Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR AWD Sedan
Specs
Class: Midsize Sedan
Shade: Bluestone Pearl
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 188
Actual-world gasoline economic system: 31.5 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | C+ |
| Energy and Efficiency | C+ |
| Match and End | B- |
| Gasoline Financial system | A- |
| Worth | B- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and will not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of the whole mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | B+ |
| Tall Man | B |
| Massive & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” ranking primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 182-horsepower 2.5-liter |
| Engine Kind | 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT-automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 25/34/28 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline kind: Common gasoline
Base value: $30,330 (not together with $1140 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at automobile: Splash guards ($245), premium paint ($425) mat and internet bundle ($375), illuminated kick plates ($405), exterior floor lighting with emblem ($570), rear spoiler ($420), 19-inch alloy wheels ($670)
Value as examined: $34,580
Professionals and Cons
The good: Roomy entrance row, sporty character
The nice: Gasoline environment friendly
The not so good: Street and wind noise, solely common cabin appointments
Evaluation
In case you weren’t paying consideration, there aren’t very many mainstream midsize sedans obtainable on the market in U.S. As soon as the most-popular American-market new-car section, midsize sedans have lengthy given approach to compact crossovers, which have taken over U.S dealership heaps, and neighborhood driveways.
Discontinued Midsize Sedans
- It could shock you to be taught that the entire following midsize sedans have been dropped by their manufacturers:
- Buick Regal (final bought in 2020)
- Chevrolet Malibu (2024)
- Chrysler 200 (2017)
- Ford Fusion (2020)
- Mazda 6 (2021)
- Mitsubishi Galant (2012)
- Nissan Maxima (2023)
- Subaru Legacy (2025)
- Toyota Avalon (2022)
- Volkswagen Passat (2022)
Sedan Gross sales
Left within the section are simply 5 fashions, solely two of which promote in old-school quantity, and actually, just one does should you look intently sufficient. Listed below are how the remaining midsize sedans bought in 2024:
- Toyota Camry (310,000)
- Honda Accord (162,000)
- Nissan Altima (114,000)
- Hyundai Sonata (69,000)
- Kia K5 (46,000)
And sure, these numbers are right. The Camry sells practically in addition to the subsequent three automobiles on the listing. That stated, the still-popular Camry as soon as bought in even greater volumes. You may see why different makes have deserted the section.
Two huge adjustments affected the top-three sellers on this section for 2025: The Camry has been redesigned and is now supplied solely as a hybrid, and the Altima misplaced its premium “VC-Turbo” engine choice. To not be not noted, the Accord has been tweaked for 2025, although the adjustments are principally superficial.
Accord versus Altima versus Camry
Earlier than we transfer on, listed below are three goal issues you could know concerning the Accord, Altima, and Camry:
- Solely the Accord is obtainable with a turbocharged engine
- Solely the Altima can’t be had in hybrid kind
- Solely the Accord can’t be had with AWD
Costs and Trim Ranges
For 2025 the Altima is generally unchanged, although loses its high trim degree. The ’25 lineup ascends by the entry-level S ($28,140), value-oriented SV ($28,570), well-liked SR ($29,970), and topline SL ($34,470). Added midyear is the SR Particular Version ($29,960), which is being positioned to be the quantity mannequin shifting ahead. Gone is SR VC-Turbo, which was the one Altima supplied with the maker’s 248-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
Engines
All Altima fashions are actually powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine which produces 188 horsepower in front-drive fashions, 182 with AWD. And all however the base S trim degree could be had with AWD, which provides simply $1500 to the underside line. All are outfitted with a CVT-style automated transmission.
Shopper Information just lately spent per week behind the wheel of an AWD 2025 Nissan Altima SR in extra-cost Bluestone Pearl and outfitted with quite a few equipment. All advised, together with vacation spot cost, our take a look at automobile got here to $34,580.
Room and Consolation
Like the opposite automobiles on this class, the Altima offers adequate house for 4 adults to experience in consolation, although taller people might discover the rear seat a little bit tight. Stepping into and out of the Altima is straightforward sufficient, thanks principally to beneficiant door openings. And whereas the midsize Nissan’s cabin is mostly effectively appointed, it trails the interiors of the category competitors. With their final updates, the Accord and Camry stepped up their cabin-décor recreation, whereas the Altima feels a little bit old fashioned.
Controls
Even massive people will really feel snug behind the wheel, and the Altima’s beneficiant glass space provides the cabin an open and ethereal really feel. Most controls are inside straightforward attain of the motive force, and are logically arrayed for easy use. We have been stunned by how small the Altima’s infotainment touchscreen is, nevertheless it proved completely useful and simple to make use of.
Experience and Dealing with
On the highway the Altima suspension transmit extra tough highway floor noise and vibration than do the Accord or Camry. And once more, whereas the Altima isn’t noisy, it’s noisier than the opposite automobiles on this section. We did discover the Altima quite enjoyable to drive, with sporty steering really feel, and a good quantity of energy from the usual—and solely—engine. The Camry engine is a little bit loud and raucous when pushed, however no extra so than the Camry’s gasoline engine.
Gasoline Financial system
Gasoline economic system is an Altima sturdy level. Evaluated in principally metropolis driving, our AWD take a look at automobile returned practically 32 mpg, spectacular for a non-hybrid automobile on this class.
Worth
In the end, there may be nothing unsuitable with the Altima, and the obtainable AWD system is a boon up right here within the Snowbelt. However by way of experience high quality, cabin refinement, and powertrain choices, we favor the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. That stated, we strongly advocate you take a look at drive all three automobiles, and see which is finest for you.
Regardless of its drawbacks, the Altima is roomy, comparatively enjoyable to drive, and simple on the gasoline. And—that is solely subjective—we predict it’s the best-looking automobile in its class. Additionally, be looking out for rebates and lease offers which will allow you to resolve to go together with this midsize Nissan.
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2025 Nissan Altima SR Photos
(Click on under for enlarged photographs)