The Altima’s finer points include a quiet cabin, easy controls, a big trunk, a roomy and comfortable rear seat. And, for the first time, the Altima is available with all-wheel drive.
Like many recent competitors, the Altima is no longer available with a V6 engine. Instead, the top engine is now a turbo four cylinder.
Both acceleration and fuel economy are improved with the base 2.5-liter engine. The Altima is quick for its class, and its engine has a more refined sound than many competitors’. We measured 31 mpg overall, a 2 mpg improvement over the previous model.
It also has one of the better continuously variable transmissions we’ve tested, with artificial shifts that mimic a traditional automatic.
But the Altima falls behind its rivals in several areas. Its vague steering feels disconnected through corners, leaving the Altima without the eagerness of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and quite short of the precision of a Mazda6.
The ride initially feels smooth, but driving on rough roads pokes through that superficial veneer. Most road and wind noises are nicely squelched, though.
The Altima’s low stance makes getting in and out a chore. Once inside, the standard power driver’s seat feels basic, with a bottom cushion that’s short on thigh support. The rear seat is spacious.
The hard plastic surfaces throughout the cabin make the interior look and feel bland, although we appreciate the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The infotainment screen and controls are refreshingly simple to use.
Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard. The SV trim we tested adds the ProPilot Assist system, which includes lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. This system can be helpful to relieve some driver stress in slow, congested traffic conditions.