Is 2023 Nissan Altima A Good Car
Overview
The 2023 Nissan Altima is a good choice for a family sedan. It's stylish, has plenty of space inside, and you have the option to get all-wheel drive. As far as power goes, there are two different four-cylinder engines: 182 horsepower or 248 horsepower (turbocharged). However, that’s where the benefits end. No matter how you customize it, it comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) instead of something better . . . meaning the ride isn't particularly exciting.
Even if it's not a hybrid, the Altima still has great fuel efficiency at an EPA-estimated 39 mpg for highway driving. With plenty of room inside, comfortable seats, and optional 12.3-inch infotainment screen, this sedan is easy to live with—even if it can't quite match the soulfulness of the Honda Accord or refinement of the Toyota Camry when compared side by side.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Altima has a standard 188-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes up to 248 horsepower with premium fuel and also uses a CVT; however, only the 2.5 liter engine offers all wheel drive . While Nissan touts the innovative variable compression technology in both engines, the all wheel drive is unavailable for the turbo charged engine. We found that the standard four cylinder had predictable, albeit unremarkable acceleration .
The engine noise increases as the gas pedal is pressed down harder, but we noticed that the four-cylinder Camry was just as loud at times. The VC-Turbo engine makes the Altima significantly quicker than other models. Even though it has a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, the Nissan isn't as fun to drive as the Accord. The Altima SR receives 19-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension that improve its performance on twisty roads; however, these upgrades also sacrifice some of the ride quality found in regular Altima models.
The Nissan Altima had more cornering grip than the 2019 BMW 330i xDrive, a comfortable ride, precise steering system by family-sedan standards, and linear feedback brake pedal.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Altima doesn't offer a fuel-saving hybrid or eco-friendly plug-in-hybrid model as do many of its rivals, but its two gasoline engines have lofty fuel-economy ratings and even better real-world results. When equipped with front-wheel drive, the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 39 highway. With all-wheel drive, those EPA estimates drop to 26 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged 2.0-liter gets an EPA estimated 25 mpg city and 34 mpg on the highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route—part of our extensive testing regimen—the all-wheel-drive Altima achieved an impressive 41 mpg; the VC-Turbo version recorded a notable 37 mpg. The most fuel-efficient (nonhybrid) Accord and Camry earned 38 mpg and 45 mpg, respectively. For more information about the Altima's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every Altima has forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, high-beam assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Nissan also offers a semi-autonomous drive mode called ProPilot Assist.
For more information about the Altima's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Will the 2023 Nissan Altima be redesigned?
The Nissan Altima was restyled for the 2023 model year with an updated expression of Nissan's V-motion grille and redesigned brand logo, newly standard LED headlights, four new aluminum-alloy wheel designs, revised instrument panel finishings and two new exterior paint colors.
Is the 2022 Nissan Altima reliable?
The 2022 Nissan Altima has a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What Altima not to buy?
The 2013 Nissan Altima is another model year to avoid, so much so that Car Complaints has awarded it the “Avoid Like The Plague” badge. This model was plagued by transmission problems with many owners having to fork out for a new transmission after only 55,000 miles at an average cost of $3,120.