- Great deals can be found on the 2013 Nissan Altima
- Moonroof is no longer standard equipment on SL models
Nissan's bread-and-butter Altima midsize sedan is new for 2013 in the company's bid to keep it in the running against ever-improving rivals like the Hyundai Sonata, Volkswagen Passat, Kia Optima and the best-selling Toyota Camry. The new styling is an evolution of the outgoing model's, though there are more Maxima and Infiniti influences to move the look of Nissan's mainstream sedan upmarket. There's a totally new interior that incorporates up-to-date in-car technology, with one of the least expensive navigation systems on the market available on most trim levels. Despite the redesign, the Altima stays roughly the same size as the 2012 model. It's also the value leader of the midsize sedan segment for 2013.
Introduction
While the Altima grows a little bit, it keeps its choice of four and six-cylinder engines, something growing increasingly rare in the midsize class as rivals shift to turbocharged engines to boost fuel economy. Nissan eliminated the option of a manual transmission the sedan, instead going with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) across the board. This allows Altimas with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder to make 182 horsepower and still achieve 38 MPG on the highway, a class best for gasoline-only powertrains. A 3.5-liter V6 remains an option, producing 270 horsepower and promising up to 31 MPG on the highway. Unlike the previous Altima sedan, a hybrid is not offered, nor is a clean diesel option.
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Overall, the Altima remains one of the more conservative options for midsize sedan customers, but aims to attract customers with the available, and gutsy, V6 engine and the leading fuel-efficiency of the four-cylinder. It also offers many attractive features as standard equipment for its competitive starting price.
Read more »Which Style To Buy?
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5
Recommended for: People who want a base model that isn't all that basic
Even the most basic Altima, predominantly for fleet buyers, gets the fuel-efficicent CVT transmission, power windows, door locks, air conditioning and Bluetooth with streaming audio. The 2.5 name indicates it comes only with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine This model also comes standard with keyless start, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, cruise control and split-folding rear seats.
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S
Recommended for: Buyers who want more popular features.
The 2.5 S adds more features popular with mainstream midsize sedan buyers, such as a six-way power driver's seat and a six-speaker audio system. Opting for the 3.5 S adds not only the 270-horsepower engine, but paddle shifters for the CVT and 18-inch alloy wheels.
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL
Recommended for: For people who want the Ultimate Altima with all the bells and whistles
The most luxurious line of Altima starts with the 2.5 SL. That four-cylinder model gets standard leather seats, moonroof, fog lights and a premium Bose audio system with nine speakers. An optional Technology Package adds the contents of the Navigation Package, but also throws in blind-spot detection, a lane departure warning and moving object detection. SL models also get LED tail lights as standard equipment. The 3.5 SL adds standard Xenon headlights.
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Is It a Good Time to Buy?
Great Deals Available
Best Alternatives
2013 Toyota Camry
Offers wide powertrain choice, but design too conservative for some buyers.
2013 Hyundai Sonata
Comes with long list of features and even longer warranty.
2013 Kia Optima
European-like styling, but Altima's base four-cylinder leads on fuel economy.
2013 Volkswagen Passat
Only midsize sedan to offer diesel engine and is exceptionally roomy.
