Nissan appears to be working on a new sedan, signaling that the brand isn’t ready to abandon the segment just yet. A camouflaged large sedan was recently spotted testing in Michigan, sparking speculation about what Nissan has in store for its struggling sedan lineup.
Due to declining sales, Nissan has recently been scaling back its sedan offerings. The large Maxima was officially discontinued, and there have been rumors that the Altima could also be phased out after this year. However, the sighting of this new test vehicle suggests that Nissan isn’t walking away from the sedan market—it might be preparing to fight back with a fresh model.
Could This Be the Next-Gen Altima?
The test vehicle caught on camera appears to be the likely successor to the Altima. It was seen driving alongside the current Altima, and its silhouette shared several similarities with the existing model. The beltline from the front fender to the C-pillar looks consistent with the Altima’s current design.
While the camouflage conceals specific details, some design changes are still noticeable. The front end appears simpler, possibly moving away from Nissan’s signature V-motion grille. There are hints that the model could feature the split headlight design introduced on the new Murano. A slim bar across the grille’s top adds a sleek, modern touch.
What About the Powertrain?
One of the biggest questions surrounding this model is its powertrain. Given Nissan’s growing focus on electrification, some expected the new sedan to be a fully electric vehicle. However, the test model was spotted with an exhaust system, not just a hidden pipe. A clearly visible discolored muffler behind the rear bumper confirms that it’s an internal combustion engine model.
This suggests that Nissan may stick with the existing 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine or introduce a hybrid option instead of going fully electric.
Why Nissan Isn’t Giving Up on Sedans
The position of sedans in the global automobile market is gradually narrowing. As SUVs and electric vehicles become the mainstream, major automakers are reducing their sedan lineups. However, Nissan still seems not to have completely given up on the sedan market.
There is a track record behind this. Looking at Nissan’s sales last year, the Altima and the Rogue were among the few models that sold more than 100,000 units per year. Since there is still demand for mid-sized sedans in the North American market, Nissan will likely release the next-generation model, even if it means pushing itself too hard.
Nissan’s financial situation may also have impacted the car. The Altima was one of Nissan’s important sources of revenue, and the company has been restructuring and cutting costs in recent years. A competitive new model is essential for sedans to survive in a market where SUVs are strong, and the camouflaged vehicle captured this time could be the answer.
Expected Launch Timeline
Nissan has yet to release any official details about the new model, but industry insiders expect the next-generation Altima to debut in 2026. Some speculate it could be a next-generation Sentra, which would likely push the launch date back slightly.
With sedan sales under pressure and SUVs dominating the market, Nissan’s next move will be closely watched. Whether this new sedan becomes the cornerstone of Nissan’s sedan strategy remains to be seen — but it’s clear the automaker isn’t backing down just yet.
