The Nissan Altima is a comfortable midsize car with tame driving dynamics and available all-wheel drive (AWD) for all-weather performance. Though it’s not quite as premium as rivals like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, it offers intuitive tech and excellent fuel economy.
Nissan has refreshed the car for the 2023 model year, bringing updated styling and better standard tech. The 2023 Altima comes in eight trim levels: S, SV, SV AWD, SR, SR AWD, SL, SL AWD, and SR VC-Turbo. Nissan dropped the previous model’s Platinum trim in favor of the VC-Turbo trim that brings a unique engine to the Altima line. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder; both it and the available variable-compression turbo (VC-Turbo) pair with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
- Platinum trim dropped for 2023
- New styling with an updated grille, new color choices, and fresh wheel designs
- Interior features new trim and details that vary by trim level
- Pricing should start at around $25,000
- On sale in fall 2022
The 2023 Nissan Altima moves uptown with its styling. Nissan leaned into its “V-Motion” grille design and offers the car with a few different looks, depending on the trim. The SR trim comes with a black grille with a chrome effect to differentiate it from the others. Nissan integrated the car’s turn signals into the daytime running lights, and LED headlights are now standard. Four new wheel designs range in size from 17 to 19 inches, and Nissan offers two new exterior colors in 2023.
Beyond the front end, the Altima looks strikingly similar to the model it replaces. The funky split C-pillar and major lines are nearly identical to the previous car, though the new wheels are more elaborate and design-forward than in earlier models.
When speaking of the 2023 Altima’s cabin, Nissan focuses on quality and premium feel, saying that the new car features better materials and finishes than its predecessor. The SR trim picks up fresh finishes on its instrument panel, and the upholstery now features a dual-stitch design. Nissan’s excellent Zero Gravity seats provide great support and padding, and the contrast stitching found in the SR pops against the otherwise all-black interior. Interior dimensions remain the same as in 2022 and offer great space for up to five adults to ride comfortably.
Two engines are on offer for the 2023 Altima. The entry-level mill is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. The available engine is Nissan’s 2.0-liter VC-Turbo, producing 248 hp and 273 pound-feet of torque. Both come with a CVT, and the base engine is available with AWD.
Nissan’s VC-Turbo is a marvel of modern engineering, but it doesn’t fully deliver on either of its main promises: Efficiency and power. Depending on the driving situation, the engine can shift between an 8:1 and a 14:1 compression ratio, which on paper means it can conserve fuel when necessary and deliver better power when asked. In practice, the engine is not as efficient as a hybrid and isn’t remarkably powerful. That’s not to say the Altima is anemic, but there shouldn’t be an expectation to be wowed with either powertrain.
The new Altima comes standard with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 technology. Additionally, the automaker includes standard forward-collision warning and driver-attention warning. The SL and SR VC-Turbo have traffic sign recognition and a surround-view camera system.
ProPilot Assist, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, is standard for the top two trims and optional for the SV. It uses a system of cameras, radar, and sensors to maintain vehicle speed and lane position. Nissan says the new Altima gets an updated system that can slow the vehicle to a stop and hold it there during traffic jams.
A 5-inch infotainment display is standard on the new Altima, but most trims come with an 8-inch touchscreen. The base unit comes with a single USB input, but trims with the larger screen come with additional charging ports, including USB-C connections. Bluetooth, hands-free texting, and Siri Eyes Free are also standard. At the top end of the 2.5-liter lineup, the SL comes with a 9-speaker Bose stereo and wireless Apple CarPlay with its 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Altima SR VC-Turbo also comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The larger display brings wireless smartphone interfaces to the car.
The 2023 Nissan Altima competes with the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, and Toyota Camry. Though the Altima is one of few cars in its class with available AWD, it’s not as premium or upscale as its rivals. The Camry features better interior materials, and the Accord is far nicer than its price tag would suggest. Kia also competes in the space and, along with Hyundai, offers the longest warranties in the class.
Nissan is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of June 9, 2022, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
You are now subscribed to the J.D. Power Cars Newsletter.
