Sunday Drive: 2025 Nissan Altima SR – A sedan for the modern driver
Over the past 23 years the Nissan Altima has become a staple in the Nissan’s sedan lineup, becoming almost an American icon — and for good reason. Known for its balance of style, comfort, performance and technology, we found that the 2025 version of the Altima continued to deliver a satisfying driving experience without compromising on value.
After a week of driving the latest Altima through the beautiful fall scenery of Utah Valley and the bustling streets of Provo and Springville, it became clear to us why this sedan has remained a popular choice for many drivers who need reliable and practical transportation.
Exterior design: Sleek and modern
The 2025 Nissan Altima continues to build on the sharp and aerodynamic styling that has made it stand out in a very competitive market. The latest design tweaks have given the sedan a more refined and sporty appearance without going too far.
The bold front grille, sleek LED headlights and aggressive front bumper made a strong first impression with us. The SV trim took things up a notch, adding sportier elements like dark chrome accents, larger alloy wheels and a slightly lower stance, which added to the Altima’s already distinct profile.
In our time with the Altima, we found the design was not only eye-catching but also functional. The shape of the car, with its sloping roofline and carefully sculpted body, helped reduce wind resistance, adding improved fuel efficiency.
Powertrain and performance: A balance of power and efficiency
The 2025 Altima came equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivered 182 horsepower, mated to Nissan’s continuously variable transmission (CVT), which ensured smooth and efficient shifts throughout our weeklong experience.
In driving the 2.5-liter model Altima, it proved to be more than capable of handling a variety of driving conditions. In town, the sedan accelerated briskly and delivered a smooth performance. Even on Utah’s winding mountain roads and open highways, the engine provided enough power for confident passing and merging, while the CVT ensured we were never left waiting for the car to find the right gear. The Altima felt nimble and responsive, thanks to its light steering and nicely composed suspension.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Altima’s performance is its fuel efficiency. The 2.5-liter engine delivers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, which is excellent for a sedan of this size. We managed a very nice 31 mpg average over 300 miles of driving.
Interior: Comfortable and spacious
Getting a lot of seat time inside the Altima, we found an interior that prioritized comfort and user-friendly design, something we have become used to with the Nissan brand. They have paid close attention to the quality of materials, especially in higher trims where leather-appointed seating, soft-touch surfaces and contrast stitching gave the cabin a more upscale feel.
The seats, which featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity design that we are big fans of, were particularly comfortable, making long drives to Ogden more enjoyable. Both the driver and front passenger seats were supportive and came with available heating and cooling features, a feature that always stands out in our weather that can change in an instant.
We loved the Altima’s interior space and agreed that it would be well-suited for families or even those who frequently travel with passengers. There was plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats, with enough space for three adults to sit comfortably in the back.
Cargo space was also generous, with a 15.4-cubic-foot trunk that was large enough to fit suitcases, camping gear or groceries without a problem. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats allowed for additional cargo flexibility if we needed to transport larger items.
Technology: Modern and intuitive
Technology was a strong point for the 2025 Altima, as Nissan has equipped the car with the latest infotainment and driver-assistance features. The standard 8-inch touch screen was responsive and easy to use, offering crisp graphics and an intuitive interface.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard, allowing seamless integration of our smartphone for navigation, music streaming and hands-free calling. The optional Bose premium audio system delivered excellent sound quality, filling the cabin with rich, clean sound wherever the Nissan took us during the week.
On the Safety side, the 2025 Altima came standard with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of driver-assistance technologies. This included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert, making the Altima one of the safest options in its class.
The ProPILOT Assist system was a standout feature that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology to make highway driving less stressful. On the interstate, the ProPILOT Assist worked flawlessly, reducing the driving effort required during longer road trips.
At the end of the week: A smart, well-rounded sedan
The 2025 Nissan Altima continued to prove to us that midsize sedans continue to remain relevant in a market dominated by SUVs. Its stylish design, comfortable interior, advanced technology and excellent fuel efficiency made it a top choice for drivers who want a well-rounded vehicle that can handle everything from daily commuting to weekend road trips.
In a segment with tough competition from the likes of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata, the Altima held its own by offering something for everyone. If you’re in the market for a sedan that balances comfort, technology and performance at an affordable price, the 2025 Nissan Altima should definitely be on your shortlist.
Base price: $30,330
Destination charge: $1,140
Price as driven: $34,580
-
- The 2025 Nissan Altima SV Special Edition.
-
- Inside the 2025 Nissan Altima SV Special Edition.
-
- The 2025 Nissan Altima SV Special Edition.
-
- Inside the 2025 Nissan Altima SV Special Edition.
-
- The 2025 Nissan Altima SV Special Edition.
-
- Inside the 2025 Nissan Altima SV Special Edition.
