Text by Tom Appel
2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR AWD Sedan
Specs
Class: Midsize Sedan
Color: Bluestone Pearl
Seating Capacity: 5
Miles driven: 188
Real-world fuel economy: 31.5 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | C+ |
| Power and Performance | C+ |
| Fit and Finish | B- |
| Fuel Economy | A- |
| Value | B- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | B+ |
| Tall Guy | B |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 182-horsepower 2.5-liter |
| Engine Type | 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT-automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 25/34/28 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Regular gas
Base price: $30,330 (not including $1140 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Splash guards ($245), premium paint ($425) mat and net package ($375), illuminated kick plates ($405), exterior ground lighting with logo ($570), rear spoiler ($420), 19-inch alloy wheels ($670)
Price as tested: $34,580
Pros and Cons
The great: Roomy front row, sporty character
The good: Fuel efficient
The not so good: Road and wind noise, only average cabin appointments
Review
In case you weren’t paying attention, there aren’t very many mainstream midsize sedans available for sale in U.S. Once the most-popular American-market new-car segment, midsize sedans have long given way to compact crossovers, which have taken over U.S dealership lots, and neighborhood driveways.
Discontinued Midsize Sedans
It may shock you to learn that all of the following midsize sedans have been dropped by their brands:
- Buick Regal (last sold in 2020)
- Chevrolet Malibu (2024)
- Chrysler 200 (2017)
- Ford Fusion (2020)
- Mazda 6 (2021)
- Mitsubishi Galant (2012)
- Nissan Maxima (2023)
- Subaru Legacy (2025)
- Toyota Avalon (2022)
- Volkswagen Passat (2022)
Sedan Sales
Left in the segment are just five models, only two of which sell in old-school volume, and really, only one does if you look closely enough. Here are how the remaining midsize sedans fared in 2024:
- Toyota Camry (310,000)
- Honda Accord (162,000)
- Nissan Altima (114,000)
- Hyundai Sonata (69,000)
- Kia K5 (46,000)
And yes, these numbers are correct. The Camry sells nearly as well as the next three cars on the list. That said, the still-popular Camry once sold in even higher volumes. You can see why makers have abandoned the segment.
Two big changes affected the top-three sellers in this segment for 2025: The Camry has been redesigned and is now offered only as a hybrid, and the Altima lost its premium “VC-Turbo” engine option. Not to be left out, the Accord has been tweaked for 2025, though the changes are mostly superficial.
Accord versus Altima versus Camry
Before we move on, here are three objective things you need to know about the Accord, Altima, and Camry:
- Only the Accord is offered with a turbocharged engine
- Only the Altima cannot be had in hybrid form
- Only the Accord cannot be had with AWD
Prices and Trim Levels
For 2025 the Altima is mostly unchanged, though loses its top trim level. The ’25 lineup ascends through the entry-level S ($28,140), value-oriented SV ($28,570), sporty SR ($29,970), and topline SL ($34,470). Added midyear is the SR Special Edition ($29,960), which is being positioned to be the volume model moving forward. Gone is SR VC-Turbo, which was the only Altima offered with the maker’s 248-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
Engines
All Altima models are now powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine which produces 188 horsepower in front-drive models, 182 with AWD. And all but the base S trim level can be had with AWD, which adds just $1500 to the bottom line. All are equipped with a CVT-style automatic transmission.
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of an AWD 2025 Nissan Altima SR in extra-cost Bluestone Pearl and equipped with a number of accessories. All told, including destination charge, our test car came to $34,580.
Room and Comfort
Like the other vehicles in this class, the Altima provides sufficient space for four adults to ride in comfort, though taller folks may find the rear seat a little tight. Getting into and out of the Altima is easy enough, thanks mostly to generous door openings. And while the midsize Nissan’s cabin is generally well appointed, it trails the interiors of the class competition. With their last updates, the Accord and Camry stepped up their cabin-décor game, while the Altima feels a little old school.
Controls
Even large folks will feel comfortable behind the wheel, and the Altima’s generous glass area gives the cabin an open and airy feel. Most controls are within easy reach of the driver, and are logically arrayed for simple use. We were surprised by how small the Altima’s infotainment touchscreen is, however it proved perfectly functional and easy to use.
Ride and Handling
On the road the Altima suspension transmit more rough-road surface noise and vibration than do the Accord or Camry. This could be due in part to our test cars optional 19-inch wheels. And again, while the Altima isn’t noisy, it is noisier than the other cars in this segment. We did find the Altima rather fun to drive, with sporty steering feel, and a decent amount of power from the standard—and only—engine. The Altima engine is a little loud and raucous when pushed, but no more so than the Camry’s gas engine.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is an Altima strong point. Evaluated in mostly city driving, our AWD test car returned nearly 32 mpg, impressive for a non-hybrid vehicle in this class.
Value
Ultimately, there is nothing wrong with the Altima, and the available AWD system costs little, and is a boon up here in the Snowbelt. But in terms of ride quality, cabin refinement, and powertrain options, we prefer the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. That said, we strongly recommend you test drive all three cars, and see which is best for you.
Despite its drawbacks, the Altima is roomy, relatively fun to drive, and easy on the gas. And—this is entirely subjective—we think it’s the best-looking car in its class. Also, be on the lookout for rebates and lease deals that may help you decide to go with this midsize Nissan.
Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast
2025 Nissan Altima SR Pictures
(Click below for enlarged images)
Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast Episode 260: 2025 Toyota Camry Review (Bonus Episode)
