Despite a few high points, the Nissan Altima is not competitive among midsized sedans. In a segment brimming with better cars, the Altima is a lackluster choice. It ranks below virtually all of its competitors with a humdrum driving experience and a below-par reliability record. Among its virtues are a roomy rear seat and good fuel economy.
With the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder, we measured a commendable 29 mpg overall.
And if you're looking for a family car, the Altima's spacious rear seat makes it easy to install child seats.
Although there is a shallow veneer of smoothness, ride comfort is neither settled nor absorbent. Handling suffers from an overly light steering that contributes to a mushy demeanor that saps the driving experience out of any sense of precision and control.
The continuously variable transmission mimics a conventional automatic and makes it palatable when just cruising. But when climbing a hill or merging on a ramp, there is no escaping the commotion emanating from the engine. The available 3.5-liter V6 gets away with less of that annoyance and feels smoother and more effortless but gets only 24 mpg.
The mid-level SV we tested is relatively well-equipped with a power driver seat, automatic climate control, and blind-spot monitoring. Controls are simple but some of the connectivity features are inconvenient. For instance, phone interaction is done through cumbersome voice commands only. That alone could be a deal breaker for some.
Overall, despite a recent freshening, the Altima is a frugal yet flaccid sedan that is showing its age among newer, better competitors that are nicer to drive and are more reliable.