- The Nissan Teana gets a sharper new look inspired by electric sedans for China.
- Redesigned exterior adds modern style but keeps its combustion heart unchanged.
- Altima’s future in the US remains uncertain as China’s twin gets a visual refresh.
The Nissan Altima may be facing an uncertain future in North America, but its counterpart in China isn’t going anywhere just yet. Known as the Nissan Teana in overseas markets, the model is built by Nissan’s joint venture with Dongfeng and is now preparing for a mid-cycle refresh. The updated design takes cues from the brand’s newer electrified sedans.
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Although Dongfeng Nissan hasn’t officially confirmed the update, images of the refreshed Teana recently surfaced via China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, offering a clear look at what’s to come.
Design Changes
The most noticeable update is at the front. A redesigned face features darker LED headlights paired with a broader grille that incorporates new daytime running lights and a more refined pattern. Below that, the bumper gains a wider lower intake, echoing the styling seen on the newer N6 and N7 sedans. These changes likely aim to modernize the internal combustion Teana while creating some visual harmony with Nissan’s new electrified lineup.
Along the sides, the silhouette remains mostly unchanged, though new alloy wheel designs freshen up the look. One variant also features a two-tone paint option with a contrasting upper section, lending the car a more upscale presence.
At the back, the model gains a darkened full-width cluster for the LED taillights with illuminated Nissan lettering in the middle, reminiscent of the electrified N6 and N7. The tailgate and the rear bumper received a cleaner design, while the exhaust pipes are no longer visible.
Due to the redesigned bits, the sedan has grown by 14 mm (0.6 inches) in length, stretching to 4,920 mm (193.7 inches). Width, height, and wheelbase remain the same, including the 2,825 mm (111.2-inch) span between the axles.
Interior images haven’t been released yet, but the cabin is expected to receive a revamped dashboard with a new digital cockpit and updated tech features to keep the Teana competitive in the segment.
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The most powerful version of the Teana keeps the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 240 hp (179 kW / 243 PS), sent to the front wheels through an Xtronic CVT with eight simulated gears. Interestingly, regulatory filings also mention a new entry-level powertrain rated at 142 hp (106 kW / 144 PS), which is lower than the current naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine’s output of 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS). The reason for this downgrade remains unclear.
The refreshed 2026 Nissan Teana is expected to roll out in the Chinese market later this year. The outgoing model is currently priced between ¥179,800 ($25,000) and ¥239,800 ($33,400).
What About the Altima?
As for the US-spec Nissan Altima, the current generation was introduced in 2018 and received a facelift in 2022. A second update could help extend its life on the market for a few more years, particularly as internal combustion models are seeing something of a reprieve under the Trump administration. Still, speculation about the Altima’s possible discontinuation hasn’t gone away.
If a refreshed version does appear, it’s unclear whether it will adopt any styling cues from the Chinese Teana or continue to follow a slightly separate design path, as seen with the current regional variations.
