Handsome styling; cushy seats; innovative CVT technology; easy to use and affordable navigation radio
Vague power steering; engine-induced torque steer; tight rear-seat headroom
The 2014 Nissan Altima is fitted with NissanConnect Apps, an infotainment upgrade that allows apps-driven content from an iPhone or Android smartphone. Once paired, owners will be able to connect with such popular apps as Facebook, iHeartRadio, Pandora (Android only) and Online Search powered by Google (requires navigation). Hands-free text messaging is also included.
Loading the Altima with options quickly runs the price of the V6 version into the low $30,000s, which should scare away family drivers. At that price, Nissan's own Maxima might be the better choice. The responsible family shopper can choose the 2.5 SV trim level for $25,000 and get goodies such as remote start, Pandora radio integration and hands-free text reading with 17-in aluminum wheels and a backup camera, all in a car rated at 38 mpg on the highway.
The 2014 Nissan Altima comes in four trims with two engine choices. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder cars come in base, S, SV and SL, while the V6 powered 3.5-liter comes in S, SV and SL.
The base 2.5 ($22,670) includes 16-inch steel wheels with covers, 6-way manual drivers seat, power windows, locks and mirrors, 4-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, Nissan Intelligent Key keyless entry and push-button start, remote trunk and front window control via key fob, Bluetooth and steering wheel audio controls.
The 2.5 S ($23,190) adds a 6-way power driver's seat, cruise control and a 6-speaker audio upgrade.
The 2.5 SV ($24,990) brings 16-in alloy wheels, 9-speaker Bose audio with color display, USB and iPod integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, text message assistant, NissanConnect Apps, rearview monitor, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear-seat heat/cooling vents and remote start.
The 2.5 SL ($28,570) includes a heated steering wheel, fog lights, integrated mirror turn signals, leather seating, LED taillights, 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar, heated front seats, heated folding side mirrors and auto up/down front passenger window.
The 3.5 S ($26,970) has much of the 2.5 S equipment plus the V6 engine and 18-in wheels.
The 3.5 SV ($29,170) is similarly equipped as the 2.5 SV and adds V6, a power moonroof and 18-in wheels.
The 3.5 SL ($31,470) adds a power moonroof over the 2.5 SL.
There are six option packages, varying by trim. More notable is the Convenience Package on the 2.5 SV, which adds a power moonroof, rear A/C vents, fog lamps, integrated side mirror turn signals, HomeLink and more. The Technology Package (SV and SL) adds navigation radio with 7-in screen, Blind Spot Warning, Moving Obstacle Detection, Lane Departure and Online Search powered by Google.
| Sedan | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima 4dr Sdn I4 2.5 | $22,170 / N/A | 4 Cylinder | 182 | 27 / 38 | Continuously Variable Automatic | FWD |
| Altima 4dr Sdn I4 2.5 S | $22,690 / N/A | 4 Cylinder | 182 | 27 / 38 | Continuously Variable Automatic | FWD |
| Altima 4dr Sdn I4 2.5 SL | $27,920 / N/A | 4 Cylinder | 182 | 27 / 38 | Continuously Variable Automatic | FWD |
| Altima 4dr Sdn I4 2.5 SV | $24,340 / N/A | 4 Cylinder | 182 | 27 / 38 | Continuously Variable Automatic | FWD |
| Altima 4dr Sdn V6 3.5 S | $26,320 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 270 | 22 / 31 | Continuously Variable Automatic | FWD |
| Altima 4dr Sdn V6 3.5 SL | $30,820 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 270 | 22 / 31 | Continuously Variable Automatic | FWD |
| Altima 4dr Sdn V6 3.5 SV | $28,520 / N/A | 6 Cylinder | 270 | 22 / 31 | Continuously Variable Automatic | FWD |
Nissan offers several new safety technologies to help Altima drivers avoid accidents, such as lane departure, blind spot and moving-object warning systems. To supplement the usual new stability control technologies, the Altima features active understeer control. This automatically brakes the inside front wheel when the car is going too quickly into a turn, reducing the understeer effect common to front-wheel-drive cars. Understeer is when a car doesn't turn as much as the driver intends because the front tires are sliding. The Easy Fill Tire Alert system simplifies pumping up the tires by chirping the Altima's horn when you've put in enough air.
In crash tests, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2014 Altima a five overall rating (its highest score), with five stars in the front and side-impact tests and four stars in the roof-strength test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Altima a Top Safety Pick, giving it top marks in all but the small overlap front crash test, which was rated as Acceptable.
| Basic | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 5 Years/60,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 5 Years/Unlimited Miles |
Chevrolet Malibu -- The Malibu is a smaller, tauter 4-cylinder-only car.
Ford Fusion -- The Fusion combines winning style with a huge variety of power sources, including a standard 4-cylinder, a turbo, a hybrid electric and a plug-in hybrid.
Honda Accord -- The old standby is still solid, efficient and responsive, though the styling has become stale.
Hyundai Sonata -- The exciting-looking Sonata isn't that exciting to drive, but it is a great car, delivering the combination of price, efficiency and quality that built the Toyota Camry's reputation.
It's not hard to find a relatively modern family sedan for under $10,000.