Now that the Platinum trim has been dropped, the Altima trim selection consists of S, SV, SR, SL, and SR VC-Turbo. The first four get a 188-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine however, while the SR VC-Turbo upgrades to its namesake turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder variable compression engine, which puts out a satisfying 248 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) pairs with both. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is an option for the SV, SR, and SL.
The S and SV are the most fuel efficient, achieving an EPA-estimated 27 mpg around town and 39 mpg on the highway; the SR and SL get the same city mpg, but their highway rating drops by 2 mpg. The addition of AWD changes the numbers to 26 city/36 highway. In return for its extra engine output, the SR VC-Turbo is slightly less efficient at 25 city/34 highway.
One thing that’s remarkable about the S is that it’s the base trim of an affordable model, yet remote start is included – that’s something not many cars in this class can claim. Nissan also equips it with keyless entry, automatic on/off LED headlights, push-button ignition, a 5-inch multi-information display, fabric-upholstered seats (the second-row seatback splits 60/40 and folds down), and 16-inch steel wheels. You can use either the 7-inch touchscreen or voice recognition to control the infotainment system’s features: the sound system (there are six speakers), Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, Siri Eyes Free, a USB-A port, and an auxiliary audio input jack. Nissan Safety Shield 360 has been expanded for this model year, with all trims including the S now getting automatic high beams, intelligent driver alertness, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intelligent forward collision warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, rear parking sensors, and hill start assist.
This is the lowest-priced trim that’s eligible for the all-wheel drive option. Its standard upgrades include Nissan Intelligent Key proximity entry, a power driver’s seat, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster (Drive-Assist), three additional USB ports (one type-A and two type-C), and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The infotainment array adds SiriusXM satellite radio and smartphone integration (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay).
Those who want to really load up on amenities should seek out the SV Premium Package, which upgrades the infotainment system with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, as well as NissanConnect remote vehicle services and wireless phone charging. It also adds a significant bunch of tech to the driver-assist suite: ProPILOT Assist adaptive cruise control, intelligent lane intervention, active ride control, intelligent trace control, automatic brake hold, and traffic sign recognition. The package wraps up with heated front seats, power lumbar support for the driver’s seat, a moonroof, an electronic parking brake, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, body-color side mirrors, a dual chrome exhaust, and faux wood interior trim in dark teak.
The SR gets a more vibrant appearance with sport cloth upholstery, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, chrome exhaust finishers, darker exterior accents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, illuminated vanity mirrors, and geometric-patterned silver interior trim. Active ride control and intelligent trace control join the driver-assist grouping. AWD remains an option, and the SR Premium Package is offered to create a loaded vehicle. This equipment grouping will add everything listed in the SV Premium Package that’s not already standard on this trim, along with a power front passenger’s seat, sport leather seats, and carbon fiber-look interior trim.
The SL is the choice of luxury-minded Altima buyers, with its standard leather upholstery, moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control (which can be set remotely), heated steering wheel, dark wood interior trim, wireless phone charger, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, lumbar support for the driver, and rear-seat HVAC vents side mirrors with built-in turn-signal indicators, acoustic laminated glass, chrome exterior accents, and body-color rear diffuser. It gets the top-end infotainment system as well, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen plus navigation, wireless smartphone integration, a Bose sound system with nine speakers, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and NissanConnect remote vehicle services. ProPILOT Assist adaptive cruise control, a surround-view monitor, intelligent lane intervention, traffic sign recognition, and automatic brake hold are added to the driver-aid tech, and AWD is available.
The biggest upgrade to the SR VC-Turbo is its namesake turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder variable compression engine, which makes 248 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. Its looks more aggressive with a rear spoiler, a charcoal-colored rear diffuser, and splash guards, and it also gains active noise-cancellation technology, sport-leather upholstery, and carbon-fiber interior trim. While AWD isn’t offered on this performance-oriented trim, it gets the full active safety and multimedia treatment, with ProPILOT Assist adaptive cruise control, a surround-view monitor, intelligent lane intervention, traffic sign recognition, automatic brake hold, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, navigation, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bose audio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and NissanConnect remote vehicle services.
Nissan presents two optional bundles for two Altima trims. The SV Premium Package is bursting with technology upgrades that the trims above it get standard: a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, NissanConnect remote vehicle services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless phone charging. As far as safety technologies, this package adds ProPILOT Assist adaptive cruise control, intelligent lane intervention, an electronic parking brake, active ride control, intelligent trace control, automatic brake hold, and traffic sign recognition. For high comfort, it adds heated front seats, power lumbar support for the driver’s seat, a moonroof, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. To top it off, there are some aesthetic improvements: body-color side mirrors, dual chrome exhaust contains everything in the SV Premium Package (if it hasn’t already been mentioned as standard equipment) plus a power front passenger’s seat, sport leather seats, and attractive carbon-fiber interior accents.
