The midsize sedan market has always been competitive, with cars like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata all trying to be the best. The Nissan Altima is still the best choice for families and commuters since it is practical, affordable, and comfy. The Altima is a good mix of cost and versatility. It has engines that are known for being efficient, a smooth ride, and all-wheel drive, which is unique in its class.
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In this full review of the Nissan Altima, we’ll cover all you need to know about the current model, including its trims, prices, performance, fuel efficiency, interior features, safety, and dependability. We’ll also compare it to its main competitors and point out its benefits and cons so you can determine if the Altima is the ideal sedan for you.
The Nissan Altima’s Changes Over Time
The Nissan Altima first came out in 1992 as a little sedan, but it has now developed into a full-size midsize car. Over the course of six generations, it changed to fulfill buyers’ needs for safety, contemporary features, and efficiency.
First generation (1992–1997)
A little sedan with a simplistic design and good gas mileage.
Third generation (2002–2006)
Fully moved into the midsize category, making it bigger and more powerful.
Fifth generation (2013–2018)
Focused on fuel economy and added advanced driver-assist systems.
Sixth generation (2019–present)
A stylish redesign with all-wheel drive, bigger touchscreen screens, and the option of Nissan’s VC-Turbo engine.
Prices and Trims for the Nissan Altima
There are different trims of the 2024 Nissan Altima to fit different budgets.
- S: The base model costs about $26,000 and comes with cloth seats, 16-inch wheels, and a 7-inch infotainment display.
- SV: About $27,700 more for bigger wheels, an 8-inch screen, and smartphone compatibility.
- SR: About $29,500 for a sportier variant with strong design details and a tuned suspension.
- SL: About $32,600 for high-end features including leather seats, Bose sound, and GPS.
- SR VC-Turbo: Around $36,500. It has a turbocharged engine that makes a lot of power.
- Platinum: About $34,900; the highest trim level, with the best safety features, luxury touches, and high-tech enhancements.
The Altima is a good value in lower trims and has more luxurious options in higher trims.
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Nissan Altima Fuel Economy and Performance
There are two engines that buyers can pick from:
2.5L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 188
- 27 mpg city and 39 mpg highway (FWD) for fuel economy
- The AWD variant lowers mpg a little bit but makes it better in the cold.
2.0L VC-Turbo engine (SR trim)
- Power: 248 hp when using premium fuel
- Fuel economy: about 25 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway
With Nissan’s normal CVT (continuously variable gearbox), acceleration is smooth if not aggressive. The turbo version is great for those who seek performance without losing efficiency.
In the real world, the Altima gets great gas mileage, making it one of the most fuel-efficient sedans in its class. It’s perfect for long commutes.
The Inside and Comfort of the Nissan Altima
The inside of the Nissan Altima is utilitarian, with a clean design and comfortable seats.
- Space in the Cabin: There is enough of legroom for up to five adults to sit comfortably.
- Infotainment System: A standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher models come with navigation and voice commands.
- Features that cost more: Higher trims have leather seats, heated seats, wireless charging, and a driver’s seat that can be adjusted with power.
- Cargo: The trunk has 15.4 cubic feet of room, which is good for the class.
- Noise Insulation: Better than average, making the highway experience quieter.
The Altima’s cabin is a mix of utility and comfort, making it suitable to both families and professionals.
The Nissan Altima’s Safety Features
With its Safety Shield 360 package, Nissan keeps safety at the top of its list.
Some features that come standard or are available are:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Warning for Blind Spots and Lane Departure
- Alert for traffic coming from behind
- Smart Cruise Control
- ProPILOT Assist (semi-autonomous driving, only available on some trims)
The IIHS and NHTSA always give the Altima good scores, so it’s a safe choice for people who care about safety.
Nissan Altima Technology and Connectivity
People who know a lot about technology would like what the Altima has to offer:
- Touchscreen for infotainment that is 8 inches wide (standard)
- Optional 12.3-inch high-definition screen (only on SL and Platinum)
- Works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Ability to be a Wi-Fi hotspot
- As many as six USB ports
- Bose sound system in SL and Platinum (high-end)
These characteristics make the Altima similar to high-end cars without the exorbitant price tag.
How Reliable is the Nissan Altima and How Much Does it Cost to Own?
The Altima is known for being reliable, although not as much as the Toyota Camry.
- Basic warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles; powertrain warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles.
- Costs of upkeep: Average, however CVT transmission problems were more common in older models.
- Value when you sell it: Good, but not as good as the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.
The Altima is a terrific choice for consumers who want a car that will last a long time and doesn’t cost a lot of money up front.
Nissan Altima Compared to Other Cars
There is a lot of rivalry in the midsize car market. Let’s have a look at:
| Feature | Altima from Nissan | The Honda Accord | Camry from Toyota | Hyundai Sonata |
| Base Price | $26,000 | $28,390 | $27,500 | $27,250 |
| Horsepower | 188–248 | 192–252 | 203–301 | 191–290 |
| AWD Choice | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| MPG on the highway | As high as 39 | Up to 37 | 39 | As many as 38 |
| Tech | ProPILOT Help | Honda Sensing | Toyota’s Safety Sense | Hyundai SmartSense |
What is the Altima’s best feature?
It is one of the few popular sedans that comes with all-wheel drive, which is very appealing to people who live in snowy areas.
Pros and Cons of the Nissan Altima
Good points:
- A midsize automobile with all-wheel drive is available.
- Great gas mileage (up to 39 mpg).
- A starting price that is competitive.
- The inside is big and pleasant.
- Advanced safety and driver-assistance features.
Cons:
- People who love driving might not like the CVT transmission.
- Only one trim level has a turbo engine.
- Not as good at holding its value as the Accord or Camry.
- The materials used inside are different for each trim.
Is the Nissan Altima a Good Fit for You?
The Altima is a great choice if you want a midsize sedan that is affordable, efficient, comfortable, and has all-wheel drive as an option. It stands out in its class since it has all-wheel drive, which makes it useful all year round.
But people who want a car that will hold its value better or that is more fun to drive might choose the Accord or Camry. The Altima strikes a good balance, especially for families that live in areas with bad weather.
Final Thoughts
This Nissan Altima review shows why the Altima is still a good choice in the congested midsize sedan market. The Altima is a great choice for getting to work and taking the family around because it gets good gas mileage, has current technology, and has a lot of safety features. Its available all-wheel drive (AWD) sets it different from other cars and gives consumers in northern areas peace of mind.
The Nissan Altima isn’t as well-known as Toyota or Honda, but it’s a smart, useful, and affordable car that combines value and versatility into one appealing package.
FAQs
1. How much gas does the Nissan Altima use?
With its base 2.5L engine, the Altima can get up to 39 mpg on the interstate, making it one of the most fuel-efficient sedans in its class.
2. Is the Nissan Altima all-wheel drive?
Yes, the Altima is one of the few midsize sedans that comes with all-wheel drive. The 2.5L engine is an option.
3. What is the price of the Nissan Altima?
The base S trim starts at about $26,000, and the higher trims, such the SR VC-Turbo, may cost more than $36,000.
4. Is the Nissan Altima a good car to buy for a long time?
Yes, the Altima is generally reliable. The maintenance fees are cheap, and Nissan offers an extended hybrid/electric warranty on some grades.
5. How does the Honda Accord stack up against the Nissan Altima?
The Altima is a little cheaper and has all-wheel drive, but it doesn’t hold its value as well as the Accord and the inside isn’t as nice.
6. What are the Altima’s most important safety features?
Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot recognition, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control are all part of Safety Shield 360.
7. Is the Nissan Altima a good car for families?
Yes, the Altima is a good family car that doesn’t cost a lot of money. It has enough of room for passengers and luggage, and it has good safety ratings.