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The 2022 Nissan Altima is a popular car, no doubt about it. However, like every other sedan on sale in the United States, it can’t compete with the rising popularity of SUVs, trucks, and crossovers. Still, the Nissan sedan managed to hold on to a spot in the top 25 best seller list for 2022 so far. 

Is the 2022 Nissan Altima a good car? 

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a good car, but it has some steep competition. The Nissan sedan offers many trims, albeit without any hybrid powertrain offering. So the best that Altima will manage is just 29 to 32 mpg combined. While that isn’t terrible, it can’t compete with a comparable Honda Accord Hybrid. 

Still, unlike the Accord, the Nissan Altima offers optional all-wheel drive (AWD), a plus for shoppers in difficult climates. Furthermore, the Nissan sedan is roomy and comfortable. 

This Nissan sedan is one on the best seller list for 2022 so far.
The Nissan sedan sports handsome styling | Nissan

How did the Nissan sedan do on the list of best sellers? 

The Altima is on the list of best-selling cars in America, but just barely. In fact, the Nissan Altima was the final sedan on the list of best sellers. Specifically, Nissan reports having sold 38,295 units of the sedan. Also, Car and Driver reports that the first quarter (Q1) of 2022 shows Altima outselling the Nissan Sentra, which has a reported sales slump of 27 percent. 

How did competitors do on the list? 

The 2022 Toyota Camry was the best-selling car on the list and the seventh best-selling vehicle overall. Toyota managed to sell 61,505 units, and while it’s not twice as many units as Altima, it’s quite a lead. Still, the 2022 Toyota Camry isn’t immune to the shifting demand. The Camry’s sales dropped by 21 percent for Q1 2022. 

Next, the 2022 Honda Accord also outperformed the Nissan Altima. According to Car and Driver, Honda sold 42,039 units in Q1 2022. While that sounds like a lot, it is still nearly 20,000 off the pace of the undisputed Toyota Camry. Still, that number puts the Accord ahead of the Nissan sedan, albeit not by much. 

What can you buy instead of the Nissan sedan? 

The Altima is a Nissan sedan on the best seller list.
An Altima’s interior complete with infotainment screen | Nissan

The segment that the Nissan Altima competes in is populated with some highly rated cars. The top-selling Camry is a well-recommended alternative to the Altima, although Car and Driver prefers the venerable Honda Accord. Honda’s other powerhouse, the Civic, also outsold the Altima and offers a handsome redesign over the unfortunate previous look. 

Finally, if you’re ready to transition to an electric vehicle (EV), Tesla has two cars on the best-selling cars list. First, the entry-level Model 3 is a good option for first-time EV shoppers. Next, the Model Y is a bit bigger and has some of the same industry-leading safety scores as the Model 3. 

The 2022 Nissan Altima is an American best seller
A Nissan Altima | Raymond Boyd, Getty Images

Should you buy a Nissan Altima? 

Car and Driver recommends the Nissan Altima but quickly points out that they prefer the Honda Accord. That is a prudent recommendation, given the variety of the Accord compared to the Nissan sedan. The Accord offers sporty trims, hybrid options, and a range-topping luxury trim. If you’re in the market for a midsize sedan, you should consider a 2022 Honda Accord over a 2022 Nissan Altima. 

Scroll down to the following article to read about other best sellers! 

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