The 2025 Nissan Altima is a mid-size family 5-passenger, 4-door sedan that competes in the highly competitive mid-size sedan class, alongside rivals such as the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, Toyota Camry, and Subaru Legacy. For 2025, Altima introduces a new SV Special Edition Package, which includes exterior and interior styling tweaks along with several tech upgrades and drops the formerly optional turbocharged engine option.
The 2025 Altima is available in four trim levels: S, SV, SR, and SL. All trims come standard with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that produces 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque in front-wheel-drive variants and 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque with all-wheel drive. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard across all trims. Optional features include Nissan's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, which can be added to the SV, SR, and SL trims for an additional cost.
Pricing for the 2025 Nissan Altima starts at $28,140 for the base S trim. The SV trim is priced at $27,430, while the SR trim starts at $28,8301. The top-tier SL trim is priced at $34,190, with all-wheel drive available as an option for an additional $1,500 on all trims except the base S. Safety features include Nissan Safety Shield 360, which comes standard on all trims and includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, reverse automatic braking, and automatic high beams1. The top SL trim also includes Nissan's ProPilot Assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering steering, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system.
Losing its formerly optional turbocharged engine, Altima becomes much more of a traditional family sedan offering. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylindder provides respectable acceleration and modest passing punch. Part of the problem is a slushy continuously variable transmission that seems to sap any zest from the engine. From a standstill, Altima will accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in a touch under 9 seconds. That's on par with other midsize offerings, but remember, Altima no longer has a punchy turbo option for customers that might be looking for a little more pep.
Despite middling acceleration, the 2025 Nissan Altima offers commendable fuel economy ratings for a mid-size sedan. The front-wheel drive Altima achieves EPA ratings of 32 MPG combined, with 27 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway. For trims equipped with all-wheel drive, the EPA ratings are slightly lower, with 28 MPG combined, 25 MPG in the city, and 34 MPG on the highway. In addition, the engine runs fine on regular-grade gasoline. In routine commuting expect to average about 30 MPG overall, perhaps as high as 32 MPG if your commute includes some highway driving.
Adding all-wheel drive a few years back makes Altima more competitive in the segment. Like other midsize sedans, Altima's all-wheel drive system is permanently engaged, requires no driver intervention and is aimed at improving acceleration on slippery surfaces.
From behind the wheel, the 2025 Nissan Altima drives exactly as you might expect for a midsize sedan. The ride is controlled, complaint and free from drama. There's a bit more road feel than you might expect, especially on all-wheel drive models. Still, the ride is comfortable and unobtrusive.
While you would never call the Altima sporty, it is more athletic than you'd guess. Body motions are nicely kept in check in quick transitions and cornering is stable and flat. The tires provide only modest grip in the dry as they are designed to provide adequate traction year-round. The steering is light and numb on center but at least it tracks true on the highway. Brakes prove adequate and no more.
Interior noise levels are appropriate for the class and price.
The 2025 Altima has the most functional design of any midsize sedan on the market right now. Every control is clearly marked. Most functions are controlled by traditional buttons and knobs. The layout of the instrument cluster is traditional and straight forward. There are no tricks, no gimmicks and few styling flourishes. Materials are price and class appropriate, but certainly trail competitors when it comes to quality.
Though they lack lateral support, the front seats are living-room comfortable with ample padding. Head and leg room are good and there's adequate width. Rear seats are softly padded and sit fairly low. There is good leg room, however, and you can sit three abreast in a pinch. Outward visibility is excellent, though the high beltline can make you feel like you are sitting in a bathtub. Also, the rear-view camera is not as crisp and clear as in some competitors and it often gets obstructed by dirt and grime. Entry and exit is a snap thanks to wide door openings and a modest step in.
Altima's base 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is barely that. There's no navigation and it requires a USB connection to mirror Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The screen is also a bit slow to respond to touch. Available on the top trim is a 12.3-inch touchscreen. It comes with wireless connectivity for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and an onboard navigation system. The Altima's ProPilot Assist system, which includes lane centering and low-speed adaptive cruise control, is quite the bonus. The adaptive cruise control works very well, needing little correction in traffic.
The 2025 Nissan Altima has a roomy 15.4 cubic feet of storage space in the traditional trunk. That is near the top of the class. In addition, it is easy to load thanks to a large opening. Fold the rear seats and cargo capacity grows to a cavernous 58 cubic feet of space. Interior storage is class average with a few open and covered bins.
Bottom Line -- Altima is now the prototypical American midsize family sedan. It provides roomy, reliable, and comfortable transportation. It is not sporty, and it feels a bit dated when it comes to technology features. If it were priced below competitors, it could be considered bargain, however it is not. With a base price of $27,000 and a loaded price approaching $40,000 it is only slightly less expensive than an Accord or Camry. It is a shame the zippy turbocharged engine was dropped but at least all-wheel drive is still an option.
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