The Nissan Altima has long held a respected position in the competitive mid-size sedan segment. Known for its comfortable ride, solid fuel economy, and user-friendly features, the Altima is a strong choice for individuals and families alike. Whether you’re a daily commuter or someone looking for a reliable family vehicle, the Altima offers a smart balance of style, practicality, and affordability.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into what makes the Nissan Altima a standout in its class and why it continues to be a top choice among drivers year after year.
A Legacy of Innovation and Practicality
The Nissan Altima made its debut in 1992, quickly carving out a reputation as a well-rounded and affordable sedan. Over the decades, Nissan has continually refined the model, keeping it up to date with both automotive trends and evolving customer needs. The current generation (introduced in 2019 and refreshed in 2023) exemplifies the best of modern design with sharp lines, an aggressive front fascia, and sleek LED lighting.
One of the Altima’s key strengths is its ability to evolve while staying true to its core appeal—delivering dependable transportation in a stylish, fuel-efficient package.
Performance Meets Efficiency
Under the hood, the Altima offers two engine choices. The base engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that produces around 188 horsepower, more than enough for daily commuting and highway merging. For those craving more power, the available 2.0-liter VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbocharged) engine delivers up to 248 horsepower, offering a much sportier driving experience while still maintaining impressive fuel efficiency.
The VC-Turbo is particularly noteworthy. It adjusts its compression ratio dynamically to balance power and efficiency, a rare technology in this price range. When paired with the continuously variable transmission (CVT), both engines provide smooth acceleration and quiet operation.
Front-wheel drive is standard, but one of the Altima’s biggest selling points is its available all-wheel-drive system—something not commonly found in mid-size sedans. This feature makes the Altima a strong option for drivers who live in areas with heavy rain or snow and want the added confidence of AWD without stepping up to an SUV.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the Nissan Altima strikes a nice balance between comfort and functionality. The cabin feels modern, with premium materials used on higher trims and a clean, uncluttered layout. The Zero Gravity seats, inspired by NASA, offer excellent support, making long drives far more enjoyable. There’s ample legroom for front and rear passengers, and the trunk provides competitive cargo space at around 15.4 cubic feet.
On the technology front, the Altima doesn’t disappoint. Most models come standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims add features like wireless charging, a premium Bose audio system, navigation, and a 7-inch digital display in the instrument cluster.
Safety First
Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite comes standard on most trims and includes a robust package of advanced driver-assistance features. These include:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Blind spot warning
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Rear automatic braking
- High beam assist
These technologies not only increase safety but also help reduce stress in busy driving conditions. Additionally, the Altima has consistently earned strong crash-test scores from the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.
Affordability and Value
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons for the Altima’s enduring popularity is its value. With a starting price in the low $26,000 range (as of 2025), it undercuts many of its rivals while still offering features and build quality that rival more expensive options. Fuel economy for the 2.5L engine is excellent, with EPA estimates around 27 mpg city / 39 mpg highway for FWD models.
Maintenance costs are relatively low, and Nissan’s warranty coverage is competitive, with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Final Thoughts
The Nissan Altima isn’t the flashiest car on the road, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a practical, reliable, and stylish sedan that doesn’t try too hard—but still manages to impress. With its comfortable ride, solid safety features, optional all-wheel drive, and a reputation for dependability, the Altima continues to be a wise choice in the ever-competitive mid-size sedan category.