2024 Nissan Altima Review

A multitude of American car enthusiasts have embraced the Altima for its affordability, fuel efficiency, reliability, and comfort, making it a preferred choice for millions. The base engine, boasting 188 horsepower, provides ample power and achieves an impressive 39 mpg on the highway. Opting for the turbocharged, variable-compression four-cylinder engine, which reaches 248 horsepower with premium fuel, still maintains a commendable 34 mpg on the highway. For those seeking all-wheel drive, it's readily available.

Inside the Altima, a spacious cabin, comfortable seating, a generously sized infotainment screen, ample cargo space, and a comprehensive set of standard safety features create a compelling package. However, driving enthusiasts should temper their expectations, as the Altima prioritizes practicality over exhilarating driving dynamics. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in every Altima contributes to excellent fuel efficiency but sacrifices some acceleration and liveliness.

The current model's sleek design, highlighted by sharp lines and optional flashy wheels, elevates the sedan's aesthetic appeal and complements its unassuming yet ambitious nature. In essence, the Nissan Altima stands as a paragon of a well-rounded and dependable vehicle catering to those seeking a reliable and comfortable mode of transportation.

Features:

Engine and transmission :

Except for the SR VC-Turbo variant, each Altima is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. The top-tier model features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces an impressive 248 horsepower when fueled with premium gas. Regardless of the engine, all Altimas utilize a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While the CVT may diminish the thrill of using paddle shifters on certain trims, it's worth noting that the Altima isn't designed for aggressive driving.

The Altima performs admirably in dynamic tests, earning a "Fine" rating in most categories. The steering is notably precise for its segment, and the braking system is both prompt and linear. However, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine tends to produce excessive noise when pushed beyond its comfort zone, resulting in acceleration that is predictable but unremarkable. The Altima maintains a comfortable ride on 16- or 17-inch wheels, effectively navigating road imperfections and uneven surfaces. On the other hand, the VC-Turbo engine injects a substantial boost in power, significantly enhancing the Altima's speed. Yet, even with a sportier suspension, the Altima falls short of providing the driving enjoyment found in the less powerful Accord. Additionally, the 19-inch wheels, while increasing grip on winding roads, compromise the overall ride quality.

In terms of acceleration, the Altima equipped with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and all-wheel drive achieves a 0-60 mph time of 7.4 seconds in testing. Conversely, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine paired with front-wheel drive propels the Altima to a notably swifter 0-60 mph time of just 5.9 seconds.

Interior and Space :

While the interior may lack a certain sense of style, it compensates generously with its practical and user-friendly design. Notably, the climate controls and touchscreen functions are intuitively labeled and conveniently positioned for easy access.

Although the majority of the Altima's sight lines are favorable, rear visibility faces challenges due to the elevated rear decklid. Additionally, the low-resolution rearview camera and distracting reflections from the dashboard and rear decklid can be problematic, especially in bright sunlight. Despite these drawbacks, the cabin maintains a high level of comfort and overall pleasantness, mirroring the positive driving experience. The dashboard features user-friendly switchgear, and while interior materials vary across trim levels, there are no instances of disappointment. This achievement is noteworthy, considering the tendency of some cars to incorporate hard plastics that become visual and tactile nuisances— even luxury brands occasionally miss the mark in this regard.

In terms of storage, the front of the vehicle offers decent options, including narrow but deep door pockets and a practical tray on the center console. This thoughtful layout contributes to the Altima's practicality and usability for occupants.

Fuel & Economy :

The Altima has consistently appealed to car shoppers by delivering impressive fuel efficiency without relying on a hybrid or plug-in-hybrid powertrain. In the standard front-wheel drive configuration, the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and an impressive 39 mpg on the highway for the S and SV trims. Opting for all-wheel drive slightly reduces these estimates to 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine maintains commendable fuel efficiency, with EPA estimates of 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. During our rigorous testing, the all-wheel-drive Altima surpassed expectations, achieving an impressive 41 mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, while the VC-Turbo version recorded a noteworthy 37 mpg.

Technology :

The Altima in our test was equipped with a substantial 12.3-inch touchscreen, featuring wireless connectivity for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with an integrated navigation system. Despite the screen's contemporary size and responsiveness, its overall appeal is compromised by software that appears and functions in a somewhat outdated manner.

The navigation system itself boasts reliable functionality, displaying a commendable responsiveness to voice commands during our tests and efficiently locating destinations, thanks to Google-powered searches. However, the graphics of the map exhibit an antiquated appearance. Interestingly, when connecting your phone and utilizing Google or Apple Maps, the maps exhibit sharp clarity, indicating that the screen itself is not the issue. Unfortunately, the backup and surround-view camera displays suffer from low resolution, presenting visibility challenges—especially noticeable when used at night.

On a positive note, the Altima's ProPilot Assist system, inclusive of lane centering and low-speed adaptive cruise control, stands out as a notable bonus. The adaptive cruise control performs admirably, requiring minimal correction even in traffic situations.

Which model of Altima we recommend?

We recommend exploring the SR variant of the Altima, as it showcases a sportier aesthetic that may enhance the sedan's resale appeal. Furthermore, the SR trim offers the option to include an attractive Premium package, and it's worth noting that Nissan exclusively reserves the Altima's available turbocharged engine for the SR configuration. However, for the new drivers, we recommend the SV which is user-friendly and is available with all-wheel drive with easier control and steering.

Potential competitors :

Honda and Toyota continue to stand as reliable choices. The Accord underwent a comprehensive redesign in 2023, and a brand-new Camry is slated to debut in 2025. Hyundai is embarking on a significant transformation for the Sonata in 2024, with a refreshing update expected for the closely related Kia K5. Notably, all these sedans achieve superior scores in Edmunds' rankings evaluation process.

Conclusion :

The 2024 Nissan Altima stands as a midsize four-door sedan, offering a range of trim levels including S, SV, SR, SL, and SR VC-Turbo. With the exception of the SR VC-Turbo, all trims are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Spacious and comfortable, the Altima stands out in the midsize sedan class, offering the added option of all-wheel drive. While warranties and roadside assistance fall into the middle range, the Altima makes a compelling case with its impressive highway fuel economy, making it an attractive choice for long-distance drivers. The availability of all-wheel drive further enhances its appeal, especially for those residing in regions prone to inclement weather.

FAQ's 

Q1. What is the warranty and safety standards provided by Nissan?

Every Altima across the lineup includes essential safety features such as forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, high-beam assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Additionally, Nissan introduces a semi-autonomous drive mode called ProPilot Assist, enhancing the vehicle's safety and driving experience.

Q2. Is the Nisson Altima reliable?

Yes, it is reliable with its efficient engine and economic fuel usage. Further, it is suitable for new drivers with its user friendly steering.

Q3. What’s new for 2024?

Altima hasn’t changed much except for a minor digital change which is NissanConnect services such as remote locking, remote engine starting, etc.