Item: 2016 Nissan Altima
Author: John Diether

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.

Choosing Your 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:

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 »

John Diether

Automotive Editor - December 31, 2015

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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.

John Diether

Automotive Editor - February 09, 2016

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

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

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.

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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

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

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