2023 Nissan Altima
We are often reminded how we have turn ourselves into an SUV loving automotive market that we forgot all about sedans. We appreciate the extra space, the “step-in” access to the cabin, and the taller profile with better field of vision over traffic.
The 2023 Nissan Altima serves as a reminder that the mid-size family sedan is not dead. In fact, it is very much alive.
Our initial impressions were very good. It is one of the sharpest looking sedans - period. The lower profile is prominent all over, including the roofline. That is marked by a recently revised front end that sits lower with the grille sharing space with two narrow headlamp units full of LED lighting.
The lower body continues to keep its sleek profile, including the “floating” roof design that gives the Altima a near-fastback-type look. The trunk lid opens to the bumper, while housing half of the horizontal LED taillamps.
Our SL tester also adds a set of 19-inch alloy wheels, giving the Altima a very luxurious look with an ounce of swagger. That’s the kind of sedan you would fall for.
Inside the Altima is an engaging driver environment full of easy-to-read instrumentation and controls that are also easy to use and good to the touch. The information screen is seven inches wide and full of clear and extensive readouts. It is flanked by a clean set of analog dials. The climate controls bridge the center stack and the console, as it flows to a nice, short shifter. A new free-standing tablet-like 12.3-inch infotainment screen tops the center of the dashboard with circular vents creating the finishing touch.
Seating in our SL tester is swathed with a black leather upholstery that looks and feel great. The front seats themselves are very comfortable and supportive. Not to mention that there is plenty of space of plenty of drivers behind the wheel. Rear seat room is great for adults even with the low roof line.
Open up the trunk to a 15.4 cubic feet space that is expandable with the rear seatbacks folded down. There is a slight step-down off the rear bumper for loading larger items, such as suitcases.
Our tester is powered by a 188-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is connected to an Xtronic continuously variable transmission driving all four wheels. The transmission can “shift” to where it needs to be and does so without a lot of noise from the engine and drama from the entire driveline.
The result is a smooth-running and strong driveline that also returns good fuel economy. Nissan states that it would average 26 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.
As for the driving experience, the ride is very balanced – not too soft nor firm. However, it does a great job handling rougher road conditions. The Altima also corners very well and can manage evasive maneuvers with ease.
We found the steering system on the Altima very good, with a tight turning radius and great response to the road. On-center feel is strong, and the Lane Departure Warning definitely kept us in check. Steering wheel weight is excellent and instill a lot of control for the driver to command this sedan. We also like the brakes with its great pedal feel and stopping power. We enjoyed solid stops in normal and panic situations.
Pricing for the 2023 Nissan Altima starts from $25,490. You have a choice of five trim levels, including the SR VC-Turbo model. Our SL tester came with a sticker price of $37,645.
The Altima is a very competitive sedan offering everything its rivals can still muster up. Sits competitors include the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, Subaru Legacy, and Chevrolet Malibu.
Sedans are not dead. The Nissan Altima is proof that they will be around for a long time. It offers a great package with solid performance and high style to take the family anywhere at ground level.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
