2017 Nissan Altima Review

2017 Nissan Altima offers bold styling, advanced connectivity and safety technology and a choice of powertrains

The Nissan Altima shook up the mid-size sedan segment in the 2016 model year in one of the most extensive mid-cycle makeovers in Nissan history – with revised styling, enhanced performance and new safety features. For 2017, the continuing hot sales achieved in 2016 that are projected to continue into the new year.

The 2017 Altima is available in a choice of seven models – 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, 3.5 SR and 3.5 SL. The five 2.5-liter models feature a 179-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine, while 3.5-liter Altima models offer a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6.

A Bold, “Energetic Flow” Exterior

The 2017 Altima embraces Nissan’s bold design language. Known by designers as “energetic flow,” the new look was introduced on the latest generation Murano crossover and Maxima sports sedan. For Altima, the “energetic flow” design language is expressed by the low muscular front fascia, distinctive “V-motion” grille and deep bumpers. The Altima hood and fenders are accented with a tailored character lines, while the available LED signature boomerang headlights, fog lights and Daytime Running Lights create a distinctive contemporary “face.”

In the rear, the fascia and bumper add a dramatic character. The look is highlighted by wide four-piece taillights featuring a signature boomerang shape. The trunk lid incorporates an integrated spoiler for the Altima SR grade.

Special attention to aerodynamics includes active grille shutters, underfloor aero covers and the detailed front and rear fascia and windshield designs. The result is a coefficient of drag of just 0.26 Cd (SV and SL models).

Special efforts were also made in the design to enhance DQR (Durability, Quality and Reliability) and NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels. For example, Altima utilizes acoustic (laminated) windshield glass to help create a quieter cabin, aiding use of the Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone and Voice Recognition systems. Efforts were also made to isolate noise created by hard acceleration, utilizing insulation and sound barriers, especially in the firewall area. In addition, the engine mounts and large center muffler further reduce sound transmission into the Altima interior.

The 2017 Altima is available in nine colors: Deep Blue Pearl, Java Metallic, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Pearl White, Glacier White, Storm Blue and Cayenne Red.

An Information-Centric Interior

Inside, the 2017 Altima features a refined, personal space interior, which shares the “gliding wing” design language established with the Murano and Maxima. The interior defies mid-size sedan convention, rivaling upscale luxury sedans in ambience and sophistication.

Like the exterior, there is a premium look and feel – from the driver’s side cockpit to the front passenger and rear seating areas – with extensive use of soft touch materials and craftsman-like attention to detail. The standard Zero Gravity front seats utilize an articulated seat shape with continuous support from the pelvis to the chest.

Altima offers standard woven fabric seating with a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat and a 4-way adjustable front passenger seat, 60/40 split folding rear bench seat with armrest, and black interior trim with chrome finish accents. Also available, depending on model, are leather-appointed seats and trim, 6-way or 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and a 4-way power front passenger seat. Heated front seats are also available, along with Carbon Wave tone (Charcoal interior) or Brushed Silver Wave tone (Beige interior) interior trim finishers. The Altima SR grade includes sport interior accents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, paddle shifters and leather-wrapped gear shifter.

Available audio systems include an AM/FM/CD design with RDS, MP3, aux-in and six speakers, along with an available Bose® Premium Audio System with nine speakers (including woofers), designed in conjunction with Bose® engineers during vehicle development to deliver rich sound and acoustics.

Every Altima also offers an Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display. Located in the center of the instrument display between the tachometer and speedometer, it features a 4.0-inch color display and is customizable, easy-to-use and integrates key information right in front of the driver.

With the available Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, drivers can manage incoming text messages via voice control without taking their hands from the wheel or eyes off the road. Drivers are alerted to an incoming text and, after initiating the system, can hear the text read out loud and respond via voice recognition, or via the steering wheel switches using pre-set answers such as “driving, can’t text,” “on my way,” “running late,” “okay” or a custom message.

Altima 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL and 3.5 SR grades feature a standard 5.0-inch color audio display, which is used for a number of tasks including viewing images from the RearView Monitor. Along with the 5.0-inch color audio display, the system includes an illuminated USB port with iPod® connectivity. Also standard on all models (except 2.5) is Siri Eyes Free™1 Voice Recognition, which allows a hands-free voice connection to Siri™ commands.

Standard on Altima 3.5 SL and optional on 2.5 SV and 2.5SL is NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps. The system is packed with a rich range of features and is easy to use with its 7.0-inch touch-screen, 3D-effect map views, Nissan Voice Recognition, and turn-by-turn navigation. Other navigation features include speed limit display, eco driving maps, curve warning and split-screen display. It also includes SiriusXM® Traffic and SiriusXM® Travel Link™ (fuel prices, movie times, stock updates, weather) (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately).

Optionally available on Altima 2.5 SL and 3.5 SL is the NissanConnect Services Powered by SiriusXM®, with automatic collision notification, remote start via smartphone, emergency call, stolen vehicle locator and dealer service scheduling and maintenance alerts (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately).

Altima SV and SL grades also feature a factory-installed Remote Engine Start System2. The Altima must be locked for the remote start to operate (up to 10 minutes). The Remote Engine Start System includes Intelligent Climate Control, which automatically sets HVAC temperatures to ideal heating/defrost or cooling settings (depending on ambient temperatures).

A Choice of Two Refined Powertrains

The 2017 Altima is offered with a choice of two advanced powertrains – a 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder and a 3.5-liter DOHC V6.

The 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine includes variable valve timing on both exhaust and intake camshafts, helping keep the torque curve flat. Featuring cutting-edge technology such as a thermoplastic resin intake manifold, the engine produces 179 horsepower, with torque rated at 177 lb-ft. Matched with the standard, smooth and efficient Xtronic transmission, estimated fuel economy for 2.5-liter models is rated at 27 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined (26 mpg city/37 mpg highway/30 mpg combined for 2.5 SR)3.

The Xtronic transmission includes third-generation D-step Shift logic, which is shared with the Nissan Murano and Maxima – creating a more responsive acceleration feel both from a standing start and during reacceleration in situations such as passing slower vehicles.

Altima 3.5 SR and 3.5 SL models are powered by an advanced, award-winning VQ35DE 3.5-liter V6 rated at 270 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. The V6 features low internal friction (including DLC piston rings and sodium-filled valves), optimized air intake resistance and exhaust variable camshaft timing (VTC). Fuel economy for the 3.5-liter V6 is rated at 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined4.

Helping deliver dynamic handling is the 4-wheel independent suspension. The front suspension uses an independent front strut design, while the multi-link rear suspension has been benchmarked to leading European sports sedans. The design features high lateral suspension stiffness, ZF SACHS shock absorbers to deliver stellar body control and response while simultaneously delivering a plush, comfortable ride, and large stabilizer bars front and rear.

Altima SR models feature unique suspension tuning, including increased stabilizer bar diameters – 24.2 mm versus 22.2 mm front and 26.5 mm versus 20.0 mm rear. Front and rear damping force has also been changed for SR compared to non-SR models. Body roll has also been reduced by more than 20 percent on SR (versus non-SR).

Altima also features an Active Understeer Control system, which utilizes intelligent control logic and high-response brake actuators to lightly brake the inside front wheels during cornering (as required) to increase yaw-moment. Using the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)/Traction Control System (TCS) as its base, Active Understeer Control is almost undetectable when it operates.

Responsive steering is provided by an Electronic Hydraulic Power-Assisted Steering (EHPS) system that preserves the feel of hydraulic steering rack while offering the efficiencies of an electric power steering set-up. The 4-wheel power-assisted disc brake system provides a blend of immediate response and confident braking. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) are standard.

A selection of wheels and tires are offered on the 2017 Altima, including machine-finished 17-inch and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheel designs. Altima 2.5-liter models offer 16-inch steel wheels with full covers and 215/60R16 all-season tires, while 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/55R17 V-rated all-season tires are standard on SV and SL grades. Standard on the 2.5 SR and 3.5-liter V6-equipped models are 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/45R18 V-rated all-season tires. Altima also features Nissan’s Easy Fill Tire Alert function for the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which is standard on all grades.

In addition to Altima S, SV and SL grades, the Altima SR is available with both 2.5-liter and 3.5-liter engine-equipped models. It offers a sporty, yet affordable, mid-size sedan for buyers looking for a little more performance and personal style.

The Altima SR includes unique suspension components and wheels and tires. This is the first time that 18-inch wheels and tires are offered on a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Altima. The suspension includes revised damper tuning and an increase in front and rear stabilizer bar stiffness (versus non-SR models), providing good neutral handling and enhanced cornering feel through greater body motion control. Also included, as part of the sports performance, is a “manumatic” mode for the Xtronic transmission and standard paddle shifters.

Altima SR is visually differentiated from other Altima models through the use of smoked headlight housings, Daytime Running Lights, fog lights, a rear decklid spoiler and the aggressive machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels. The 3.5 SR model also includes LED headlights. The SR interior features black 8-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar support and contrasting blue stitching on the seats, steering wheel and shift knob.

Nissan Safety Shield Technology

The 2017 Altima offers a suite of available safety and security features, including Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), radar-based Blind Spot Warning (BSW)5, Forward Emergency Braking (FEB)6, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)7 and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

The available Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) system can warn the driver of risks that lie beyond the driver’s forward field of view. It not only can sense the relative velocity and distance of a vehicle directly ahead, but also of a vehicle traveling in front of the preceding one and can help alert the driver to a potential forward collision. Although that vehicle may be obscured from view, PFCW’s sensors can detect if it suddenly and unexpectedly slows, giving the driver additional time to react.

For 2017, radar-based Blind Spot Warning (BSW) is standard on SV and SL grades. In addition, SV and SL grades offer Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), which helps warn of approaching vehicles from either the right or left side of the rear of the Altima when it is in reverse.

Also available as part of the optional SL Tech Package is Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Forward Emergency Braking (FEB). ICC uses radar to maintain a set distance between the Altima and the vehicle ahead, even braking to maintain that distance. FEB provides audio and visual display warnings to help alert the driver of a potential collision and help reduce speed if necessary. If a collision is unavoidable, the feature will engage the brakes to help reduce both the speed of the impact and the severity of the collision.

The 2017 Altima also offers a long list of standard safety features, including Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain supplemental side-impact air bags for front-and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

Seven Well-Equipped Models

The 2017 Nissan Altima is offered in five 2.5-liter engine equipped models: 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV and 2.5 SL, along with two 3.5-liter V6 equipped models – 3.5 SR and 3.5 SL.

The Altima 2.5 S model includes 5.0-inch audio display, RearView Monitor, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise control, Nissan Intelligent Key®, auto on/off headlights, in-cabin microfilter, Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire pressure readouts, Siri Eyes Free™ and much more.

Altima 2.5 SR, mentioned above, includes the sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and sport exterior and interior features.

Altima 2.5 SV models include standard Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control, Remote Engine Start System with Intelligent Climate Control, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately).

Altima 2.5 SL models include leather-appointed seating, Bose® Premium Audio System with nine speakers (including woofers), heated front seats and steering wheel, heated outside mirrors, LED outside mirror turn signals, auto dimming rearview mirror, trunk cargo net and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.

Along with the equipment offered on the Altima 2.5 SR, the 3.5 SR adds LED headlights with signature Daytime Running Lights.

Altima 3.5 SL features 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 18-inch tires, NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps, 7.0-inch color audio display, Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, SiriusXM® Traffic, SiriusXM® Travel Link™ (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), one-shot destination entry with Voice Recognition, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), leather-appointed seats, 8-way power driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support, 4-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, heated outside mirrors with integrated outside turn signals, power sliding moonroof with tilt, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, rear air conditioning vents, premium interior trim, remote engine start, front and rear sonar sensors and trunk cargo net.

Eight options packages are available: Power Driver’s Seat Package (2.5 S), LED Appearance Package (2.5 SR), Convenience Package (2.5 SV), Navigation Package (2.5 SV), Cold Weather Package (2.5 SV), Moonroof Package (2.5 SL), Tech Package (2.5 SL) and Tech Package (3.5 SL).

The 2017 Altima is assembled in Smyrna, Tenn. and Canton, Miss., with engines assembled in Decherd, Tenn.

Pricing