2017 Nissan Altima: Should You Upgrade From the 2016 Model?

Key Takeaways: 2016 vs 2017 Nissan Altima

2017 Nissan Altima: What's New (And What Isn't)

For shoppers comparing the 2016 and 2017 Nissan Altima, the most surprising revelation is how little changed between model years. Following a substantial refresh for 2016 that introduced:

• A dramatic exterior redesign inspired by the Maxima and Murano
• Enhanced NissanConnect infotainment with hands-free messaging
• Updated safety features including available automatic emergency braking
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Nissan elected to maintain the status quo for 2017. This strategic decision reflects broader market trends as consumer preferences shift toward SUVs, prompting automakers to maintain aggressive pricing in the midsize sedan segment.

Price Comparison Across Trim Levels

Market Context: Why Nissan Held the Line

The midsize sedan market faced significant challenges during this period, with year-over-year sales declining nearly 9% for the Altima through August. This downward trend mirrored industry-wide shifts toward crossover SUVs. Nissan's pricing strategy reflected several key considerations:

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Competitive Positioning

By matching Toyota's pricing strategy with the Camry (the segment leader), Nissan ensured the Altima remained competitively positioned. Both automakers recognized that raising prices during a market contraction could further erode sedan sales.

Incentive Programs

Nissan supplemented its pricing strategy with attractive incentive packages, including:

• 0% APR financing for 72 months
• $500 cash back offers
• Lease specials with reduced money factors

These programs helped maintain showroom traffic despite the challenging market conditions for traditional sedans.

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Mechanical Specifications: Carryover Performance

The 2017 Altima maintained the same powertrain options as its predecessor:

While this consistency benefits parts availability and maintenance familiarity, it also means the 2017 model carries forward some common criticisms:

• Four-cylinder engine noise at higher RPMs
• CVT drone under acceleration
• Modest handling dynamics compared to sportier rivals

Interior and Technology: Familiar Comforts

The 2016 refresh brought substantial interior improvements that carried into 2017 unchanged:

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Cabin Highlights

• Spaciousness: 100.8 cubic feet passenger volume with best-in-class rear legroom
• Materials: Soft-touch surfaces on upper dash and door panels (higher trims)
• Seating: NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats standard across lineup

Technology Features

The NissanConnect system remained consistent with:

• 5-inch or 7-inch touchscreen displays (depending on trim)
• Hands-free text message integration
• Available navigation with SiriusXM Traffic
• Bluetooth streaming audio
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Safety Features: Unchanged Protection

The 2017 Altima maintained the same safety suite introduced in 2016:

These systems earned the 2017 Altima top marks in NHTSA crash testing, matching the 2016 model's 5-star overall safety rating.

Resale Value Considerations

The decision between 2016 and 2017 models often comes down to projected depreciation. Industry data shows:

• Newer model years typically retain 2-3% more value per year of age difference
• Identical mileage examples show approximately $500-$800 premium for 2017 over 2016
• Both model years benefit from Nissan's strong reputation for reliability

For buyers planning to keep their vehicle 5+ years, the 2017 model may offer better long-term value retention despite identical initial pricing.

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Competitive Landscape: How the Altima Stacks Up

In the context of the midsize sedan market, the unchanged 2017 Altima faced stiff competition:

The Altima's strongest selling points remained its comfortable interior and competitive pricing, though it lagged behind some rivals in driving engagement.

Buying Recommendations

For shoppers deciding between 2016 and 2017 Altimas, consider these factors:

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Choose the 2017 If:

• You prioritize maximum resale value
• You prefer having the newest possible model year
• Dealer incentives are comparable between both years

Consider the 2016 If:

• You find significantly better pricing or incentives
• You're less concerned about long-term depreciation
• Inventory availability favors the 2016 model in your preferred configuration