2026 Nissan Teana Facelift Breaks Cover in China

The Nissan Altima may be uncertain in North America, but its Chinese twin, the Nissan Teana, is here to stay. Built by Dongfeng Nissan, the Teana is preparing for a significant mid-cycle refresh that blends updated styling cues with new powertrain options, ensuring it remains competitive in China’s demanding mid-size sedan market.

Key Takeaways

• Refreshed design inspired by Nissan’s electrified sedan lineup.
• More upscale appearance with darker LED headlights, wider grille, and illuminated rear Nissan badge.
• Two engine choices, including a 240 hp turbo and a new lower-powered entry option.
• Slight size increase to 4,920 mm in length, with unchanged width, height, and wheelbase.
• Expected Chinese market launch later this year with pricing similar to current models.

A Design Inspired by Electrification

The 2026 Nissan Teana’s most striking changes appear up front. Darker LED headlights flank a broader grille, now integrated with fresh daytime running lights and a more refined mesh pattern. The redesigned bumper sports a wider lower intake, mirroring the styling direction of Nissan’s latest electrified sedans such as the N6 and N7.

From the side, the Teana retains its familiar silhouette but benefits from new alloy wheel designs. Certain trims will offer a two-tone paint option with a contrasting roof, adding an extra layer of sophistication.

At the rear, Nissan has introduced a full-width darkened LED light bar with illuminated Nissan lettering — another design element drawn from the brand’s electrified range. The tailgate and bumper receive cleaner lines, and the exhaust pipes are now hidden for a sleeker finish.

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Dimensions and Proportions

The facelift adds 14 mm to the car’s length, bringing it to 4,920 mm. Width, height, and the 2,825 mm wheelbase remain the same, meaning cabin space should be unchanged.

Engine Lineup: Power and Efficiency

The most powerful version retains the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 240 hp (179 kW / 243 PS), paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT that simulates eight gears for smoother acceleration.

A new entry-level engine rated at 142 hp (106 kW / 144 PS) is also listed in regulatory filings. This is notably less than the current naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine’s 154 hp, though Nissan has not yet explained the reason for the drop in output.

Interior Updates on the Horizon

While no interior images have been released, industry expectations suggest a redesigned dashboard featuring a fully digital cockpit and upgraded infotainment system. Such updates would align the Teana with its newer Nissan siblings and cater to the tech-focused preferences of Chinese buyers.

Pricing and Market Position

The facelifted Teana is expected to launch later this year in China. The outgoing model ranges between ¥179,800 ($25,000) and ¥239,800 ($33,400), and pricing is likely to stay close to this bracket.

The Altima’s Future Remains Uncertain

In contrast, the US-market Nissan Altima — which shares its platform and much of its DNA with the Teana — is facing a more precarious future. Introduced in 2018 and refreshed in 2022, the Altima could see another update, but speculation about its discontinuation persists. Whether it will adopt any of the Teana’s new design elements remains to be seen.

A Strategic Refresh to Stay Competitive

With the mid-size sedan segment in China still highly competitive, the 2026 Nissan Teana’s refresh is more than a cosmetic update. By combining modernized styling inspired by Nissan’s electrified models, a familiar yet potent turbo engine, and a new entry-level option, Dongfeng Nissan aims to keep the Teana relevant well into the second half of the decade.