The midsize sedan niche isn’t what it used to be. Losing momentum, there are only a few players left, including the Nissan Altima.
Rather neglected by consumers, the Altima has a lot to offer. Its main rivals are the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5 and Subaru Legacy.
Our tester, the SR Midnight Edition — sitting in the middle of the range between the SE and Platinum — starts at $33,198. Despite this price, it offers a range of safety technologies, all-wheel drive and an ergonomic multimedia system as standard.
Photo: Dominic Boucher
Interesting drive
Far from being ugly, the Altima rides smoothly thanks to its suspension calibrated for comfort, not to mention the front seats equipped with technology zero gravity . These allow occupants to make long journeys without back pain or leg pain. They would benefit from a longer or adjustable seat.
Either way, the driving position remains adequate. In front of the pilot, the instrument panel incorporates two dials at the ends and a digital screen in the center which is easy to use, but which displays an outdated presentation.
Photo: Dominic Boucher
The steering wheel is easy to grip and the steering isn’t too overpowered. For a bit of fun, paddles on the steering wheel allow you to change the gears yourself. Incidentally, the transmission lever also has a – rather concealed – button for using Sport mode.
Small downside in terms of visibility: although it is generally good, the rear window is particularly inclined, so that you mainly have to rely on the rear view camera. Unfortunately, the latter disappoints with the poor quality of the resolution and its inability to generate a clear image at night.
Mechanically, only one engine is on the menu and it’s a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder that produces 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Everything is mated to an Xtronic (or CVT) box, which simulates eight gears.
These figures are not impressive, however, the powertrain does a good job on a daily basis. As for the transmission, it certainly does not replace a traditional gearbox, but it nevertheless manages to adequately imitate ratios without feeling too much the elastic effect typical of CVTs.
Photo: Dominic Boucher
Furthermore, we were pleasantly surprised by the fuel consumption. The Altima, unlike many of its competitors, does not have the stop/start function – which could be an interesting asset in traffic. Despite the lack of this technology, we recorded a very reasonable rating of 7.1 L/100 km. Moreover, thanks to the large 61-litre tank, it is possible to travel long distances before refueling.
Unlike many of its rivals, the Nissan Altima is not available with a hybrid engine. Too bad, since it would be a selling point in these times of inflation and exaggerated gas prices. In return, the Altima is equipped with four-wheel drive as standard, an important element for many Quebec drivers.
Photo: Dominic Boucher
Equipped with several technologies
The multimedia system includes an eight-inch screen and its interface is easy to use. The latter also incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To combine business with pleasure, the console has a USB-A and USB-C port as well as an auxiliary port.
Note, however, that the 2023 model has a 12.3-inch high-resolution monitor (optional). In addition, the radio feeds six loudspeakers which emit decent sound.
When it comes to safety and driver assistance technologies, the Altima offers a host of gadgets. First, adaptive cruise control with ProPILOT power steering, which notably uses a camera, radar, sensors and an electronic control module to maintain the vehicle’s trajectory and monitor the distance with other cars around. In general, we consider the technology to work well.
Then there’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist and Collision Notification. .
Photo: Dominic Boucher
New aesthetic for 2023
As for the design of the Altima, it sports sporty and dynamic lines. Our test version displays several black elements found on the 18-inch rims, the “V-Motion” of the grille, the rear diffuser as well as the mirrors and the rear spoiler. In addition, the outline of the headlights and lights is darkened.
Although the aesthetic is successful, we found that some body panels would benefit from better assembly.
Photo: Dominic Boucher
Hopefully that detail will be fixed for the 2023 edition, which gets a visual update up front with a new fascia, updated grille look and new 19-inch wheels for the SR and Platinum variants. In addition, a new exterior color is added to the palette: Ethos Grey.
Evolving in the shadows, the Nissan Altima is far from being a bad choice. It features many technologies for the price, in addition to offering an attractive fuel consumption rating — especially for those who want to drive long distances in complete comfort. And its standard all-wheel drive makes it amusingly interesting in winter!