Overview
The 2025 Altima is a good all-around family sedan. It is affordable, fuel-efficient, comfortable, and looks nice. The standard four-cylinder engine works well and can get up to 39 mpg on the highway. The automatic CVT transmission does its job without making too much noise. All-wheel drive is an option, and the cabin fits five people comfortably with plenty of space. The seats are cozy, and the infotainment system is up to date. The trunk has good space, and there are many standard safety features.
The new 2025 Special Edition adds a sportier look to the Altima. However, even the base Honda Accord feels more lively in comparison. The Altima is a solid choice for a family sedan, but it doesn’t offer the exciting experience of a true sports car like the Accord. Still, for many buyers, the Altima provides everything they need.
What’s new for 2025?
The big change is that the 248-hp SR VC-Turbo model is no longer available. Now, the only engine option is the 188-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder (182 horsepower in all-wheel-drive models), which is the same as last year’s model. To make up for the loss of the VC-Turbo, Nissan has introduced a new Special Edition package. This package comes with the SV trim and includes some styling and tech upgrades. Nissan also added a Maintenance Care package, which offers up to three free oil changes for two years or 24,000 miles.
Prices by Trim:
- S: $28,140
- SV: $28,570
- SR: $29,970
- SL: $34,470
The price difference between the first three trims is small. With the SR VC-Turbo no longer available in 2025, the SL trim is now the most expensive. However, you can still get a well-equipped and sporty Altima by choosing the SV trim and adding the 2025 Special Edition package. This package includes the same 12.3-inch infotainment system as the SL, a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate controls, and a sunroof. On the outside, it adds a rear spoiler, shiny black 17-inch wheels, illuminated kickplates, and a center console with fake carbon fiber. Best of all, the total price is still lower than the base price of the SR. If you want all-wheel drive, it costs an extra $1500 for the SV, SR, and SL trims.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All 2025 Altimas come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque (182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet in all-wheel-drive models). The power goes through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CVT makes it less fun to use the paddle shifters on certain trims, and the engine can sound loud when pushed to its limits. However, this car isn’t meant for aggressive driving.
In most driving tests, the Altima performs just “okay.” The steering is precise for its class, and the braking is quick and smooth. It offers a comfortable ride on its 16- or 17-inch wheels, handling bumps and uneven roads with ease.
2025 Nissan Altima Engine Options
| Engine Type | Horsepower (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | Transmission | Drivetrain | MPG (City/Highway) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (FWD) | 188 hp | 180 lb-ft | Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27/39 |
| 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (AWD) | 182 hp | 178 lb-ft | Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT) | All-Wheel Drive | 26/36 |
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Altima is known for offering great fuel economy without needing a hybrid or plug-in hybrid system.The Nissan Altima front-wheel-drive models, the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway for the S and SV trims of Altima. If you choose all-wheel drive, the fuel economy drops slightly to 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. In real-world testing, the all-wheel-drive Altima achieved an impressive 41 mpg on a 75-mph highway test. By comparison, the non-hybrid Honda Accord and Toyota Camry got 39 mpg and 45 mpg, respectively. For more details on the Altima’s fuel economy, you can visit the EPA’s website.
Exterior
The 2025 Nissan Altima has a sleek and modern design that makes it stand out in the midsize sedan category. Its sharp lines and bold front grille give the car a sporty and attractive appearance. The headlights are slim and stylish, adding to its aggressive look, while the taillights wrap neatly around the rear for a clean finish.
The Altima’s overall shape is aerodynamic, which not only enhances its appearance but also helps with fuel efficiency. Depending on the trim, the Altima offers different wheel options, ranging from basic 16-inch wheels to sportier 17-inch or 19-inch wheels with a glossy black finish, as seen in the Special Edition package.
Small details like the rear spoiler and chrome accents on higher trims give the Altima a more polished and upscale feel. Overall, the exterior design of the Altima strikes a good balance between sporty and refined, appealing to a wide range of buyers looking for both style and practicality.
2025 Nissan Altima Exterior Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Front Grille | Bold, V-shaped grille with chrome accents for a sporty, modern look |
| Headlights | Slim, sharp LED headlights with daytime running lights |
| Wheels | Available in 16-inch, 17-inch, or 19-inch designs (glossy black on Special Edition) |
| Taillights | Sleek, wraparound design for a clean and stylish rear |
| Rear Spoiler | Included on sportier trims, adds a more dynamic appearance |
| Chrome Accents | Chrome trim around windows and on the grille for a refined touch |
| Aerodynamic Shape | Smooth, streamlined body improves fuel efficiency |
| Sunroof (optional) | Available on higher trims for an open-air driving experience |
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The inside of the Altima has a few spots where it tries to be more sporty than it really is. For example, the flat-bottom steering wheel and fake carbon fiber trim in the SV model feel a bit too much for a car with average power, a CVT, and no paddle shifters or drive modes. The lumbar support on the front seats is also a bit strong, but the seats are still comfortable overall.
The cabin is simple, comfortable, and matches the driving experience. The dashboard is easy to use, and the materials inside are good for each trim level. There are no hard plastic parts that stand out as unpleasant, which is impressive since some cars, even luxury ones, sometimes get this wrong.
There’s decent storage in the front with narrow but deep door pockets and a handy tray in the center console. The back seats are large and offer plenty of legroom. However, the rear seats don’t fold completely flat, and you have to release them using handles in the trunk, which is a bit inconvenient. In our test, we fit six carry-on bags in the trunk, and 17 bags total when the back seats were folded. This is similar to the Toyota Camry, but both cars fall short of the Honda Accord, which can hold 19 bags.
2025 Nissan Altima Interior Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers with comfortable and spacious seating |
| Front Seats | Supportive with optional lumbar support, adjustable for added comfort |
| Rear Seats | Large with plenty of legroom, but don’t fold completely flat |
| Upholstery | Varies by trim, with cloth on lower trims and leather on higher trims |
| Dashboard | Simple and user-friendly layout with intuitive controls |
| Infotainment System | Available 12.3-inch touchscreen (in higher trims) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Climate Control | Dual-zone automatic climate control available in higher trims |
| Storage | Deep door pockets, center console tray, and large trunk space |
| Cargo Space | 6 carry-on bags in the trunk, 17 bags with rear seats folded |
| Interior Trim | Faux carbon fiber on some trims, with soft-touch materials throughout |