2018 Nissan Altima Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review

- Front seats are comfortable and supportive on long drives
- Good fuel economy for a sedan of this size
- Altima SR's sport-tuned suspension allows it to handle reasonably well
- Interior design and materials quality is subpar
- Tech interface is unattractive and the touchscreen is positioned low
- Unnatural steering feel and effort
- SR model's sporty suspension makes for an harsh ride quality
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Optional 7-inch touchscreen now adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility
Though small crossovers have become more popular in recent years, midsize sedans are still one of the top choices for family-friendly transportation. This segment is so important to automakers that a few of the most popular models have been redesigned or notably freshened for the 2018 model year. Unfortunately, the 2018 Nissan Altima is not one of them.
We've generally like the Altima over the years, but this particular generation is getting on in years. The newest crop of rival sedans further highlights the Altima's deficiencies in the areas of technology, interior quality and performance.
To Nissan's credit, the 2018 Altima does have some useful enhancements. A forward collision notification system with automatic emergency braking is standard on all trim levels, and the upgraded infotainment display now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. But the segment has so many strong competitors that even a decent choice like the Nissan Altima has a hard time differentiating itself.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
6.0 / 10Trim tested
Scorecard
Overall | 6.0 / 10 |
Driving | 5.5 |
Comfort | 6.0 |
Interior | 6.5 |
Utility | 7.0 |
Driving
5.5Acceleration
6.5Braking
6.0Steering
3.0Handling
7.0Drivability
6.0Comfort
6.0Seat comfort
7.0Ride comfort
5.5Noise & vibration
5.5Interior
6.5Ease of use
5.5Getting in/getting out
6.0Roominess
6.0Visibility
7.0Quality
5.5Utility
7.0Which Altima does Edmunds recommend?
2018 Nissan Altima models
The 2018 Nissan Altima comes in five trim levels: 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL and 3.5 SL. All Altimas (except the 3.5 SL) are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (179 horsepower, 177 pound-feet of torque) that routes power through the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Standard features for the 2.5 S include 16-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, a rearview camera, keyless entry and ignition, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats, Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and a six-speaker audio system with a USB port. Also standard for 2018 is a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking.
The sporty 2.5 SR trim upgrades the 2.5 S with 18-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, foglights, a rear spoiler, a sport-tuned suspension, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, paddle shifters (with seven simulated shift points), upgraded upholstery and a power-adjustable driver seat.
Compared to the 2.5 S, the 2.5 SV trim has 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, remote engine start, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio and the SR's foglights, power driver seat and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 2.5 SL adds LED headlights, power-folding mirrors, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated front seats, air vents for the rear seats, a power front passenger seat and a nine-speaker Bose premium audio system.
The 3.5 SL is the only model not powered by the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Instead, a 3.5-liter V6 lies underhood, developing a healthy 270 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. It also gets 18-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, a sunroof, heated mirrors, paddle shifters, adaptive cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 7-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, and NissanConnect services with emergency telematics.
All four-cylinder trims can be ordered with a single package that adds features from upper levels. For example, the Convenience package for the 2.5 S only adds a power driver seat and remote engine start, while the 2.5 SR's Special Edition package includes satellite radio, heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, and the 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Nissan Altima.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Safety
Our experts like the Altima models:
- Intelligent Cruise Control
- Maintains a set distance between the Altima and the car in front while using cruise control.
- Intelligent Forward Collision Warning
- Alerts the driver if a forward collision is deemed imminent. Can also apply the brakes if no driver intervention is detected.
- Blind Spot Warning
- Illuminates a light near the side window when a vehicle is in the Altima's blind spot.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 stars- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall4 / 5Driver3 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat3 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.3%
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
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Used 2018 Nissan Altima Overview
The Used 2018 Nissan Altima is offered in the following submodels: Altima Sedan. Available styles include 2.5 SR 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT), 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT), 2.5 SV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT), 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT), and 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT). Pre-owned Nissan Altima models are available with a 2.5 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 179 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2018 Nissan Altima comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic. The Used 2018 Nissan Altima comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2018 Nissan Altima?
Price comparisons for Used 2018 Nissan Altima trim styles:
- The Used 2018 Nissan Altima 2.5 S is priced between $15,998 and$23,998 with odometer readings between 5595 and109280 miles.
- The Used 2018 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR is priced between $18,990 and$25,998 with odometer readings between 16302 and106647 miles.
- The Used 2018 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV is priced between $16,998 and$22,490 with odometer readings between 39128 and117300 miles.
- The Used 2018 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL is priced between $16,998 and$24,998 with odometer readings between 32091 and120158 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2018 Nissan Altimas are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Nissan Altima for sale near. There are currently 199 used and CPO 2018 Altimas listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $15,998 and mileage as low as 5595 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2018 Nissan Altima.
Can't find a used 2018 Nissan Altimas you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
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Should I lease or buy a 2018 Nissan Altima?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Nissan lease specials
Check out Nissan Altima lease specials
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