EXCLUSIVE: Nissan's New Altima Features Updated Face, Starting at $22,500
Nissan unveiled its newest Altima in New York on Tuesday, complete with Maxima-like headlights and hood lines.
The newest Altima will sport the same engine options as the last model, a 2.5-liter I-4 and 3.5-liter V-6. The former produces 182 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, with the latter making 270 hp and 251 lb.-ft. of torque. Both are paired to a continuously variable transmission with “7-step manumatic” paddle shift.
The Altima also adds a sporty SR trim, which can have both four- and six-cylinder engines, stiffened suspension and a rear decklid spoiler.
Outside, the Altima sports the flared headlights and hood lines found on the Maxima and Murano. The Altima also wears an updated grille and chin with a revised chrome accent. According to Nissan, the mid-size car adopts the Maxima and Murano’s “Energetic Flow” design language — whatever that means.
The rear features a new sculpted bumper with a darker lower accent and boomerang lights in the back. The SR models will also sport an integrated rear spoiler.
Inside, the Altima receives an updated center stack and can receive either the 5- or 7-inch touchscreen available in the Murano. The 5-inch touchscreen is standard on all models except the top-of-the-line 3.5 SL.
Nissan has updated its Zero Gravity seats (absurd name, pretty good product) and steering wheel over last year.
Beginning with the 2.5, the Altima will be offered in 2.5 S, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SR and 2.5 SL trims. For its larger V-6, Nissan will offer the Altima 3.5 SR and 3.5 SL models.
According to Nissan, the 2.5-liter four will manage 27/39/31 mpg and the 3.5-liter V-6 will manage 22/32/26 mpg.
(UPDATE: Pricing for the Altima will start at $22,500, per Nissan. According to a source, the car is scheduled to go on sale around mid-November.)
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People I know (more than a couple) love their late model Altimas and I have yet to hear a complaint about the apparently-so-horrible CVT. They are chock full of options and for many that buy on price, it checks all the boxes. CVT is like anything else, you get used to it- like we got used to plastic bumpers, humongous center consoles and the disappearance of side/rear visibility.
Nobody noticed the photo flaw eh? In the picture of the light interior with light wood, there are SIX switches on the passenger side door. They must have just mirrored the image before an actual car was ready. In the pictures of the dark interior, the passenger door has a single switch.