~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

Spend time behind the wheel of the 2023 Nissan Altima 2.0 SR VC-Turbo and the impression creeps into your mind: this midsize sedan is good and faithful, though not great and fanatic.

It does all its duties moderately well. It’s not the quickest off the line, though the tester’s zero-to-60-miles-an-hour acceleration time of about six seconds is more than respectable. But that’s with the more powerful engine on premium fuel.

The tested Altima was equipped with Nissan’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, turbocharged with the company’s variable compression technology, which automatically varies the compression ratio inside the cylinders to enhance performance and fuel economy.

In the Altima, the VC-Turbo setup, available only with front-wheel drive, delivers 236 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on regular gasoline and 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. All-wheel drive is available as a $1,500 option on other trim levels with the less powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

The power gets to the pavement via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While CVTs routinely get trashed by some reviewers, they can be efficient and smooth in operation, with no harsh shift points. Nissan has strong experience with the transmissions, and it shows in the slick and easy performance of the Altima’s CVT.

With automobiles, as with people, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and the Altima is no exception. The 2023 model has sharp new styling that suggests speed while it’s standing still, as well as a redesigned “V-motion” grille. It’s a looker.

Attractive styling and acceleration are not the only middling attributes of the new Altima. It also handles well with good steering feel in most daily driving, cruises sedately on Interstate highways, delivers a decent ride on most roads, and has a quiet cabin except on harsh surfaces or under hard acceleration. In short, its virtues outweigh drawbacks.

The tested upscale SR model, called a trim level in the industry, arrived well equipped with price tag of $36,085, including the destination charge. There was only one option: a $355 package of floor mats and a trunk mat with hideaway nets and trunk hooks that brought the tested price to $36,440.

In this era, when the average price of a new car in the United States is more than $48,000, it makes the new Altima almost seem like an economy car. But it is more than that, especially with the tester’s long list of safety, comfort and convenience equipment.

On the safety list are forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, intelligent lane intervention, an around-view monitor displayed on the center screen, and easy fill tire inflation.

A power sliding glass sunroof heads the list of comfort and convenience equipment, which also includes: paddle transmission shifters, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-trimmed sport seats and heated steering wheel, eight-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, and four-way power passenger seat.

Audio and infotainment equipment, accessed via a 12.3-inch center color screen, includes Apple Car Play, Android Auto, navigation system, SXM satellite radio and Bose audio system with nine speakers. Also: wireless phone charging, Bluetooth and Alexa communication, Wi-Fi hotspot, and front and rear USB connections.

In the marketplace, the Altima competes respectably against the shrinking midsize horde, which includes the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Malibu, Kia K5, Hyundai Sonata and Subaru Legacy. Sales in the class have been dwindling as buyers move into crossover sport utilities.

Earlier, these midsize sedans ruled the highways with their combination of decent prices, solid performance, acceptable fuel economy, and room for five passengers and their luggage.

The new Altima fits that blueprint with 99 cubic feet of volume for driver and passengers, along with a nicely finished 15 cubic feet trunk for take-along items. The Environmental Protection agency, which certifies fuel economy ratings, defines a midsize as a car with 110 to 119 cubic feet of interior space, which includes both the passenger and trunk volume.

The tested Altima, apparently tuned for regular gasoline, listed its city/highway/combined fuel consumption at 25/34/29 miles to the gallon. Total range is reckoned at 470 miles.

Americans have long harbored an affection for “regular guys.” Among automobiles, the tested 2023 Nissan Altima is a regular guy.

Specifications

  • Model: 2023 Nissan Altima 2.0 SR VC-Turbo four-door sedan.
  • Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder, turbocharged; 236 hp, 267 lb-ft torque (regular gasoline); 248 hp, 273 lb-ft torque (premium gasoline).
  • Transmission: Continuously variable automatic (CVT) with manual-shift mode and front-wheel drive.
  • Overall length: 16 feet 1 inch.
  • Height: 4 feet 9 inches.
  • EPA/SAE passenger/trunk volume: 99/15 cubic feet.
  • Weight: 3,479 pounds.
  • EPA city/highway/combined fuel consumption (regular fuel): 25/34/29 mpg.
  • Base price, including destination charge: $36,085.
  • Price as tested: $36,440.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©Nissan