Midsize sedans are still some of the most popular vehicles on the road, making the segment one of the most cutthroat in the industry. The 2018 Nissan Altima enters the fight with two powertrains to choose from, new technology, and a more simplified lineup for consumers to explore. While not as sporty or enjoyable to drive as some of its competitors, the new Altima makes a strong case for itself as a daily driver.
What's New for 2018
A few noteworthy changes have been made to the new 2018 Altima. The first of which includes the addition of automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning as standard equipment on every Altima model. The range-topping 3.5 SL trim gets even more tech, including adaptive cruise control as standard and an upgraded version of Nissan's navigation, which now offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and telematics system, NissanConnect.
The Altima lineup has been simplified to just five trims: 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, and 3.5 SL – Nissan has discontinued the base 2.5 and 3.5 SR. New packages are available, including the 2.5 SR Special Edition and 2.5 SV and 2.5 SL Technology Packages.
The 2.5R Special Edition adds NisscanConnect, which includes navigation with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-inch color audio display, Prima-Tex appointed seats, heated front seats, and a bespoke wheel finish. The Tech Packages add a lot of the same features as the Special Edition Package, but also includes a moonroof, adaptive cruise control, and LED headlights with signature daytime running lights.
Other new additions to the 2018 Altima include a five-inch infotainment system, power windows, and a backup camera as standard.
Choosing Your Nissan Altima
For 2018, the Altima has two engines to choose from. The majority of the lineup features a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine that makes 179 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired to an Xtronic transmission that helps the sedan return 27 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg on the highway for 31 mpg combined.
The larger, more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine is limited to the range-topping 3.5 SL trim. The V6 engine is good for 270 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque and is paired to the same CVT as the four-cylinder motor. The V6-powered Altima is rated to return 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, which results in a combined rating of 26 mpg.
All 2018 Altimas include Nissan's Safety Shield Technology, which means forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking as standard. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is anoptional extra. The 2017 Altima earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's coveted Top Safety Pick+ award, which is something that should carryover for 2018.
While the V6 engine adds nearly 100 extra horsepower to the Altima, we’d go with the 2.5 SR trim, which is the sportiest offering in the entire lineup. The Special Edition Package is a welcome addition, bringing navigation and heated seats to the sedan. Consumers not wanting to get all of the goodies on the Special Edition Package can spec heated seats and Navigation separately, as well.