Nissan Ditches the Altima, Bets Big on SUVs and Trucks

S. future, and the plan comes with a bittersweet goodbye for sedan lovers. The automaker confirmed this week that the Altima, a nameplate that has anchored its lineup for over three decades, will be discontinued after this year. That leaves the Sentra as the lone traditional car in Nissan’s stable, taking on a more mature role to absorb what’s left of the sedan market.

The Versa and Maxima have already been shown the door.

The shift isn’t just about trimming fat, it’s a full pivot toward crossovers and body-on-frame SUVs. The long-rumored return of the Xterra is finally official, riding on a truck-based platform with a V6 engine. Nissan is also weighing a hybrid option for the Xterra, though that would require a heavier, larger vehicle.

The same underpinnings could spawn up to five models, including a three-row SUV and Infiniti variants. Meanwhile, the next-generation Rogue is getting a series-hybrid e-Power powertrain this November, targeting 40 mpg, as Nissan tries to claw back market share in the hot compact SUV segment.

The Altima’s exit isn’t exactly shocking. The current model dates back to 2019, while rivals like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry have moved ahead in both refinement and sales. Nissan had planned electric sedan replacements for the Altima and Maxima, but weak EV demand, which the company doesn’t expect to take off until 2029 or 2030, scrapped those plans.

For now, the focus is on what sells: trucks, SUVs, and a hands-off driving assist system using AI, slated for 2028. It’s a rapid turnaround for a brand that seemed on the ropes, and while the sedan era is ending, the new lineup could make Nissan a tougher competitor against Honda and Toyota.