2018 Nissan Altima Sedan
What’s new
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Optional 7-inch touchscreen now adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
2018 Nissan Altima Sedan pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Altima does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
6.0 / 10Though 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.
2018 Nissan Altima configurations
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.
Trim tested
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
7.0Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Nissan Altima.
Most helpful consumer reviews
2018 Nissan Altima video
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Altima safety features:
- 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.
Nissan 2018 Nissan Altima vs. the competition
2018 Nissan Altima
2018 Honda Accord
Nissan 2018 Nissan Altima vs. Honda Accord
Tall drivers will likely appreciate the Altima's front legroom. It holds a nearly 3-inch advantage over the Accord. Long-legged backseat passengers are likely to prefer the Accord, however. You get 4 more inches of rear legroom in the Accord than you do in the Altima.
In a number of areas, the Altima lags the Accord, which is all-new for 2018. It produces less horsepower, has less torque, and has a little less cargo capacity. The Altima also has slightly lower fuel economy numbers. Feature availability on comparable trims also falls short. When comparing base models, the Accord LX offers adaptive cruise control, for example. That's a feature not found on the Altima S.
Nissan 2018 Nissan Altima vs. Toyota Camry
The Altima offers more head- and legroom up front than the Camry, and it also has a slight advantage in cargo capacity. Although the Camry gets better overall fuel economy than the Altima, the Nissan can drive about 100 miles farther on a full tank, thanks to its capacious 18-gallon gas tank.
Aside from that, the Altima faces tough competition in the Camry, which offers more power and all-new styling for 2018.
Nissan 2018 Nissan Altima vs. Honda Civic
Although the Honda Civic is considered a compact car and the Altima is midsize, the Altima isn't substantially larger than the Civic. Both vehicles are about the same width and height. The big difference comes in the length. The Altima is about 9 inches longer than the Civic.
But that extra length doesn't equate to much more usable room. The cargo space in the cars is about the same, as is front headroom, front shoulder room and rear headroom.
Budget-minded shoppers may gravitate to the Civic's lower starting price, better fuel economy and traditionally higher resale value.
2018 Nissan Altima Sedan for Sale
MSRP: $25,100
MSRP: $30,620
MSRP: $25,090
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See your car's valueFAQs
Is the Nissan 2018 Nissan Altima a good car?
Our opinion of the Nissan Altima over the last several years has been positive. The Altima has a lot going for it. It's stylish, has a low starting price and is an overall good value, especially considering the new safety features that are now standard on all trim levels. But the current-generation Altima is getting a little long in the tooth. You might find new offerings from Honda, Hyundai and Toyota more exciting. Still, the Altima is a solid pick, if a slightly dated one.
Does the Nissan 2018 Nissan Altima have good MPG?
Vehicles equipped with the 2.5-liter engine have an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined (27 city/38 highway). These numbers are about average for the segment. The V6 3.5 SL gets 26 mpg combined (22 city/32 highway). These numbers are also about average.
Does the Nissan 2018 Nissan Altima have good resale value?
If you're ready to buy, you're probably wondering about the Nissan Altima's resale value. How much will a 2018 Nissan Altima be worth in two or five years — or whenever you decide to sell? Check out the Edmunds True Cost to Own (TCO) calculator. It includes projected annual depreciation over the first five years of ownership based on Edmunds' robust market transaction data.
The Nissan Altima drives into 2018 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 are not only becoming commonly available, they are also must-haves for many midsize-sedan shoppers. The Altima was last redesigned five years ago, and what was new and hip then is now looking dated when compared to the more recently redesigned competition.
Still, Nissan has tried to keep the Altima from feeling ancient compared to the newest and greatest competitors. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality are now included with the optional 7-inch touchscreen system, and an ultra-useful forward collision warning system is now standard on every model. Plus, we still love the Altima's front seats and find them much more comfortable than those in the competition, but overall the interior looks and 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 179 horsepower and 177 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. The SR trim even includes paddle shifters to switch between seven simulated shift points. 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 3.5-liter V6. With 270 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque on tap, it's got plenty of power. The downside is that it's not as fuel-efficient as those rival turbocharged engines.
Nissan offers five versions of the Altima. The Altima S includes the basics, plus a few nifty features such as keyless entry and ignition, a rearview camera and a USB port. The SR is the sporty version, but we wholeheartedly recommend against this version because its sport-tuned suspension makes for a punishing ride. The SV adds more comfort-oriented features to the S, while the leather-lined SL is the luxury-themed model. The top-of-the-line 3.5 SL includes a V6 engine and other goodies. Which one will suit you best? Edmunds can help find the perfect 2018 Nissan Altima for you.
2018 Nissan Altima Sedan Overview
The 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan is offered in the following styles: 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).
What do people think of the 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Altima Sedan 3.5 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 2018 Altima Sedan.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Altima Sedan featuring deep dives into trim levels including 2.5 SR, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Read our full review of the 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan here.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.
What's a good price for a New 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan?
2018 Nissan Altima Sedan 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
The 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $30,005. The average price paid for a new 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT) is trending $7,736 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $7,736 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$22,269.
The average savings for the 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT) is25.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Nissan Altima Sedan 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
The 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $25,100. The average price paid for a new 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT) is trending $8,315 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $8,315 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$16,785.
The average savings for the 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT) is33.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new 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 2018 Nissan Altima Sedans are available in my area?
2018 Nissan Altima Sedan Listings and Inventory
There are currently 33 new 2018 Nissan Altima Sedans listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $24,980 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $8,494 on a new, used or CPO 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan available from a dealership near you.
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 Sedan for sale near you.
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Find a new Nissan Altima for sale - 10 great deals out of 23 listings starting at $13,523.
Find a new Nissan for sale - 8 great deals out of 23 listings starting at $9,729.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan and all available trim types: 2.5 SL, 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, etc. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.
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