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2025 Nissan Altima: Best & Worst Features Reviewed
2025 Nissan Altima Review: A Safety-Focused Sedan in an SUV World
In an automotive landscape dominated by SUVs, the 2025 Nissan Altima remains one of the few mid-size sedans still commanding attention. While its "Big Altima Energy" internet reputation precedes it, the latest iteration presents a more nuanced personality—one that prioritizes family practicality over meme-worthy antics. After extensive testing of the SR trim with all-wheel drive, we've identified what makes this sedan stand out... and what holds it back.
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What's New for 2025?
The 2025 Altima undergoes subtle but significant changes. The controversial variable-compression turbocharged engine option has been discontinued, leaving only the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder across all trims. New for this model year is the SV Special Edition Package, which adds:
- Exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels
- Black exterior accents
- Premium interior stitching
- Wireless charging pad
- Upgraded infotainment interface
These changes position the Altima as more of a value proposition than a performance contender—a strategic move as competitors like the Toyota Camry transition to hybrid-only powertrains.
The Altima's Achilles' Heel: CVT Transmission
Performance Shortcomings
The Altima's powertrain represents its most significant compromise. With the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine now discontinued, the sole remaining 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivers:
- 188 horsepower (182 hp with AWD)
- 180 lb-ft torque (178 lb-ft with AWD)
These numbers pale compared to rivals like the Honda Accord (192 hp) and turbocharged alternatives from Hyundai and Kia. However, the real disappointment lies in the continuously variable transmission (CVT).
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Why the CVT Frustrates
The Altima's CVT exhibits all the common drawbacks of this transmission type:
- Rubberband effect: Delayed throttle response makes acceleration feel disconnected
- Droning engine note: The transmission holds RPMs at inefficient levels during acceleration
- Artificial shift points: Even paddle shifters can't fully mask the CVT's inherent limitations
During highway merging and uphill climbs, the powertrain struggles noticeably, requiring careful planning for passing maneuvers. The SR trim's sport pretentions feel particularly ironic given these constraints.
Where the Altima Shines: Best-in-Class Safety
Comprehensive Standard Safety Suite
The Altima redeems itself with one of the most robust standard safety packages in its class. Every trim includes Nissan Safety Shield 360 featuring:
- Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Automatic emergency braking (front and rear)
- Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning with lane keep assist
- Automatic high beam headlights
Advanced Options for Top Trims
The range-topping SL trim adds ProPilot Assist, Nissan's semi-autonomous driving system that combines:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
- Lane centering assistance
- Traffic sign recognition
- 360-degree camera system
In real-world testing, these systems proved exceptionally well-tuned—less intrusive than some competitors while providing meaningful assistance during long highway drives.
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Family-Friendly Design Touches
Car Seat Compatibility
The Altima excels in practical family considerations that many competitors overlook:
- Clearly marked, body-color Latch anchors for easy child seat installation
- Generous rear seat legroom (35.2 inches) accommodates rear-facing seats without compromising front passenger space
- Wide door openings simplify loading children and bulky seats
Thoughtful Interior Details
Beyond measurements, the Altima shows clever design thinking:
- Large rear door openings (34.6 inches) ease child seat installation
- Rear HVAC vents standard on all trims
- Multiple USB ports (front and rear) keep devices charged
- Available heated rear seats (SL trim) for cold climates
Value Proposition: Pricing That Undercuts Rivals
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| Model | Base Price | AWD Availability | Standard Safety Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Nissan Altima | $28,140 | Yes (+$1,500) | Nissan Safety Shield 360 |
| 2025 Toyota Camry | $29,535 | Yes | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 |
| 2025 Honda Accord | $29,390 | No | Honda Sensing |
The Altima's pricing structure offers several strategic advantages:
- Lower entry point: $1,400-$1,500 less than Camry/Accord
- AWD availability: Offered across most trims (unlike Accord)
- More standard features: Base S trim includes more tech than competitors' entry models
Who Should Consider the 2025 Altima?
Ideal For
- Safety-conscious families wanting maximum protection
- Budget-focused buyers seeking value
- Cold-climate drivers needing AWD in a sedan
- Urban commuters prioritizing fuel efficiency (32 mpg highway)
Not Ideal For
- Drivers wanting engaging performance
- Those sensitive to CVT characteristics
- Tech enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge interfaces
- Buyers prioritizing premium interior materials
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Final Verdict: A Flawed But Worthy Contender
The 2025 Nissan Altima presents a compelling case for practical sedan buyers willing to overlook its dynamic shortcomings. While the CVT transmission and modest power output disappoint, the Altima counters with:
- Class-leading standard safety technology
- Thoughtful family-friendly features
- Competitive pricing with AWD availability
- Strong predicted reliability scores
For buyers prioritizing safety, value, and practicality over driving excitement, the Altima deserves serious consideration—especially in snowy regions where its available AWD provides an advantage over the Honda Accord. Just be sure to test drive extensively to ensure you can live with the CVT's quirks.
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Last Updated On May, 19-2025