The redesigned Nissan Altima proves that a midsize sedan doesn’t need to reinvent itself to feel new again, delivering a calmer, more mature driving experience built on familiar mechanicals wrapped in sharper styling and a more grown-up cabin. Rather than chasing flashy performance numbers or an entirely new platform, Nissan focused this update on the details that matter for daily driving: ride comfort, interior refinement, and a design that finally looks like it belongs in the same conversation as the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata.
The Altima continues into this generation with two trims, SV and SR, both seating five passengers and both keeping the focus squarely on comfort rather than outright performance. It’s not trying to out-tech the Sonata or out-hybrid the Camry. Instead, it leans into what Nissan does well: an easy, unstressful driving experience at a price that still feels reasonable.
What’s New on the Redesigned Altima?
The redesigned Nissan Altima brings a restyled V-Motion grille that’s less bulbous than before, thinner LED headlamps, and newly redesigned 17 to 19-inch wheels that give the sedan a wider, more planted road presence. The overall design leans mature rather than aggressive, a deliberate choice in a segment where some rivals, like the sportier-looking Hyundai Elantra, have gone in the opposite direction with sharper creases and more dramatic body lines.
The sportier SR trim adds blacked-out trim pieces and a rear diffuser that hints at performance without turning the Altima into something it isn’t. It’s a cohesive redesign that respects the Altima’s position in the segment rather than trying to force it into a role it was never meant to play.
How Does the Altima Drive?
Behind the wheel, the redesigned Altima delivers exactly what it promises: a calm, composed ride that prioritizes comfort over sportiness, with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine offering smooth, predictable power rather than outright excitement. That engine produces 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that keeps things smooth during regular acceleration, though it won’t excite drivers who want a more engaging feel.
For buyers who want more punch, the available 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine returns to the lineup, producing 248 horsepower, a meaningful step up for anyone who found the base engine underwhelming. Nissan’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive remains an option on select trims, adding confidence in wet or snowy conditions without turning the Altima into a different kind of car.
What Fuel Economy Does the Altima Offer?
The redesigned Altima delivers competitive fuel economy for the segment, with the base 2.5-liter engine rated around 26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined, figures that hold up well against gas-only rivals in the midsize sedan class. Here’s how the Altima’s core specs compare across its two available engines:
| Spec | 2.5L Base Engine | 2.0L VC-Turbo |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 188 hp | 248 hp |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft | Not yet confirmed |
| Combined MPG | ~30 mpg | Lower, due to added power |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
While the base engine won’t win any drag races, it’s tuned well enough for confident merging and passing, which covers the vast majority of what most sedan buyers actually need day to day. The return of the VC-Turbo option gives Nissan a genuine answer for shoppers who want more performance without stepping up to a completely different vehicle.
What’s the Cabin Like Inside the New Altima?
Inside, the redesigned Altima keeps a familiar layout with a flat-bottom steering wheel, faux carbon fiber trim accents, and a central touchscreen mounted on top of the dash, paired with physical buttons at the base of the center console for climate and other frequently used controls. That mix of touchscreen and physical controls is a deliberate choice that avoids the all-touchscreen approach some rivals have taken, and it makes basic adjustments easier to do without taking your eyes off the road.
Standard tech includes an 8-inch touchscreen, with an available 12.3-inch display for buyers who want a larger, more premium-feeling setup. A few other cabin highlights worth noting:
- Wireless phone charging and standard smartphone integration keep the tech experience current without overcomplicating things.
- A genuinely spacious trunk that comfortably swallows large luggage, a detail multiple reviewers have specifically praised.
- A quieter cabin compared to the outgoing generation, thanks to additional sound insulation and refinements to the car’s structure.
How Safe Is the Redesigned Altima?
The redesigned Altima comes with a comprehensive standard safety suite, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection across the lineup, building on Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 technology first introduced on earlier generations. Additional standard features include forward collision warning, rear automatic emergency braking, reverse collision warning, and rear parking sensors, giving the Altima a genuinely competitive safety package for its price point.
This level of standard safety equipment matters, especially for family buyers cross-shopping the segment, since some rivals still reserve certain advanced safety features for higher trims rather than including them across the board.
Will the Altima Stick Around?
Yes, despite persistent rumors that Nissan planned to discontinue the Altima after the current model year, the automaker has confirmed the sedan will continue, with a company spokesperson stating that Nissan remains committed to the sedan segment. That confirmation matters in a market where several midsize sedans have already been discontinued as automakers shift resources toward SUVs and crossovers.
Nissan has pointed to the recently redesigned Sentra as an example of its broader approach: offering stylish, affordable sedans equipped with convenient, entertaining, and safety-focused technology, rather than abandoning the segment entirely. For Altima shoppers who had been hesitant to buy into a model that might disappear, that commitment should offer some reassurance.
Should You Buy the Redesigned Nissan Altima?
The redesigned Nissan Altima is a smart choice for buyers who want a comfortable, efficient, and easy-to-live-with sedan without chasing the latest tech gimmicks or aggressive styling found elsewhere in the segment. It doesn’t try to out-polish the Accord or out-hybrid the Camry, and that restraint is actually part of its appeal for buyers who just want a car that handles daily driving without drama.
Buyers who want more all-wheel-drive versatility or extra cargo room might want to look at a compact SUV like the redesigned Mazda CX-5, and those specifically interested in going electric could consider something like the Chevrolet Equinox EV instead. But for shoppers who still want a traditional sedan that prioritizes comfort, reliability, and value, the redesigned Altima remains one of the more livable options in a shrinking but still competitive class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the redesigned Nissan Altima come with all-wheel drive?
Yes, Nissan’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive remains available on select Altima trims, giving buyers added traction in wet or snowy conditions without switching to a different vehicle.
What’s the horsepower difference between the two Altima engine options?
The base 2.5-liter engine produces 188 horsepower, while the available 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine steps that up to 248 horsepower for buyers who want noticeably stronger performance.
Is the Nissan Altima being discontinued?
No, despite earlier rumors, Nissan has confirmed the Altima will continue for the next model year, with the automaker stating it remains committed to offering sedans in its US lineup.
