The Nissan Altima was introduced in Nissan’s lineup as a mid-sized sedan in 1992, and has remained popular ever since. Nissan cars are known for their affordability and the Altima also has the features consumers expect from today’s cars, including towing. But what’s the towing capacity of a Nissan Altima?
The Nissan Altima has a towing capacity of 1,000 lbs across all years and trim levels.
There’s a bit more to know about Nissan Altima towing which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2022 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
As we covered earlier, the Nissan Altima can tow a maximum of 1,000 lbs no matter which trim level you have.
| Altima Trim Level | Engine | Axle Ratio | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| S | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| SV | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| SR | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| SR Midnight Edition | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| SL | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| SR VC-Turbo | 2.0L VC-Turbo | 4.83 | 248 hp | 273 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| Platinum | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Nissan Altima Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Nissan Altima Braked Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs.
Nissan Altima Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs.
Nissan Altima Towing Capacity Factors
Because the Nissan Altima offers the max towing capacity on all trim levels, you don’t need to worry about engine specs or different towing packages based on what version of the model you have.
Nissan Altima Engine Specs
All trim levels of the Nissan Altima except the SR Turbo edition have a 2.5 Liter 4 Cylinder gas engine .
This engine offers a max 188 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft of torque along with a CVT transmission.
The SR VC-Turbo edition has a 2.0 Liter VC-Turbo 4 Cylinder gas engine with a max 248 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft of torque along with a CVT transmission.
Nissan Altima Tow Packages
Does The Nissan Altima Have A Tow Package?
The Altima doesn’t automatically come with a tow hitch installed, so you’ll need to select an option when ordering one, or install one yourself after taking delivery.
Can You Install A Hitch On A Nissan Altima?
If you plan on towing anything with your Altima, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Nissan Altima Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Nissan Altima fits a Class 1 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Nissan Altima trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 1 hitch is rated for 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 200 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- HIGHLY VERSATILE. Add useful, versatile towing options to your vehicle with this class 1 trailer hitch. It provides a standard 1-1/4-inch x 1-1/4-inch receiver hitch, allowing you to tow a small trailer or mount a cargo carrier or bike rack
- DUAL-COAT FINISH. For industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance inside and out, this aftermarket tow hitch kit is submersed in a liquid A-coat and co-cured with a durable black powder coat finish
- EASY INSTALLATION. This class 1 hitch is designed to factory fit select model years of the Nissan Altima and Maxima
- TESTED FOR SAFETY. Each CURT class 1 trailer hitch design is thoroughly tested, using real vehicles in real-world conditions. Our hitches are tested to SAE J684 specifications for safety on the road ahead
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Altima:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Nissan Altima Tow Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Altima, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Nissan Altima trailer hitch installation:
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With Nissan Altima?
The Nissan Altima does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame-mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My Nissan Altima Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Altima to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Altima.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2021 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
The 2021 Nissan Altima had the same engine options and trim levels as the 2022 Altima trim levels, except the SR Midnight Edition wasn’t offered.
The towing capacities are the same.
| Altima Trim Level | Engine | Axle Ratio | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| S | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| SV | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| SR | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| SL | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| SR VC-Turbo | 2.0L VC-Turbo | 4.83 | 248 hp | 273 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| Platinum | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2020 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
The 2020 Nissan Altima had the same engine options and trim levels as the 2021 Altima trim levels, except the trim level orders were a little different.
The towing capacities are the same.
| Altima Trim Level | Engine | Axle Ratio | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| S | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| SV | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| SR | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| SL | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| SR VC-Turbo | 2.0L VC-Turbo | 4.83 | 248 hp | 273 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| Platinum | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2019 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
The 2019 Nissan Altima offered the same two engines, but with a few additional trim levels offering the turbo engine, as well as the Edition One trim level.
The 2019 Nissan Altima towing capacity remains at 1,000 lbs for all trims.
| Altima Trim Level | Engine | Axle Ratio | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| S | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| SR | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| SR VC-Turbo | 2.0L VC-Turbo | 4.83 | 248 hp | 273 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| Platinum | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| Platinum VC-Turbo | 2.0L VC-Turbo | 4.83 | 248 hp | 273 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| Edition One VC-Turbo | 2.0L VC-Turbo | 4.83 | 248 hp | 273 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2018 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
The 2018 Nissan Altima offered two engines: the 197 hp 2.5L 4 cylinder, and a 3.5L 6 cylinder on the SL trim level only.
Both options had a max towing capacity of 1,000 lbs.
| Altima Trim Level | Engine | Axle Ratio | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| S | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| SR | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| SV | 2.5L V4 | 4.83 | 188 hp | 180 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
| SL | 3.5L V6 | 4.83 | 270 hp | 251 lb.-ft | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2017 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
All trim levels of the 2017 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2016 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
All trim levels of the 2016 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2015 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
All trim levels of the 2015 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2014 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
All trim levels of the 2014 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2013 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
All trim levels of the 2013 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2012 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
All trim levels of the 2012 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity, including the 2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 S.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2011 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
All trim levels of the 2011 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2010 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
All trim levels of the 2010 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity, including the 2010 Nissan Altima V6.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2009 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
All trim levels of the 2009 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2008 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
All trim levels of the 2008 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
This applies to the 2008 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL and the V6.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2007 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
All trim levels of the 2007 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2006 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
All trim levels of the 2006 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity, including the 2006 Nissan Altima 3.5.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2005 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
All trim levels of the 2005 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity, including the 2005 Nissan Altima 3.5.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2004 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
All trim levels of the 2004 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity, including the 2005 Nissan Altima 3.5.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2003 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
All trim levels of the 2003 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2002 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
All trim levels of the 2002 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2001 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
All trim levels of the 2001 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
2000 Nissan Altima Towing Capacity
All trim levels of the 2000 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
1999 Nissan Altima Tow Capacity
All trim levels of the 1999 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
1998 Nissan Altima Tow Capacity
All trim levels of the 1998 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
1997 Nissan Altima Tow Capacity
All trim levels of the 1997 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
1996 Nissan Altima Tow Capacity
All trim levels of the 1996 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
1995 Nissan Altima Tow Capacity
All trim levels of the 1995 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
1994 Nissan Altima Tow Capacity
All trim levels of the 1994 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
1993 Nissan Altima Tow Capacity
All trim levels of the 1993 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
1992 Nissan Altima Tow Capacity
All trim levels of the 1992 Altima had a 1,000 lb. towing capacity.
| Altima Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All Trim Levels & Engine Options | 1,000 lbs / 453 kg |
