2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR vs 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL
24 more hp and awd vs 6 MPG better. That is the real fork. Key numbers: 182 vs 158 hp, 28 vs 34 MPG.
The Altima 2.5 SR leads on 24 more hp, AWD. The Jetta SEL leads on 6 MPG better. The spec table compares 8 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 8 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR | 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $30,480 | $29,995 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 1.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 158 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 25 | 29 |
| Highway MPG | 33 | 40 |
| Combined MPG | 28 | 34 |
| Fuel Tank | 16.0 gal | 13.2 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,550/yr | $1,300/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,442 lbs | 3,058 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 105.7" |
| Length | 192.9" | 186.5" |
| Width | 72.9" | 70.8" |
| Height | 57.4" | 57.7" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 4yr/50k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR and 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL starts at $29,995, $485 less than the 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR at $30,480. That gap is small enough that monthly payments are nearly identical. Focus on which vehicle fits your life, not the sticker.
Who should choose the 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR?
The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR is the stronger pick when you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.
Who should choose the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL is the stronger pick when you want to keep $485 in your pocket and the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $265/year less on fuel.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL?
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL rates 34 combined MPG, 6 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL?
The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR produces 182 hp, 24 more than the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL at 158 hp. The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL also leads in torque at 184 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR, FWD on the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL.
Is the 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR bigger than the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL?
The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR is 6.4″ longer at 192.9″ vs 186.5″. The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR has a 5.5″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR and 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR comes with AWD, while the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
How do the warranties compare?
The Nissan Altima comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Volkswagen Jetta offers 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Nissan trims, Nissan Altima trims, Volkswagen trims, Volkswagen Jetta trims
Altima vs Jetta: What This Matchup Is Really About
The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR and 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL are both midsize sedans competing for the same buyer. Price, fuel economy, and daily comfort are the tie-breakers. The $-485 price gap works out to less than $10/month on a typical loan, so the cost difference is negligible. Pick on fit, not on price.
Under the Hood
The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo. The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR has 24 more hp (182 vs 158), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR comes with AWD; the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
Running Costs: Altima vs Jetta
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL saves roughly $265/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,325.
How Each One Fits Your Daily Life
The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR has a 5.5″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR weighs 384 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Bottom Line
Choose the 2026 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR when you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted. Choose the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL when you want to keep $485 in your pocket and the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta SEL covers your needs.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Nissan or Volkswagen or any dealership.