hamburger icon

2016 Nissan Altima

OEM Exterior Primary
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior Standard
OEM Exterior
Interior Profile
Photos Colors
Used Car Price Range
$5,971 - $18,995
$5,971 $18,995
Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2016 2.5 4dr Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $22,500
2016 2.5 S 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $22,900
2016 2.5 SR 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $24,470
2016 2.5 SV 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $25,460
2016 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (DISC) Price:   -  From $27,390
2016 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $27,990
2016 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $28,570
2016 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (DISC) Price:   -  From $32,090
2016 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $32,690
Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

See All Used Listings

Overview

Nissan's mainstream family sedan, the Altima receives a midlife makeover to bolster its appeal in this hotly contest segment. Even so, its key virtues are actually carryover, namely strong engine performance and efficiency.

What's New for 2016

The Altima receives a substantially reworked nose and new exterior lighting. The cabin gets additional sound insulation, and adaptive cruise control and a collision mitigation system are available for the first time. A sporty RS model joins the lineup.

Nissan Altima

Choosing Your Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima

While the updates to the Altima are hardly startling, the new V-shaped grille and sleeker headlamps do have an appreciable effect on its overall appearance. No one will mistake it for anything but a brand new car.

The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 182 horsepower and achieves 31 mpg in combined driving, and a terrific 39 mpg on the highway. The available 3.5-liter V6 is good for 270 horsepower and delivers 26 mpg combined. Zero to 60 mph times for the 2.5-liter and 3.5-liter are 7.8 and 6.2 seconds respectively, strong showings for this class. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Trim levels correspond to engine size:

Nissan Altima
  • 2.5: Carries the four-cylinder engine and features such as keyless ignition, a split-folding rear seat, Bluetooth phone and audio, a tire inflation monitor, and a four-speaker sound system. The 2.5 rolls on 16-inch steel wheels with full covers.
  • 2.5 S: Adds a load of popular equipment, including cruise control, automatic headlamps, a rearview camera, two additional audio speakers, keyless access, and integrated smartphone apps. A power driver seat is optional.
  • 2.5 SR: Builds on the S with sport-themed equipment such as a more aggressive suspension setup, paddle shifters, a rear spoiler, sport seats with driver power, and 18-inch alloy wheels. You also get foglamps and daytime running lights.
  • 2.5 SV: Also builds on the S, but with a different set of extra features: remote start, automatic climate control, a power driver seat, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, satellite radio, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
  • 2.5 SL: Adds creature comforts to the SV, including leather upholstery, heated front seats with passenger power, rear air vents, ambient interior lighting, and a premium Bose nine-speaker sound system. The SL's available Technology package tacks on adaptive cruise control, front collision alert with automatic braking, and emergency telematics services.
  • 3.5 SR: Like the sporty 2.5 SR, but with the V6 engine and LED headlamps.
  • 3.5 SL: Includes the 2.5 SL equipment, plus the V6 engine, 18-inch wheels, paddle shifters, parking sensors, LED headlamps, a sunroof, and a navigation system. The Technology package continues as an option.

Some of features found on the line-topping SL 3.5 are available on the SL 2.5, SR, and SV trims as options, either individually or in packages.

CarsDirect Tip

We would avoid the base 2.5, which is sparsely equipped for this class (no cruise control!) and isn't eligible for options. The S is a better starting point, even if cost is your chief concern.

Get your price on a Nissan Altima »

Read our review on the Nissan Altima »

Nissan Altima
author image
Automotive Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Nissan's top seller in the U.S., the Altima remains a strong competitor in the hotly contested midsize sedan segment. Buyers should take note of this year's efficiency gains and styling tweaks that make the Altima look more expensive than it really is.

Pricing and Equipment

The sporty SR is new this year, bringing the number of trims to seven:

  • The 2.5 model ($22,500) is basically equipped, but does include keyless ignition and Bluetooth phone and audio. The 2.5 designation stands for the 2.5-liter four-cylinder under the hood.
  • Next up is the $22,900 2.5 S, which adds popular equipment like cruise control, automatic headlamps, and a rearview camera. A power driver seat is optional.
  • Priced at $24,470, the 2.5 SR adds sport-themed equipment such as a more aggressive suspension, larger wheels, paddle shifters, and front sport seats.
  • The $25,460 2.5 SV also builds on the S, but with a different set of extras: remote start, automatic climate control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and satellite radio.
  • Stepping up to the 2.5 SL at $28,570 gets you an upgraded interior with leather seating and a Bose sound system. The SL's available Technology package tacks on additional safety technology, including adaptive cruise control, for $1,700.
  • The $27,990 3.5 SR adds a 3.5-liter V6 engine to the existing SR equipment.
  • At the top of line, the 3.5 SL ($32,690) combines the SL and SR features (except the firmer suspension), and then adds a sunroof and navigation. The Technology package remains optional.

Some of the features found on the SL 3.5 are available on lesser trims, either individually or in packages.

Performance Pros

Nissan Altima

The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 182 horsepower, while the available 3.5-liter V6 is good for 270 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Performance highlights include:

  • Fuel Efficiency: The four-cylinder and V6 achieve 31 mpg and 26 mpg respectively in combined city and highway driving. Make no mistake, these are strong showings for a gas-powered family sedan.
  • Steering/Handling: With their upgraded suspension, the SR models feel downright athletic.
  • Acceleration: Even with the base engine, the Altima goes from zero to 60 mph in a quick 7.8 seconds. V6 models do it in a class-leading 6.2 seconds.

Performance Cons

  • Although they ride smoothly, non-SR models aren't particularly engaging to drive.
  • Under full throttle, the four-cylinder engine can produce some unsettling racket.

Interior Pros

Nissan Altima
  • The front seats, which Nissan claims were designed using NASA research, are indeed very comfortable on long trips.
  • This year's extra sound-deadening measures have really paid off. The cabin is exceptionally quiet for this class.

Interior Cons

  • The Altima's inspired exterior styling doesn't carry over to the inside. The overall design is rather conventional.
  • The sloping roofline cuts into rear headroom more than it should in a family sedan.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

This Altima is now the cruiser of its class, adept at smooth, quiet running over the long haul.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

Standard equipment is decidedly stingy for this class (no cruise control!), rendering the Altima's base price meaningless.

The Bottom Line

The Altima delivers traditional family values in a sleek and contemporary wrapper.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 182 HP / 180 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Xtronic 2-spd CVT w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
27 / 39 / 32 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 182 HP / 180 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
27 / 39 / 32 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
18.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$69
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
15.4 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
102 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
191.9 "
Exterior Width
72.0 "
Exterior Height
57.8 "
Front Headroom
40.0 "
Rear Headroom
37.1 "
Front Legroom
45.0 "
Rear Legroom
36.1 "
Front Shoulder Room
56.4 "
Rear Shoulder Room
56.4 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,197 Lbs.
Wheel Base
109 "
Turning Radius
18.1 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Steel
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Accents
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers
4
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2016 Nissan Altima for Sale

12 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Nissan
2.5 SR
Color: Gray
Price

$5,971

Mileage

122,835 mi

Map location icon

OtoCity LLC (33 mi)

Phone: (973) 782-6133
Nissan
2.5 4dr Sedan
Color: Gray
Price

$6,999

Mileage

116,339 mi

Map location icon

Auto Spot LLC (24 mi)

Phone: (201) 426-0055
Nissan
2.5 4dr Sedan
Color: Silver
Price

$8,499

Mileage

93,608 mi

Map location icon

Auto Spot LLC (24 mi)

Phone: (201) 426-0055
Nissan
2.5 Sedan 4D
Color: Grey
Price

$9,950

Mileage

100,271 mi

Map location icon

All County Auto Sales LLC (33 mi)

Phone: (203) 382-0550
See All Used Car Listings

Insider Information

We have information you must know before you buy the Altima. We want to send it to you, along with other pricing insights.

Sign Me Up

I agree to receive emails from CarsDirect. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. We will not spam you, and will never sell your email. Privacy Policy.

Thank you. You are now subscribed to our Pricing Insider updates.