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 gas 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 stage evaluated, and should not replicate Client Information’s impressions of all the mannequin lineup. | |
| Huge & Tall Consolation | |
| Huge Man | B+ |
| Tall Man | B |
| Huge & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” 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 Sort | 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT-automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gas economic system: 25/34/28 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline kind: Common gasoline
Base worth: $30,330 (not together with $1140 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at car: Splash guards ($245), premium paint ($425) mat and web bundle ($375), illuminated kick plates ($405), exterior floor lighting with brand ($570), rear spoiler ($420), 19-inch alloy wheels ($670)
Value as examined: $34,580
Professionals and Cons
The nice: Roomy entrance row, sporty character
The great: Gasoline environment friendly
The not so good: Street and wind noise, solely common cabin appointments
Overview
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 phase, midsize sedans have lengthy given option to compact crossovers, which have taken over U.S dealership tons, and neighborhood driveways.
Discontinued Midsize Sedans
- It could shock you to study that the entire following midsize sedans have been dropped by their manufacturers:
- Buick Regal (final offered 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 phase are simply 5 fashions, solely two of which promote in old-school quantity, and actually, just one does for those who look carefully sufficient. Listed below are how the remaining midsize sedans offered 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 appropriate. The Camry sells practically in addition to the subsequent three vehicles on the checklist. That stated, the still-popular Camry as soon as offered in even increased volumes. You possibly can see why different makes have deserted the phase.
Two massive modifications affected the top-three sellers on this phase for 2025: The Camry has been redesigned and is now provided solely as a hybrid, and the Altima misplaced its premium “VC-Turbo” engine possibility. To not be overlooked, the Accord has been tweaked for 2025, although the modifications are largely superficial.
Accord versus Altima versus Camry
Earlier than we transfer on, listed below are three goal issues you have to 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 stage. The ’25 lineup ascends by way of the entry-level S ($28,140), value-oriented SV ($28,570), widespread 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 transferring ahead. Gone is SR VC-Turbo, which was the one Altima provided with the maker’s 248-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
Engines
All Altima fashions at the moment are 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 stage will be had with AWD, which provides simply $1500 to the underside line. All are geared up with a CVT-style automated transmission.
Client Information just lately spent every week behind the wheel of an AWD 2025 Nissan Altima SR in extra-cost Bluestone Pearl and geared up with quite a few equipment. All informed, together with vacation spot cost, our take a look at automotive got here to $34,580.
Room and Consolation
Like the opposite automobiles on this class, the Altima gives ample 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 simple sufficient, thanks largely to beneficiant door openings. And whereas the midsize Nissan’s cabin is mostly nicely appointed, it trails the interiors of the category competitors. With their final updates, the Accord and Camry stepped up their cabin-décor sport, 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 driving force, and are logically arrayed for easy use. We had been shocked by how small the Altima’s infotainment touchscreen is, nonetheless it proved completely practical and straightforward 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 vehicles on this phase. We did discover the Altima reasonably enjoyable to drive, with sporty steering really feel, and an honest 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 robust level. Evaluated in largely metropolis driving, our AWD take a look at automotive returned practically 32 mpg, spectacular for a non-hybrid car on this class.
Worth
Finally, there’s nothing incorrect with the Altima, and the obtainable AWD system is a boon up right here within the Snowbelt. However when it comes to experience high quality, cabin refinement, and powertrain choices, we desire the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. That stated, we strongly advocate you take a look at drive all three vehicles, and see which is greatest for you.
Regardless of its drawbacks, the Altima is roomy, comparatively enjoyable to drive, and straightforward on the gasoline. And—that is totally subjective—we predict it’s the best-looking automotive in its class. Additionally, be looking out for rebates and lease offers that will provide help to determine to go along with this midsize Nissan.
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2025 Nissan Altima SR Footage
(Click on under for enlarged pictures)
Client Information Automotive Stuff Podcast Episode 260: 2025 Toyota Camry Overview (Bonus Episode)
