LOOKS

The 2024 Nissan Altima features sharp wheel designs, and a simple but classy grille design with long headlights wrapped on each side.

I loved its sleek silhouette, which helps make the Altima one of the better-looking sedan alternatives, as well as its large trunk.

My test vehicle featured 19-inch alloy wheels (base model starts with 16-inch wheels), LED projector headlights, outside mirrors with LED Indicators, and options including a rear spoiler, splash guards and illuminated kick plates. There was also a power sliding moonroof.

Moving inside the Altima, the vehicle offers high-quality, comfortable seating materials and plenty of legroom in both rows. Nice touches can be found inside, including attractive wood trim on the dashboard.

The Altima SL model I tested included leather-appointed seats, 8-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob and dual-zone automatic temperature control.

Both rows leave plenty of room for all passengers, and there is ample small storage space in the vehicle for your items like keys, phones, etc.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

There are two powertrain options offered on the 2024 Altima. (Note: There is no hybrid option, like you get with most midsize sedan competitors).

Most people will end up with the 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine option, which offers 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque (on FWD models) or 182 hp and 178 pound-feet on all-wheel drive models like the one I tested.

For climates where inclement weather is common, I would recommend the AWD option, which improves vehicle traction in a variety of weather conditions and on various road surfaces.

The second engine option is a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder option that comes on the SR VC-Turbo trim and offers up to 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet.

An automatic transmission is included, but paddle shifters are included on some trim levels.

The Altima’s base engine provides a comfortable, smooth and quiet ride, but it’s not as fun to drive as some rivals. The 0-to-60 time is over 7 seconds on the base engine (and under 6 seconds on the VC-Turbo). My test vehicle provided solid handling and was nimble in the corners.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

The tech setup in the 2024 Nissan Altima is user-friendly and works well by both touchscreen and by voice, but one downside is that the graphics look somewhat basic and outdated. An upgrade in its design would be helpful for future models. The backup cameras are also less clear than competitors’ offerings.

Key tech features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for phone mirroring, a 12.3"-inch high-definition touchscreen display, wireless phone charging pad, navigation system, SiriusXM radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth for streaming calls and music to the vehicle, and a Bose audio system with nine speakers. There are also multiple USB ports throughout the vehicle.

Some Altimas feature a smaller 8-inch screen instead of the 12.3-inch option.

A three-year trial of NissanConnect Services is included, allowing for remote door locking/unlocking, remote engine start and stop, vehicle health reports and more.

Nissan also comes through with impactful safety features in the Altima. Its ProPilot Assist driving assist feature works effortlessly. Just one touch on the steering wheel and you can trust the vehicle to stay centered and make turns.

Upper trims also include an Intelligent AroundView Monitor with a 360-degree view around the Altima that is helpful in parking situations.

The vehicle has five-star government safety ratings, and other safety features include:
— Automatic high-beam headlights
— Forward collision warning with automatic braking, which applies brakes when a crash is imminent
— Lane departure warning to alert driver of drifting
— Driver attention warning, which alerts driver of possible fatigue
— Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning
— LATCH system for child seats
— Intelligent Cruise Control
— Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)

These systems pretty much cover all the bases when it comes to keeping you safe.

MPG

Fuel mileage is a strong area for the Altima, coming in with official numbers of 26 city, 36 highway and 30 combined on the all-wheel drive Altimas.

Front-wheel drive models can go as high as 27 city, 39 highway and 32 combined.

In my real-world testing of the Altima, these numbers proved to be right on point, as I averaged 30 mpg during my time in the vehicle.

These are right on track with the best numbers in the segment, so this is a home run for the Altima that will help draw thrifty buyers.

PRICE

The Altima SL I tested was priced just over $37K, but its base price starts at a more reasonable $26K. Trim levels include S, SV, SR, SL and SR VC-Turbo.

Compared to segment rivals, this price range is more affordable than the Honda Accord, around the same as the Toyota Camry, and slightly less than the Kia K5.

While the top trim levels are tempting, most people will be happy with what they get from the SR trim level, which features some visual, comfort and power upgrades from the lower trim levels.

Warranties include powertrain coverage for 5 years or 60,000 miles, and an overall warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles. One downside is that there is no complimentary scheduled maintenance.

BOTTOM LINE

The 2024 Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan that offers excellent fuel mileage, looks sharp and is roomy for the class.

Add in solid tech and safety features and a smooth ride, and the Altima is definitely worth a test driver for car buyers still interested in sedans.

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