Flash Drive

2016 Nissan Altima

 

Model Tested: 2016 Nissan Altima SV

The 2016 Nissan Altima shares front end styling cues with other Nissan products and is easily recognized as a Nissan.
The 2016 Nissan Altima shares front end styling cues with other Nissan products and is easily recognized as a Nissan.

Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 gas, 182 horsepower, 180 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 26/City—37/Highway—30/Combined

Base Price: $25,460

As Tested: $28,425

Performance:

Smooth highway ride

Strong acceleration

OK CVT transmission

Overdrive function

We averaged 26.3 mpg in mixed driving

OK electric power steering assist

Comfort:

Space and comfort are key ingredients of the 2016 Nissan Altima interior.
Space and comfort are key ingredients of the 2016 Nissan Altima interior.

Leather covered medium thick tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Nice auxiliary controls

Near stretch-out drive legroom

Super stretch-out front passenger legroom

Ample shoe room under dashboard

Good headroom

Excellent driver power lumbar support

Comfy, supportive seats with soft headrests

Quality interior materials

Very spacious rear seat

Medium to low floor hump

Soft rear seat armrest

Medium size sunroof

Utility:

The 2016 Nissan Altima utility factor is strong thanks to a spacious trunk and fold-down rear seats.
The 2016 Nissan Altima utility factor is strong thanks to a spacious trunk and fold-down rear seats.

Large trunk with flat floor

Low lift-over

Very large, deep locking glovebox

Medium size front door bins

Medium size, two-part console bin

Soft console armrest

Blind spot monitors in side mirrors

Small rear door bins

Split folding rear seats, but steep folded angle

Good size pass-through

Wow Factors:

Grand Canyon interior

Spacious trunk

Impressive active safety features

Solid build quality

Whines:

Glovebox is so deep that rear of it is hard to reach

Small rear door bins

Rear seats don’t fold very flat

Bottom Line:

The 2016 Nissan Altima is more about practicality than passion, but for a large segment of the buying public that’s a big plus. The interior is very spacious front and rear. Build quality and interior materials are excellent. Fuel economy is competitive as is the pricing. The 2016 Nissan Altima is a strong player in the midsize sedan market.