Comfortable, sporty and sophisticated, the 2018 Nissan Altima has been improved with new safety technology and features. Every new Nissan Altima now comes with standard Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning. A popular family sedan, the Altima sedan is available in four trim levels, and unlike many competitors, Nissan offers a choice between a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder and a potent V6. Prices start around $24,000 for an Altima 2.5 S with the standard 179-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, but the 2.5 SR model adds a significant list of features and performance for just $1,000 more. Prices climb to over $36,000 for the V6-powered Altima 3.5 SL. With 270 horsepower, it’s one of the most powerful sedans in the midsize-family-sedan class. Both engines work with a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission. Competitors include the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Chevy Malibu, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima.
For 2018, Nissan has simplified the Altima’s lineup; the 2.5 and 3.5 SR trim levels are no longer available. Also, Automatic Emergency Braking and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning are now standard on all Altimas and the top-of-the-line Altima 3.5 SL receives standard Intelligent Cruise Control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
After a complete makeover last year, the 2017 Nissan Altima returns with no new changes.
The Altima sedan undergoes a substantial mid-cycle refresh for 2016, with new sheet metal for the hood and fenders, redesigned headlights, new taillight design and an updated interior. Active grille shutters enhance fuel efficiency, and gee-whiz safety features are also available. The sporty Altima SR is a new trim.
Introduced last year, Nissan has expanded the availability of its apps-driven infotainment system known as NissanConnect, making it standard equipment on Altima SV and SL models. The V6 also gets a one-mpg bump in fuel economy.
The big news for the 2014 Nissan Altima is the addition of the latest version of NissanConnect, an apps-driven infotainment system for iPhone and Android smartphones. The system allows connectivity to such apps as Facebook, iHeartRadio, Pandora and Online Search powered by Google. Hands-free text messaging is also included.
Nearly everything but the engines is either all or substantially new, beginning with the Altima's "class-above" looks, inside and out, and extending to a raft of new features, some class-exclusive. The CVT automatic transmission, thoroughly revamped for pleaseability and efficiency, accounts for much of its class-leading fuel economy.
For 2010, the Altima receives a revised hood, front fascia and wheel designs, as well as new fabrics and interior trim. All models now feature Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) as standard equipment and last year's 3.5 SE is rebadged as the 3.5 SR.
The base 2.5 model receives more standard features including new 16-inch wheel covers, a CVT automatic transmission, power side mirrors, a trip computer and outside temperature gauge. The 3.5 SE trim receives Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), HID headlamps, fog lamps and a rear spoiler.
The key Altima enhancement for 2008 is anti-lock brakes becoming standard across the entire line. Also new to the mix are splash guards, a diversity antenna and the availability of XM Satellite Radio as a factory-installed option.
Slightly smaller in this fourth generation, Nissan's midsize sedan can have an Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the first time. Striving for the best-performing front-wheel-drive sedan in the world, Nissan claims to have addressed perceived weaknesses of the 2002 through 2006 models, including interior quality, noise levels and steering effort.