New for 2016

The 2016 Nissan Altima gets a significant refresh, with updated styling, a sporty new SR model, and additional features.

Mainstream Magnificence 

Boasting everything from the Leaf electric car to the mighty GT-R, Nissan’s lineup is nothing if not diverse. But while the Leaf and GT-R are impressive technical achievements, Nissan dealers sell many more Altimas on any given day. So for 2016, Nissan gave its mainstream midsize sedan a major update, with new styling and more tech features. That should keep Altimas rolling off dealer lots in large numbers for some time.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2016 Nissan Altima is available with two powertrain options. Whether you want thriftiness or fleetness, Nissan has you covered. The standard offering is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, with 182 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. There’s also a 3.5-liter V6 with 270 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque.

All Altima models are front-wheel drive, and use Nissan’s Xtronic CVT® automatic transmission. For 2016, Nissan updated the continuously variable transmission with the D-Step Shift logic already deployed in the Maxima and Murano. Nissan says this creates a feeling of more responsive acceleration from both a standing start and in passing situations. Since this is still a CVT, though, it also ensures the Altima returns impressive fuel economy.

Official EPA figures aren’t in yet, but Nissan expects 31 mpg combined (27 mpg city, 39 mpg highway) for the 2.5-liter four-cylinder. It says the highway figure will be best in class for a standard powertrain. In the sportier SR trim level, Nissan says the four-cylinder will get 30 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 37 mpg highway), while the 3.5-liter V6 is expected to get 26 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway) across the board.

When it comes to performance, the new-for-2016 SR model is worth a look. Available with either the four-cylinder or V6 engines, it adds sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, and some cosmetic changes like smoked headlight lenses, fog lights, a rear spoiler, and black interior trim with blue stitching.

Features and Trims

The 2016 Nissan Altima is available only as a four-door, five-seat midsize sedan. There are five available trim levels, priced starting from $22,500.*

Even the base Altima comes fairly well equipped, with standard features like power windows and exterior mirrors, Halogen headlights, “zero gravity” front bucket seats, 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, and other items. Upgrading to the Altima S includes all of the base model’s features, plus auto on/off headlights, a 5.0-inch display audio system, USB port, rearview camera, NissanConnect^SM with Mobile Apps, hands-free text messaging, and Siri® Eyes Free voice recognition (compatible iPhone® required).

The Altima SR has a sportier attitude with its aforementioned performance and cosmetic upgrades, along with some convenience features like power seats and daytime running lights. The Altima SV adds a bit more luxury in the form of dual-zone automatic climate control, SiriusXM® satellite radio, remote engine start, and other features. Finally, the Altima SL sits at the top of the lineup with standard equipment like leather seats, mirror-mounted LED turn signals, a nine-speaker Bose® premium audio system, compass, rear HVAC vents, and upgraded interior trim.

In addition to the standard equipment, optional features include LED lighting, a power moonroof, a Cold Weather package (heated front seats, exterior mirrors, and steering wheel), and the NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps infotainment system, with a 7.0-inch display screen and voice recognition.

Design

The 2016 Nissan Altima features a restyled exterior that not only gives it a more extroverted look, but also helps improve fuel efficiency. The front fascia is inspired by the look of the Maxima and Murano, with Nissan’s new V-shaped grille and “boomerang” headlights. There are matching “boomerang” taillights at the back, too, and the trunk was also reshaped.

Considering that the Altima was refreshed rather than fully redesigned, the changes make a pretty big impact. The car is much more dynamic looking than before, especially if you opt for the SR model, with its smoked headlights, 18-inch wheels, and rear spoiler. But there are also significant changes that you can’t see, including an underbody cover and active grille shutters. Along with the reshaped front and rear fasciae, these help lower the Altima’s coefficient of drag form 0.29 to 0.26, Nissan says.

On the inside, the Altima gets a new center stack, center console, and other bits that adopt Nissan’s current “gliding wing” design, again shared with the Maxima and Murano. It still features the nifty “Zero Gravity” front seats that use a NASA-inspired material, and were one of the outgoing Altima’s biggest selling points. All models also get a reconfigurable 4.0-inch display within the analog instrument cluster.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Nissan Altima includes anti-lock brakes, Vehicle Dynamic Control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. Optional features include a rearview camera, Forward Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind-Spot Warning.

Bottom Line

The Nissan Altima was always a competent midsize sedan, but for the 2016 model year, it gets even better.

To experience the 2016 Nissan Altima for yourself, don't hesitate to contact or visit 3Birds Template for a test drive.

*All prices listed herein are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP), which exclude tax, title, license, and installation, and are subject to change without prior notice.  

Image: Nissan