Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR AWD Sedan
Specs
Class: Midsize Sedan
Colour: 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 autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and will not mirror Client Information’s impressions of all the mannequin lineup. | |
| Massive & Tall Consolation | |
| Massive Man | B+ |
| Tall Man | B |
| Massive & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” 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 Kind | 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 kind: Common gasoline
Base value: $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 package deal ($375), illuminated kick plates ($405), exterior floor lighting with emblem ($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 nice: Gasoline environment friendly
The not so good: Street and wind noise, solely common cabin appointments
Assessment
In case you weren’t paying consideration, there aren’t very many mainstream midsize sedans out there 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 heaps, and neighborhood driveways.
Discontinued Midsize Sedans
- It could shock you to be taught 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 phase are simply 5 fashions, solely two of which promote in old-school quantity, and actually, just one does in the event 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 checklist. That mentioned, the still-popular Camry as soon as bought in even increased volumes. You possibly can see why different makes have deserted the phase.
Two huge adjustments 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 not noted, the Accord has been tweaked for 2025, although the adjustments are principally superficial.
Accord versus Altima versus Camry
Earlier than we transfer on, listed below are three goal issues you want to know in regards to 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 usually unchanged, although loses its high trim degree. The ’25 lineup ascends by way of the entry-level S ($28,140), value-oriented SV ($28,570), common 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 provided 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 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 lately spent every week behind the wheel of an AWD 2025 Nissan Altima SR in extra-cost Bluestone Pearl and geared up with plenty of 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 autos on this class, the Altima offers enough area for 4 adults to trip in consolation, although taller people could discover the rear seat slightly tight. Moving into and out of the Altima is simple sufficient, thanks principally to beneficiant door openings. And whereas the midsize Nissan’s cabin is usually nicely 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 slightly old-fashioned.
Controls
Even giant 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 motive 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 useful 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 phase. We did discover the Altima fairly enjoyable to drive, with sporty steering really feel, and a good quantity of energy from the usual—and solely—engine. The Camry engine is slightly loud and raucous when pushed, however no extra so than the Camry’s gasoline engine.
Gasoline Financial system
Gasoline financial system is an Altima robust level. Evaluated in principally metropolis driving, our AWD take a look at automotive returned practically 32 mpg, spectacular for a non-hybrid car on this class.
Worth
In the end, there may be nothing mistaken with the Altima, and the out there AWD system is a boon up right here within the Snowbelt. However by way of trip high quality, cabin refinement, and powertrain choices, we desire the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. That mentioned, we strongly advocate you take a look at drive all three automobiles, 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 fully subjective—we expect it’s the best-looking automotive in its class. Additionally, be looking out for rebates and lease offers that will aid you determine to go together with this midsize Nissan.
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2025 Nissan Altima SR Photos
(Click on beneath for enlarged pictures)
