2018 Nissan Altima Oil Type & Capacity
The 2018 Nissan Altima oil type depends on the engine: the 2.5L takes 0W-20 (4.88 quarts with filter); the 3.5L takes 0W-20 (5.13 quarts with filter); the S takes 0W-20 (4.88 quarts with filter); the SR takes 0W-20 (4.88 quarts with filter); the SR Midnight Edition takes 0W-20 (4.88 quarts with filter); the SR Special Edition takes 0W-20 (4.88 quarts with filter); the SV takes 0W-20 (4.88 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 2.5L: 0W-20, 4.88 quarts with filter
- 3.5L: 0W-20, 5.13 quarts with filter
- S: 0W-20, 4.88 quarts with filter
- SR: 0W-20, 4.88 quarts with filter
- SR Midnight Edition: 0W-20, 4.88 quarts with filter
- SR Special Edition: 0W-20, 4.88 quarts with filter
- SV: 0W-20, 4.88 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 4.88 QTS. | 4.50 QTS. | NISSAN recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil. |
| 3.5L — 3.5L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 5.13 QTS. | 4.75 QTS. | NISSAN recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil. |
| S — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 4.88 QTS. | 4.50 QTS. | NISSAN recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil. |
| SR — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 4.88 QTS. | 4.50 QTS. | NISSAN recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil. |
| SR Midnight Edition — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 4.88 QTS. | 4.50 QTS. | NISSAN recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil. |
| SR Special Edition — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 4.88 QTS. | 4.50 QTS. | NISSAN recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil. |
| SV — 2.5L Eng | API - SAE 0W-20 | 4.88 QTS. | 4.50 QTS. | NISSAN recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil. |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your Altima
2018 Nissan Altima factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
8.13 quarts (7.69 L) — Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2018 Nissan Altima take?
It depends on the engine: 2.5L uses 0W-20; 3.5L uses 0W-20; S uses 0W-20; SR uses 0W-20; SR Midnight Edition uses 0W-20; SR Special Edition uses 0W-20; SV uses 0W-20.
How much oil does a 2018 Nissan Altima take?
Capacity depends on the engine: 2.5L holds 4.88 quarts with filter; 3.5L holds 5.13 quarts with filter; S holds 4.88 quarts with filter; SR holds 4.88 quarts with filter; SR Midnight Edition holds 4.88 quarts with filter; SR Special Edition holds 4.88 quarts with filter; SV holds 4.88 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2018 Nissan Altima?
Yes. 0W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2018 Nissan Altima. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.