Behind the redesigned front end of the Nissan Teana Plus lies a carry-over turbo 2.0-liter engine with 240 hp
Update: We’ve added new photos of the facelifted Dongfeng Nissan sedan, along with confirmation it will adopt the Teana Plus name.
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 Teana in overseas markets, it is built by Nissan’s joint venture with Dongfeng and will soon get another facelift. The Teana Plus borrows styling cues from the brand’s newer electrified sedans, and is expected to hit the roads before the end of the year.
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Photos and preliminary specifications of the sedan recently appeared in filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, giving a clear preview of the upcoming model. Only a few days later, Dongfeng Nissan released the first official images of the sedan, confirming that the refreshed version will be called the Teana Plus.
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. Nissan has also introduced new designs for the alloy wheels measuring up to 19 inches in diameter.
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 Teana Plus is powered by a carry-over turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 240 hp (179 kW / 243 PS). The mill is mated 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, but chances are it will be fitted to the regular Teana rather than the Teana Plus.
The 2026 Nissan Teana Plus is expected to roll out in China in the fourth quarter of 2025. The outgoing model is currently priced between ¥179,800 ($25,000) and ¥239,800 ($33,400) and will most likely remain on sale alongside its redesigned counterpart.
What About the Altima?
As for the US-spec 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 Plus or continue to follow a slightly separate design path, as seen with the current regional variations.
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio

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