The Nissan Altima has long been a popular mid-sized family sedan that is great as either a daily commuter car or a weekend warrior, or both. Because it competes in the largest and most competitive segment the Altima has had to continuously work to stay ahead of or in line with namesakes such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The Altima has done a masterful job of continuing to take its share of the market and offers a vehicle for 2015 that has better fuel economy on its V6 mode than the competition.
As a well-designed vehicle that offers the NissanConnect and Nissan’s app suite along with the increased fuel efficiency, expect the Altima to be an even better seller for 2015 than it was for 2014. Offering many of the higher level features as standard fare over the competition that puts them in as optional features the Altima is one of the most feature laden vehicles in the mid-sized sedan class.
Driving the Altima offers a fun-factor that isn’t found on many other daily drivers. With its multilink independent suspension that takes on any road abrasion with ease and confidence as well as a highly responsive steering system that responds sharply to all driver inputs the Altima can handle any road thrown its way. Find a bit of city traffic or a winding mountain pass and the Altima will perform with easy confidence that is matched only by high performance vehicle. The cabin of the Altima is decently quiet with a good measure of insulation and noise reduction technology to allow the occupants to enjoy their ride without listening to the road noises on the outside. With all of these great features, the Altima is enjoyable and easily comes in as technologically advanced compared to its competition.
Nissan has decided to play it much simpler with its engine offerings for 2015 than most manufacturers. Instead of having a wide variety of options including a hybrid or diesel, the Altima is only offered with two engines, a four and six cylinder. The base engine is the 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that is found in the 2.5, 2.5S, 2.5SL and 2.5SV models. This engine offers up to 182 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque and is matched up with Nissan’s next-generation Xtronic continuously variable transmission to offer 27 city/38 hwy mpg of fuel efficiency to enjoy.
The upgraded engine offering is a much more powerful 3.5-liter V6 that is found in the 3.5S, 3.5SV and 3.5SL models. This engine offers more than enough power to make for an enjoyable ride and have the ability to pass easily on highways coming in with 270 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. When partnered with the same transmission as the four-cylinder engine the fuel efficiency comes in at 22 city/32 hwy mpg making this the most fuel efficient V6 engine in the mid-sized sedan class.
The interior of the Altima offers a look and feel that is all its own. With soft, easy to enjoy materials throughout the car and an outstanding control center, the vehicle feels much more upscale than a basic mid-sized sedan. One of the most unique and interesting features comes in the form of the NASA-inspired “zero gravity” front bucket seats that offer a very relaxed posture to mimic a weightless environment and offer more comfort than any other seat in this class of vehicle. The rear seat has plenty of legroom for any size passenger to be comfortable, and the trunk is massive and easily handles enough luggage for a long vacation, or even a bit of gear to head out to the lake for the weekend.
On the outside the Altima is truly one of the most stylish and classy looking vehicles in its class. With a wide and long body the car has sleek and low angled lines from the hood to the roof and on back to the trunk. The front is faced out with a uniquely styled grill and narrow-eyed headlights that bring the interest to the rest of the vehicle. With a nice body shaping around the wheel wells and on back across the door panels and on back, the body features are elegant and aggressive at the same time. The dual star-spoked wheels finish off the overall beauty of this vehicle that is simply not a plain and simple sedan, but rather a class leader for looks and style.
The standard features offered for the Altima start with a six-way manual driver’s seat, a four-way front passenger seat, a 60/40 split/folding rear bench seat, power windows and door locks, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with touch controls, remote keyless entry, push button starting, NissanConnect infotainment, Bluetooth connectivity, a 4.0-inch color and customizable Advanced Driver Assist display all for the base model. The SV model adds the NissanConnect app suite and an eight-way power driver’s seat while the SL adds leather upholstery, premium trims and automatic climate control.
The optional features for the Altima includes a Convenience Package that adds a moon roof, rear air conditioning vents and a one-touch passenger side window, a Technology Package that adds a navigation system. The Display Audio Package adds a five-inch color display, and the Sport Value package adds a remote engine start, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and a trunk mounted spoiler. An Altima with all the packages included can reach deep into the premium sedan class and easily outclasses all of its own competition.
The 2015 Nissan Altima starts out at a base price of $23,000 with is an excellent price for all the standard features and technology that’s included. Heading all the way up to a loaded SL model with the V6 engine and the price will come in around $32,000; still very reasonable and easily affordable for most who want to experience a taste of luxury in their daily commuter car. No matter how it’s set up, the Altima offers a bit of driving fun for those who seek it out and want to enjoy their daily drive rather than just get where they are going.
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