exact package and trim. A vehicle advertised as having “around-view” or highway assistance may still require an option package, and feature names alone do not tell you whether the hardware is present on a particular car.

What can be said about Camry equipment

The Toyota specifications page provides the route to current 2026 information, but the available detail does not establish reliable trim-by-trim values for screen size, standard safety-package contents, or exact convenience equipment. Toyota also cautions that options and availability vary by region. Treat a Camry listing as incomplete until the dealer supplies the build sheet or window sticker for the car being sold.

Fuel economy: the Altima has exact figures; the Camry comparison needs model-year discipline

Published 2026 Altima EPA estimates

These are Nissan’s EPA estimates for comparison purposes. Actual mileage varies with speed, weather, traffic, load, tire pressure, temperature, and driving style. Source: Nissan’s 2026 Altima press kit.

Why there is no 2026 Camry MPG verdict here

A Cars.com comparison page currently places a 2026 Altima beside a 2027 Camry and displays 52 city/49 highway mpg for that Camry example. Those figures cannot be presented as 2026 Camry ratings. The page is useful for showing how live comparison tools can drift between model years, but it is not a matched 2026-versus-2026 source: Cars.com Nissan Altima vs. Toyota Camry comparison.

Rank #3

LOVEPOSELY 1:36 Scale Camry XSE Diecast Model Car Toy, Zinc Alloy Pull Back Supercar Vehicles Toy Car for Kids Adults Birthday Gift (Black)

• High-Quality Materials:The camry die-casting car is made of zinc alloy, plastic parts and rubber tires, the body is strong and impact-resistant, both sides of the door can be opened to show the details of the simulation of equal proportions to restore the real feeling of the real car;
• Pull Back Function: Our camry toy car's rear wheels have strong rebound force, so there is no need for batteries, simply pull the car back and release your hand, and the car will travel a long distance, providing a great sense of play and being very attractive to children;
• Size Perfect: 1/36 Scale just as much as an adult's palm,the camry toy model vehicle is a perfect option for to play with and carry, it is also an ideal desktop or shelf display item for car collectors. Size: 4.8 * 1.9 * 1.2 inches;
• Growth in Games: Help children learn more about cars, expand their knowledge, and improve their hand eye coordination and reaction speed in games. Enable children to experience the joy of playing games with the company of their parents and promote parent-child relationships;
• Best Gift: LOVEPOSELY Die Casting Model Car is a great stress relieving toy for adults in the office. For children, it is also a perfect Christmas, birthday, Children's Day, New Year gift, etc;

$12.59

Buy on Amazon

Toyota’s 2026 Camry specification page was available, but the returned information does not expose the exact EPA values needed for a dependable 2026 table. Before calculating fuel cost, copy the combined rating for the exact Camry trim and drivetrain from the vehicle’s official specification, window sticker, or dealer documentation. Do not substitute a 2027 figure or a different trim.

Ownership cost: how to calculate a fair result

Sticker price is only the first input. A useful comparison uses the same annual mileage and ownership period for both vehicles and keeps one-time and recurring costs separate.

1. Get matched quotes. Request an itemized buyer’s order for the exact Altima and Camry trims, with the same drive layout where possible. Include destination, installed options, documentation fees, taxes, title, registration, incentives, and financing terms.
2. Calculate fuel from verified combined ratings. Use: annual miles ÷ combined mpg × local price per gallon. Use the Altima rating for the selected FWD or AWD version and the exact 2026 Camry rating supplied for the quoted vehicle.
3. Price insurance for your address. Request quotes using the same liability limits, deductibles, drivers, annual mileage, and garaging address. A national assumption can miss large regional differences.
4. Model financing separately. Compare the same down payment, loan term, APR, taxes financed, and expected payoff date. A lower MSRP can still produce a higher payment if the financing terms differ.
5. List scheduled maintenance and wear items. Ask for the manufacturer maintenance schedule and price routine services locally. Include tires, brakes, wiper blades, alignment, and any AWD-related service your dealer specifies.
6. Account for resale and time horizon. Estimate what you will owe and what you reasonably expect to receive at the end of three, five, or seven years. Keep those assumptions visible; do not present an unsupported depreciation winner.

No directly comparable 2026-specific figures were established here for insurance, depreciation, repairs, maintenance totals, or financing. That is why a definitive “cheaper to own” label would overstate the available evidence.

A simple worksheet

Which buyer should shortlist each car?

Choose the Altima first when upfront value and AWD matter

• You want the lowest listed entry price in this comparison.
• You need an available AWD configuration and accept its higher price and lower EPA rating.
• You want standard Safety Shield 360 and are satisfied with an 8-inch screen, or you are prepared to pay for a trim/package with the 12.3-inch display.
• You prefer the SR’s sport-tuned suspension, sport seats, 19-inch wheels, and paddle shifters.

Shortlist the Camry when its exact specification fits better

• You are willing to start from Toyota’s higher $29,600 MSRP and want to investigate the specific Camry powertrain and equipment offered in your region.
• The dealer can document a configuration whose verified EPA rating, standard features, warranty terms, and transaction price meet your needs.
• You are comparing total costs with a real quote rather than assuming a broad hybrid, reliability, or resale advantage that has not been verified for the exact 2026 vehicle.

Common comparison mistakes

Mixing model years

Live shopping pages can pair a 2026 Altima with a 2027 Camry. Always read the model year beside every MPG, warranty, price, and feature claim.

Comparing FWD with AWD without labeling it

An Altima SV FWD at $27,580 and an SV AWD at $29,080 are different drivetrains with different EPA ratings. Put drivetrain in every quote and table.

Treating MSRP as the final price

Nissan says dealer pricing, destination, taxes, title, license, and subsequent changes affect the final amount. Toyota says regional availability and options vary. The buyer’s order is the meaningful price document.

Assuming a feature is standard because it appears on a trim page

Confirm whether the 12.3-inch display, wireless smartphone connectivity, Intelligent Around View Monitor, or ProPILOT Assist is standard or tied to a package on the exact vehicle.

Calling fuel economy a complete ownership-cost study

Fuel is only one recurring expense. Insurance, interest, scheduled service, tires, repairs, fees, and resale can outweigh a modest MPG difference depending on how far you drive and how long you keep the car.

Bottom-line buying process

1. Pick the equipment you actually need: standard safety coverage, screen size, driver-assistance features, AWD, and seating or wheel preferences.
2. Request one itemized Altima quote and one itemized Camry quote for comparable configurations.
3. Verify the model year, drivetrain, EPA combined rating, destination treatment, and every option on both documents.
4. Run the same annual-mileage, fuel-price, insurance, financing, maintenance, and ownership-period assumptions.
5. Buy the car whose documented total cost and equipment match your priorities—not the one that wins an unverified headline comparison.

For the evidence currently available, the 2026 Altima is the clear MSRP leader and offers a documented AWD choice with published EPA numbers. The 2026 Camry remains a valid alternative, but its exact fuel-economy and trim-equipment details must be confirmed from the specific Toyota configuration before making a complete price-versus-ownership judgment.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1

RMZ City 1:36 Camry XSE Car Model, Diecast Pull Back Model Toy Car, Doors Open, Collection Kids Toy for Aged 3 and up, Gift White

$14.97

Bestseller No. 2

Showcasts Toyota Camry 32459D - 1/34 Scale Diecast Model Car (Red)

Toyota Camry - 32459D Showcasts Model Vehicle; 1/34 Scale Collectible Model Mid-size Compact Car

$8.99

Bestseller No. 3

LOVEPOSELY 1:36 Scale Camry XSE Diecast Model Car Toy, Zinc Alloy Pull Back Supercar Vehicles Toy Car for Kids Adults Birthday Gift (Black)

$12.59

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.