Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR AWD Sedan
Specs
Class: Midsize Sedan
Coloration: Bluestone Pearl
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 188
Actual-world gas financial 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 Client Information’s impressions of the complete 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 financial system: 25/34/28 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline sort: Common gasoline
Base worth: $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 package deal ($375), illuminated kick plates ($405), exterior floor lighting with emblem ($570), rear spoiler ($420), 19-inch alloy wheels ($670)
Worth as examined: $34,580
Professionals and Cons
The good: Roomy entrance row, sporty character
The nice: Gasoline environment friendly
The not so good: Highway and wind noise, solely common cabin appointments
Assessment
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 strategy to compact crossovers, which have taken over U.S dealership tons, and neighborhood driveways.
Discontinued Midsize Sedans
- It could shock you to study that all the 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 when you look carefully 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 record. That stated, the still-popular Camry as soon as bought in even larger volumes. You’ll be able to see why different makes have deserted the section.
Two massive 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 neglected, the Accord has been tweaked for 2025, although the adjustments are largely superficial.
Accord versus Altima versus Camry
Earlier than we transfer on, listed here are three goal issues it’s good 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 type
- Solely the Accord can’t be had with AWD
Costs and Trim Ranges
For 2025 the Altima is usually unchanged, although loses its high trim degree. The ’25 lineup ascends by means 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 amount 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 might be had with AWD, which provides simply $1500 to the underside line. All are outfitted with a CVT-style automated transmission.
Client Information lately spent every week behind the wheel of an AWD 2025 Nissan Altima SR in extra-cost Bluestone Pearl and outfitted with various equipment. All informed, 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 supplies enough house for 4 adults to journey in consolation, although taller of us might discover the rear seat just a little tight. Moving into and out of the Altima is straightforward sufficient, thanks largely 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 just a little old skool.
Controls
Even giant of us will really feel snug behind the wheel, and the Altima’s beneficiant glass space offers the cabin an open and ethereal really feel. Most controls are inside simple attain of the driving force, and are logically arrayed for easy use. We have been stunned by how small the Altima’s infotainment touchscreen is, nonetheless it proved completely purposeful and straightforward to make use of.
Trip 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 relatively enjoyable to drive, with sporty steering really feel, and an honest quantity of energy from the usual—and solely—engine. The Camry engine is just a little loud and raucous when pushed, however no extra so than the Camry’s gasoline engine.
Gasoline Financial system
Gasoline financial system is an Altima sturdy level. Evaluated in largely metropolis driving, our AWD take a look at automobile returned practically 32 mpg, spectacular for a non-hybrid automobile 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 by way of journey high quality, cabin refinement, and powertrain choices, we want 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 straightforward on the gasoline. And—that is fully subjective—we expect it’s the best-looking automobile in its class. Additionally, be looking out for rebates and lease offers that will make it easier to determine to go along with this midsize Nissan.
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2025 Nissan Altima SR Footage
(Click on under for enlarged pictures)