The 2016 Nissan Altima may be at its mid-cycle refresh, but Nissan took the opportunity to thoroughly rework the sedan and continue its strong sales performance.
Outside, the new Altima has been redesigned to look more like the other new cars in the Nissan stable, namely the Maxima and the Murano. The front has been updated to incorporate the company’s “V-motion” grille design, meaning that the Nissan logo is surrounded by a thick, U-shaped chrome accent. The front end is also more pronounced than the outgoing model.
The back was also redesigned with a new bumper and four-piece taillights. All the exterior upgrades also decreased the Altima’s drag coefficient, making it more slippery and increasing efficiency.
Inside, the Altima has been given a shot of technology to go along with its reworked dash. Standard on the Altima is a new 5-inch display with built-in rear view camera. Optional on higher trim levels is a 7-inch screen with navigation and satellite radio.
New for 2016 is the SR trim level, which is intended to offer a sportier driving experience at a lower price point. The SR trim adds 18-inch wheels, sport tuned suspension and an appearance package including a rear spoiler. This is mated to the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder or optionally the 3.5-liter V-6, but the content level is kept low so that younger buyers can still afford it.
The four-cylinder is rated at 182 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, while the V-6 is rated at 270 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission is the Xtronic continuously variable transmission that can mimic a regular transmission with seven stepped gear ratios.
At the pump, the four-cylinder Altima gets 27 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined. The V-6 Altima is rated at 22 city, 32 highway and 26 combined.
The refreshed 2016 Altima is available in seven trims – five with the 2.5-liter four and two with the 3.5-liter six. Pricing and availability have not yet been announced.
Check out the 2015 Nissan Altima take on the competition in this TFLcar video:
