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2018 Nissan Altima

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Used Car Price Range
$8,999 - $15,900
$8,999 $15,900
Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 2.5 S 4dr Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $23,260
2018 2.5 SR 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $24,320
2018 2.5 SV 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $25,910
2018 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $29,110
2018 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $33,630
Expert Rating
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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.

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Overview

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.

Nissan Altima

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.

Nissan Altima

2.5 S

The entry-level Altima starts at $24,025 (all prices include the $885 destination fee) and is powered by the 2.5-liter inline-four. Exterior features on this trim include 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, LED headlights, and active grille shutters for improved aerodynamics.

On the inside, the sedan comes with woven fabric seats, six-way manual adjustments on the driver's side, a four-way manual passenger seat, a six-speaker audio system, a five-inch display, a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity with Siri Eyes Free, Nissan’s proximity key, and a rearview camera.

The Convenience Package ($390) is the only available package for the base 2.5 S trim and adds a six-way power driver’s seat and remote engine start.

Nissan Altima

2.5 SR

The 2.5 SR trim is priced at $25,085 and adds a few more features over the base model. The sportiest looking Altima comes with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, daytime running lights, smoked headlight and taillight housings, foglights, and a rear decklid spoiler. The interior features sport cloth seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, a four-way manual passenger seat, and unique sport interior accents.

Available packages on the 2.5 SR trim include the Special Edition Package ($910) that adds NissanConnect with navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-inch color touch-screen display, SiriusXM satellite radio, Prima-Tex appointed seats, heated front seats, a unique wheel finish, a unique seat design, and remote engine start.

Nissan Altima

2.5 SV

Getting into the 2.5 SV trim costs $26,670 and adds 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights on the outside. Interior additions include SiriusXM satellite radio, dual-zone automatic temperature control, remote engine start with adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2.5 SV trim is available with the SV Technology Package ($1,280) which brings a lot of the same features as the Special Edition Package, but adds a power sliding moonroof, heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, a heated steering wheel, exterior mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a HomeLink transceiver, a compass, and a mood lamp in the roof console.

Nissan Altima

2.5 SL

Priced at $29,880, the 2.5 SL trim adds exterior mirrors with LED turn signals, perforated leather seats, heated front seats, a four-way power passenger’s seat, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, a compass, auto up/down passenger window, HomeLink, rear heating/cooling vents, brushed Silver Wave trim finishers for the beige color and Carbon Wave finishers for the charcoal scheme, and a mood lamp in the roof console.

The 2.5 SL is available with the SL Tech Package ($1,290) that includes many of the same features that are found on the SV Technology Package but adds adaptive cruise control.

Nissan Altima

3.5 SL

The range-topping 3.5 SL trim is the only way to get into a V6-powered Altima and costs $36,395, but is broadly similar to the 2.5 SL. There are no available packages for the 3.5 SL trim.

CarsDirect Tip

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.

Get your price on a Nissan Altima »

author image
Automotive Editor
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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.

author image
Automotive Editor

The 2018 Nissan Altima maintains its position as one of the most popular family sedans on the market, but it has lost a lot of ground recently. No, there's not another sedan coming out of the woodwork to bump it off; instead, it's seeing its customer base head to the greener pastures of the land of SUVs and crossovers. Though it cannot compete with higher-riding people-haulers like the Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V, the Altima still has plenty going for it for buyers who prefer a traditional sedan.

Best Value

While the economy-minded may prefer the low-cost Altima S trim and the performance lover will shoot for the SR, we found the midrange SV to be a perfect balance. This middle-of-the-pack trim includes plenty of higher-end features like alloy wheels, a power driver’s seat, blind-spot monitoring, and keyless ignition without adding too much to its price.

What’s more, this trim level opens the door to several optional packages that add desirable features like navigation, a moonroof, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a seven-inch touchscreen.

  • Model: 2018 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV
  • Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder
  • Output: 179 hp / 177 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
  • MPG: 27 city / 38 hwy
  • Options: Technology Package ($1,280, navigation, seven-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM Traffic, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated front seats and mirrors, and voice recognition)
  • Base Price:$26,795 (including the $885 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price:$28,075

Performance

Nissan Altima

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers excellent fuel economy at 27 miles per gallon city, 38 highway, and 31 combined. Those looking for something more potent and quick can turn to the 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 that's available on the top-level SL trim.

That said, the Altima has a few sore spots. One big issue is the SR trim, which is supposed to be more performance oriented. While its chassis is stiffer and more responsive, the trade-off in comfort isn’t worth it. Also, its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT gearbox add up to sluggish and noisy acceleration.

Style

As always, the Altima boasts a swoopy and sharp design. This sets it apart from the crowd nicely without drawing too much attention. The SR pushes this even further with exclusive styling that attracts the younger crowd.

While the exterior is sharp and unique, the Altima’s interior is a big letdown. Its styling is surprisingly vanilla, as it looks like virtually every other family sedan on the market.

The Best and Worst Things

The Altima continues to wow us with its exterior styling, and it'll remain relevant for years to come. It also delivers a surprisingly plush ride in non-SR trims.

That said, as much as the exterior wows us, the interior puts us to sleep with its conventional styling and lack of originality. Also, the fact that it’s only available with a CVT gearbox is disappointing, as a traditional automatic or six-speed manual would help it appeal to a wider range of buyers.

Right For? Wrong For?

Nissan Altima

Young, growing families: Young families with a few kids are who the 2018 Altima is aimed at. Its sweet styling appeals to the younger crowd, while its cushy ride makes long trips comfortable for everyone. Also, its low base price and strong fuel economy help young parents stay on budget.

Performance enthusiasts: Those who expect the SR trim to deliver on its good looks will be sadly disappointed. Sure, it’s an improvement, but it can't cash the performance check its styling writes.

The Bottom Line

The 2018 Nissan Altima remains one of the best family cars on the market today. Its low price and great four-cylinder fuel economy make it a good value in its class, while its sharp exterior design draws a lot of eyes. But buyers who need an engaging interior will almost certainly be bored to tears by the Altima’s risk-free cabin design.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 179 HP / 177 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Xtronic 2-spd CVT w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
27 / 38 / 32 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 179 HP / 177 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
27 / 38 / 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
3,212 Lbs.
Wheel Base
109 "
Turning Radius
18.7 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Steel / 16.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic 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 / (6-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way / (6-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
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
With Steering Wheel Controls
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
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
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
Intelligent Forward Collision Warning With Aeb Forward Collision Mitigation
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 2018 Nissan Altima for Sale

10 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Nissan
2.5 S
Price

$8,999

Mileage

134,647 mi

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Royal Auto Dealer Los Angeles (32 mi)

Phone: (424) 444-6030
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Color: Black
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Car Castle (27 mi)

Phone: (714) 992-4000
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Color: Gray
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AutoSpeed Inc (23 mi)

Phone: (818) 249-4888
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Color: White
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$12,300

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Kar Company (43 mi)

Phone: (909) 222-6965
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