2023 Nissan Altima: The New Nissan Altima Sedan Exclusive Review

Posted on

2023 Nissan Altima Thanks to a few twists and slips, the Nissan Altima received an interesting facelift for 2023.

The front of the family sedan now sports a redesigned version of Nissan’s V-motion grille, which also bears the brand’s new logo. Along with visual updates, Altima 2023 improves its list of features and technology offerings.

Nissan just shared an image of the sporty SR model which, unlike other Altimas, is said to have a different grille design and black chrome trim. The rest of the lineup benefits from the new standard LED headlamps, with turn signals sharing space with the daytime running lights.

The car’s paint palette was expanded to include Gray Sky Pearl and Garnett Pearl metallic. Among the four new wheel options, which range in size from 17 to 19 inches, is the set of 15-spoke 19-inch rollers that appeared on the Altima SR pictured here.

Inside, the Altima 2023 looks mostly the same except for the new lining around the gauge cluster and the new double-stitched fabric reserved for the SR trim. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen also joins in (the 8.0-inch unit is still standing).

The larger screen provides a more beautiful interface with sharper graphics and the introduction of wireless Apple CarPlay; Android Auto still needs to be plugged in.

An upgraded infotainment system is available as an option on the SV model and standard on the SL and SR with an optional turbocharged engine.

Nissan’s driver assistance suite, called ProPilot Assist, is still standard on the SL and continues to be available on the SR and SV models.

However, the lower half of the Altima lineup now comes standard with active safety features that were previously optional. The list includes automatic headlights, blind spot monitoring, rear automatic emergency braking, rear traffic warning, and lane departure warning.

The Nissan Altima 2023 doesn’t get any powertrain changes. The standard engine is still a 188-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and is paired with either front or all-wheel drive.

The 248-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with variable compression ratio (aka VC-Turbo) remains the more powerful option but is reserved for the front-wheel-drive SR model. Both engines use a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Nissan hasn’t released pricing for the Altima 2023 yet, but we expect the announcement to come sometime before the updated sedan goes on sale this fall.

The 2022 lineup ranges from $25,925 for the base S model to $35,625 for the top-of-the-line trim, but we don’t expect a significant price increase for the new model year.

2023 Nissan Altima Review

The Nissan Altima 2023 is a perfectly adequate family sedan with a sharp look, spacious cabin, and all-wheel drive available. For power, the Altima has two different four-cylinder engines to choose from: a 182-hp base engine or a turbocharged variable compression unit with 248 horsepower.

2023-Nissan-Altima-New-2

However, that was as far as Altima pushed the envelope. No matter how you define it, it comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and delivers a drive that’s more genteel than dashing.

With an EPA estimate of 39 mpg for road driving, the Altima is extremely fuel efficient for a non-hybrid vehicle.

A roomy interior, comfortable seating, an optional 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a solid offering of standard safety features make this sedan easy to use—even if it lacks the soul of the Honda Accord or the refinements of the Toyota Camry.

Nissan updated the Altima’s look for 2023 with new wheels, a redesigned front fascia with new LED headlights, and the automaker’s new logo.

There are two new paint options as well: Gray Sky Pearl and Garnett Pearl Metallic. In addition to these minor visual tweaks, the top Platinum trim level has been renamed the SL. The interior of the Altima gets a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that comes standard on the SL and SR models but is available for the SV as optional equipment.

Nissan has expanded the standard safety features in its Safety Shield 360 driver assistance technology.

New standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear traffic warning, and high beam assist.

Nissan Altima Report

Nissan gave the mid-size Altima a facelift for the 2023 model year. The sedan received an updated front end and more tech features. Despite these changes, the Nissan Altima 2023 is still included in the sixth generation model that came out in 2019.

The biggest change in the Altima 2023 is its exterior design. At the front, the sedan now has Nissan’s latest V-motion grille and a new logo.

The grille now takes up more real estate up front, while the headlights have a slightly updated look. While minor, the changes help the Nissan Altima 2023 look sharper than the current model on sale.

The interior design of the Nissan Altima 2023 remains largely the same. The dashboard has been slightly updated to accommodate the larger optional 12.3-inch touchscreen, there’s new trim around the digital instrument cluster, and there’s the new double-stitched fabric for the SR trim.

Altima will continue to have a broad dashboard design with a split design that has great control for the HVAC system. The flat-bottom design on the steering wheel provides a sporty touch on the inside.

By 2023, Nissan has overhauled the Altima infotainment system. The midsize sedan now comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, and Nissan has introduced an available 12.3-inch touchscreen. A 7-inch digital instrument cluster is also available.

The optional touchscreen features wireless Apple CarPlay, crisp graphics, and a new layout. We expect Android Auto, Bose audio system, navigation, Wi-Fi hot spots, and two USB ports to be available.

Nissan hasn’t made any changes to Altima’s powertrain for 2023. The sedan will continue to come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 188 horsepower. A 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with a variable compression ratio is available.

The turbocharged engine produces 248 hp. Both engines are mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

The Nissan Altima 2023 comes as standard with the car manufacturer’s suite of Safety Shield 360 features.

This suite includes forward collision warning, automatic forward and reverses emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear traffic warning, blind spot monitoring,, and automatic high beam assist.

Available safety features include traffic sign recognition, surround-view parking camera, and Nissan’s ProPilot Assist system.

Read next: 2023 Nissan Frontier: Next-Gen Nissan Frontier Redesign Looks Like

Nissan Altima Redesign

Japanese automaker Nissan competes in one of the most competitive market segments in the entire American auto industry: a mid-sized sedan battleground with plenty of proven practicality and reliability offered by a variety of well-known and reputable brands.

The Altima has been one of Nissan’s main mid-range sedan competitors since it went into production for the 1993 model year, and 6 generations later, is still going strong with many improvements and revisions every year.

The sixth generation Nissan Altima offers a mix of technologies that make sense both in driving and in terms of the cab, interior comfort, and overall practicality, as well as a capable powertrain that helps enhance the driving experience.

However, with many formidable competitors such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, or Kia K5, Nissan found itself having to constantly build the Altima, further improving it to keep up with or even surpass its segment peers.

For the 2023 model year, Nissan announced a redesign of the Altima, which includes a revised and more aggressive front-end as well as a larger and more capable infotainment screen and several other features. Let’s dive into what we know so far about the next Altima, which will arrive in dealers this fall.

Aesthetically, the only major change made to the upcoming Altima is the revised front, featuring a newly designed black grille on the SR version, which replaces the V-shaped chrome grille of the previous model.

The headlights retain the same shape, although a new set of bulbs inside means Nissan can incorporate the fog lamps into the headlights themselves. The wheel designs are also new for every Nissan Altima 2023 trim, and lastly, you’ll find a redesigned Nissan minimalist logo on the new Altima.

In terms of technological upgrades from last year’s model, Nissan will offer a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen as an option on the SV trim and standard on the SL and SR trims.

Additionally, the Altima will eventually come with ProPilot Assist – which is Nissan’s cruise control system, but again, will only be available on the 2.5 SV trim.

Driving a Nissan Altima 2023

From a horsepower perspective, the Altima 2023 sedan does pretty well even in its base form — 188 better than some competitors, but not quite as well as the Toyota Camry. This doesn’t translate into a thrilling engine, however. “Good, but not too special” is a more accurate description.

Subsequent SV trims and models beyond them come with Active Ride Control, where fine, computer-controlled adjustments to power delivery and braking help improve ride quality.

They also include Intelligent Trace Control, a brake-based torque vector simulation. Again, invisible braking is used, slowing down individual wheels to help the Altima track corners effectively.

The front-drive version of the SR trim has a sport-tuned suspension. This is especially welcome when paired with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, delivering 248 horsepower to what has now become a party — as long as the driver fills up on premium gas.

While all-wheel drive is available (something rare among midsize sedans), you can’t combine it with this more powerful engine. And when all four wheels are driven, it produces slightly less muscle than the base 2.5-liter engine does.

2023 Nissan Altima Interior

Inside, the Altima cab features a simple dashboard with easy-to-use switchgear. Interior materials vary between trim levels, but they are all significant improvements over the previous-generation Altima. Our SV test vehicle has attractive promise and tough plastic that attracts little attention.

The flat-bottomed steering wheel and faux carbon fiber are more or less here, especially since there are no paddle shifters or drive modes to choose from on the SV. However, the soft armrests make cruising and sitting in traffic more tolerable.

The front seats can accommodate a variety of body types, but we found the lumbar support too aggressive. The large rear seats are very comfortable with ample legroom. We loaded six carry-on bags in the Altima’s trunk and a total of 17 bags with the rear seats folded.

These numbers match the Camrys we tested, but both are less than 19 Accord bags. Unfortunately, the Nissan rear seat is not completely flat and has to be removed using the handle in the trunk, which is inconvenient.

The Altima has decent storage in the front seats, with a door pocket that’s narrow through deep and a handy tray at the front of the center console.

The big story inside the Altima 2023 midsize sedan is the availability of a new 12.3-inch touchscreen. It is standard in the 2.0 SR and upper SL trims and optional in the two trims below. This touchscreen also adds wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, but Android users should keep their cables handy.

Other minor changes include the finish on the instrument panel and a double-stitched design for the upholstery of the SR model.

The front seats are very comfortable. The rear passengers were out of luck. They only have 35.2 inches of legroom back there. There are alternatives with more. Similarly, the 15.4 cubic feet of luggage space fails to make the Altima any more attractive.

The Altima’s standard 8.0-inch touchscreen has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. The infotainment interface has a customizable main menu but otherwise some personalization options.

While the sound system has knobs that are handy for volume and adjustment, the touchscreens we tested responded slowly to input.

The Altima SL and SR get a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless phone charging, and a standard WiFi hotspot. A larger screen is optional on the SV model.

2023 Nissan Altima Exterior

The styling update for the Altima 2023 sedan features a new company logo and a new grille flanked by new LED headlights that are fitted as standard. The SR version has a black chrome finish on the grille.

Nissan has also prepared several new wheel designs for most of its lineup. Gray Sky Pearl and Garnett Pearl Metallic combine in the paint choices. We think the company means garnet with a t, dark red.

2023 Nissan Altima Favorite Features

  • ADVANCED DRIVE ASSIST DISPLAY
    Assuming we’re all going to ignore the base S trim which is under-equipped, the rest of the Altima 2023 range has a 7-inch digital driver information display. It adds a touch of classy technology to a rather plain cabin.
  • VC-TURBO ENGINE
    The alternative 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the SR model has variable compression, as indicated by the initials VC. Fixed compression has been a common method in combustion engines for the last 100 years or so. This ingenious engineering piece revolutionized all that by optimizing performance or efficiency, according to the needs of the time.

Read next: 2023 Nissan GTR: New 2023 Nissan GTR Looks Unbelievable Review

2023 Nissan Altima Standard Features

Nissan hasn’t gone it alone nor has the Altima 2023 sedan provided any help by equipping the base S trim so very rarely. Let’s take a quick look at the car’s flaws: Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, alloy wheels, and dual-zone automatic climate control. It’s not up to par with the competition.

One of the positive aspects is the safety features including forwarding collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and — new standard this year — rear parking sensors, rear automatic braking, plus blind spot monitoring with rear traffic warning. . It also gets LED headlights with automatic high beams.

Otherwise, there are things like 16-inch steel wheels, fabric upholstery, and a basic infotainment system with a 7-inch screen and one USB-A port.

2023 Nissan Altima Factory Option

The S trim doesn’t offer an all-wheel drive option, either, or much else.

The next SV model looks brighter, coming with 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/ignition, power-adjustable 8-way driver’s seat, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, satellite radio, Type-A and Type-C USB ports for both rows of seats. sitting, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Even here, buyers may want to opt for the SV Premium package for the moonroof, leather steering wheel, 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen (new for this year), wireless Apple CarPlay (also new), wireless charging, Wi-Fi, navigation, and adaptive cruise control.

The SR trim has 19-inch alloy wheels and a leather-wrapped steering wheel but doesn’t qualify for adaptive cruise control.

The SR Premium package adds a moonroof, heated front seats, power-adjustable 4-way front passenger seat, leather seating surface, 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and Wi-Fi, and navigation.

This trim level also offers a turbocharged engine option. The SR VC-Turbo model has a wider range of standard equipment than the naturally aspirated model, including dual-zone automatic climate control, a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and a 9-speaker Bose audio system, plus content. of the SR Premium plan.

The SV trims back to a non-turbo 2.5-liter engine and standard suspension, adds a heated steering wheel, remote start with intelligent climate control, and most of the above additions.

2023 Nissan Altima Engine & Transmission

The Altima has a standard 188-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces up to 248 horsepower on premium fuel and also uses a CVT.

While Nissan touts its innovative variable compression technology, only the 2.5-liter engine can be had with all-wheel drive. The standard four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive have predictable, albeit mediocre, acceleration.

The engine got noisier the harder we pushed the gas pedal, but the four-cylinder Camry we tested was sometimes just as loud. The VC-Turbo engine makes the Altima significantly faster. Despite its unconventional turbocharged engine and unusual all-wheel drive, the Nissan isn’t as fun to drive as the Accord.

The Altima SR received a sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels that made it even more entertaining on winding roads. However, this upgrade also reduces the ride quality found on the regular Altima model.

Surprisingly, the top-of-the-line SL (formerly known as Platinum) model we drove had a better cornering grip than the 2019 BMW 330i xDrive we tested. Nissan also has a comfortable ride that prevents vibration on bumpy pavement.

The steering system is precise by family sedan standards and adds no effort to mimic the feel of a steering wheel. The Altima brake pedal has linear feedback and a quick response to our input.

The main engine in the Altima 2023 sedan lineup is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit that produces 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. That’s with a front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration. Output drops to 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft with all-wheel drive (AWD) added.

The SR VC-Turbo takes the Altima driving experience to a more exciting road with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.

Front-wheel drive is the only arrangement with this turbo unit, which requires premium gasoline to reach its maximum muscle. The non-turbo engine above is just fine with the usual.

A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is present every Altima 2023.

  • 2.5 liter inline-4
  • 188/182 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (FWD/AWD)
  • 180/178 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm (FWD/AWD)
  • EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/39 mpg (FWD S), 27/37 mpg (FWD SV, SR, SL), 26/36 mpg (AWD SV, AWD SL), 25/35 mpg (AWD SR )
  • 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (SR 2.0 VC-Turbo)
  • 248 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
  • torque 273 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
  • EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/34 mpg

2023 Nissan Altima MPG

The Altima doesn’t offer the fuel-efficient hybrid or eco-friendly plug-in-hybrid model that many of its competitors do, but its two petrol engines have high fuel economy ratings and even better real-world results.

When equipped with front-wheel drive, the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine gets an EPA estimate of 28 mpg city and 39 roads. With all-wheel drive, those EPA estimates drop to 26 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter gets an EPA estimate of 25 mpg city and 34 mpg on the highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-efficient route—part of our extensive testing regimen—the Altima all-wheel-drive hit an impressive 41 mpg; the VC-Turbo version recorded 37 mpg.

The most fuel-efficient (nonhybrid) Accord and Camry deliver 38 mpg and 45 mpg, respectively.

2023 Nissan Altima Release Date

2023 Altima Release Date will go on sale later this fall. Prices for this midsize sedan have not been announced.

With the changes to the Nissan Altima 2023 Release Date, we expect the price for the 2023 model year to be slightly higher than the current model. Prices for the Altima currently range from $25,995 to $35,695 (by destination).

2023 Nissan Altima Price

Unlike the Accord and Hyundai Sonata, the Altima offers two features they lack: all-wheel drive and a unique VC-Turbo engine. While the benefits of the latter are hard to quantify, the $1400 all-wheel-drive system might appeal to sedan buyers living in the Snowbelt.

However, we’ll opt for the SR trim level and skip both options. Along with a sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch alloy wheels that make this family sedan even more enjoyable to drive, the SR has several desirable features including an eight-way driver’s seat, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an upgraded digital gauge.

Clusters, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. We also offer a Premium package which adds heated mirrors, heated front seats, and a sunroof.

We’d expect the 2023 Nissan Altima to start at around $25,000, with the most expensive variant approaching $32,000 – that would be the SL trim, as last year’s top 2023 Nissan Altima Platinum version didn’t make it into 2023.

The competition is fierce. The Subaru Legacy (with all-wheel drive as standard), the Kia K5, and the Hyundai Sonata are close to $24K in their starting prices. The Toyota Camry starts at around $1K or so over the Altima, and the high-end Honda Accord comes above the Camry by the same amount.

Before buying a new Altima sedan, take a few minutes at KBB.com’s Fair Purchase Price to find out what other people in your area are paying for them. In terms of resale value, best priced Accord, with the Legacy and Camry behind.

  • S $26,200 (est)
  • SV $27,200 (est)
  • SR $28,200 (est)
  • SL $36,000 (est)
Sean Tucker is a writer specializing in consumer-focused coverage of the automotive and energy industries. As an automotive news journalist, I have contributed to US News and World Report, Yahoo Autos, MSN, Dub Magazine, and other publications. He has been on TV news as an expert guest to talk about automobile shopping.