more about this model The Nissan Altima drives into 2017 with few changes from last year ? and that might not be such a good thing. The midsize sedan segment is changing rapidly, and features that were once considered the exclusive domain of luxury cars ? such as adaptive cruise control ? are not only becoming commonly available, but are must-haves for many midsize-sedan shoppers. The Altima was last redesigned four years ago, and what was new and hip then is now looking dated when compared to the more recently redesigned competition.
The Altima did get a minor update last year. Many of the changes were cosmetic: New grille, headlight and taillight designs. Nissan did add advanced safety features like forward collision warning with automatic braking and adaptive cruise control, but these are only offered in the top-of-the-line model. Other manufacturers are offering these potentially life-saving options on mid-level and even low-end models. We still love the Altima's "zero gravity" seats and find them much more comfortable than the competition, but overall the interior décor feels dated and a bit stale.
The Altima's ace in the hole is fuel economy, at least in four-cylinder form. Nissan offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that sends 182 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Nissan has programmed its CVT to operate in steps, making it feel more like a conventional automatic transmission. EPA estimated fuel economy is 31 mpg combined (27 city/39 highway), which is very good for the class, though if you opt for the SR model you'll see that combined figure drop by 1 mpg. The engine is noisy under acceleration, and the ride is less refined than the competition ? more signs of the Altima's age.
While many automakers are now offering turbocharged engines as more powerful alternatives, Nissan is sticking with a traditional V6 ? the brilliant 3.5-liter VQ-Series found in several Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. With 270 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque on tap, it can get the Altima to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds ? nearly 2 seconds faster than the four-cylinder ? but EPA estimated fuel economy drops to 26 mpg combined (22 city/32 highway).
Nissan offers five versions of the Altima. The nameless base trim level includes the basics, but most buyers will probably want the additional creature comforts found in the Altima S. The SR is the sporty version, while the SV features more comfort-oriented features. The top-of-the-line SL trim is the leather-lined luxury liner of the Altima range, and it's the one you'll have to buy if you want those latest and greatest safety features. Which one will suit you best? Edmunds can help find the perfect 2017 Nissan Altima for you.
2017 Nissan Altima Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Nissan Altima and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Altima featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Nissan Altima and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Altima 4.8 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Altima.
Vehicle
2.5 SR 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Review
For the money, this is the best equipped and most fun-to-drive car I've ever owned. Might be partially attributed to my recent experience (driving a Prius for a couple of years), but this car feels luxurious, quiet and powerful, especially considering the price point. The SR is very stylish and sporty looking - spoiler, dual exhaust, upscale alloy wheels, dark tinted glass, manual shifters on the steering column (but automatic transmission primary) - but fuel economy is as good as an econobox. The ride is truly outstanding, barely a notch below the Lexus ES350 I owned a few years ago at not much more than half the price! I have owned 3 Maximas in my life and this car is every bit as much fun to drive as any of them. I am admittedly a bit partial to Nissan since I live in the Nashville, TN area where their US headquarters is located, but would never settle for second-best just out of loyalty. Would recommend anyone considering an economical, comfortable and fun mid-sized sedan to try out this car!!!
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Nissan Altima
Edmunds Value
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
The 2017 Nissan Altima earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, IIHS Small Overlap Front Test Results, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 4.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
Available Nissan Altima 2017 Submodel Types: Sedan, Coupe
Available Trims: 2.5 S, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, 2.5 SR, 2.5, 3.5 SL, 3.5 SR, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SV, GXE, 3.5 S, SE, XE, 3.5 SE-R
Exterior Colors: Super Black, Pearl White, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Cayenne Red, Storm Blue, Java Metallic, Glacier White, Winter Frost Pearl, Saharan Stone, Dark Slate Metallic, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Scarlet Ember, Navy Blue Metallic, Deep Blue Pearl, Ocean Gray Metallic, Metallic Slate, Radiant Silver Metallic, Tuscan Sun Metallic, Solid White, Precision Grey Metallic, Polished Pewter, Majestic Blue Metallic, Metallic Slate Metallic, Sheer Silver, Smoke Metallic, Saharan Stone Metallic, Sonoran Sand Metallic, Sonoma Sunset Metallic, Pebble Beach Metallic, Winter Frost Metallic, Code Red Metallic, Dark Slate, Precision Grey, Crimson Black Metallic, Mystic Emerald, Pebble Beach, Majestic Blue, Red Alert, Red Brick Metallic, Seascape, Sheer Silver Metallic, Velvet Beige, Azure Blue Metallic, Crimson Black, Metallic Jade, Smoke, Coral Sand Metallic, Opal Blue Metallic, Radiant Silver, Red Alert Metallic, Satin White Pearl, Titanium Frost Pearl, Brushed Pewter, Coral Sand, Crystal Blue, Navy Blue, Nouveau Ruby, Polished Pewter Metallic, Sandrift Beige, Satin White, Sonoma Sunset, Winter Frost
Interior Colors: Charcoal cloth, Charcoal leather, Unique Sport Interior cloth, Beige cloth, Blond cloth, Charcoal velour, Blond leather, Beige leather, Black leatherette, Frost velour, Blond velour, Frost, Charcoal, Frost cloth, Blond, Charcoal/Red leather, Red leather
Popular Features: Aux Audio Inputs, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Trip Computer, Alarm, Stability Control, Power Driver Seat, Bluetooth, USB Inputs, Tire Pressure Warning, Back-up camera, Remote Start, Keyless Entry/Start, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Auto Climate Control, Sunroof/Moonroof, Blind Spot Monitoring, Heated seats, Leather Seats, Navigation, Pre-collision safety system, Automatic Emergency Braking, Upgraded Headlights, Lane Departure Warning, Upgraded Stereo, Post-collision safety system, Adaptive Cruise Control, Parking sensors
Engine/Mechanics: 4, 6 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, premium unleaded (required), premium unleaded (recommended)
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
