2023 Nissan Altima vs 2024 Nissan Altima

The 2023 Nissan Altima continued Nissan's legacy in the family car segment, offering a sizable four-door sedan even as the Maxima faced discontinuation. The model featured updated front styling with a revised grille and new wheel designs, enhancing its visual presence, especially in higher trims with 19-inch wheels. However, the stylish wheels were prone to curb damage due to their flush design. In Canada, the Altima was available in four trims: S, SR, SR Premium, and Platinum, standing out as the only mid-size sedan with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Despite its appealing interior, the Altima's use of hard plastics and simulated wood trim reminded consumers of its mainstream status.

The 2024 Nissan Altima, while largely unchanged since 2019, maintained its familiar design with a new grille introduced in 2023. In Canada, it was offered in the same four trims, with AWD as standard. The U.S. specification model, similar to the Canadian Platinum trim, featured a conservative yet attractive design with LED projector headlights and optional rear spoiler. Inside, the Altima felt outdated, with soft yellow lights and wood trim reminiscent of older vehicles. However, the seats were notably comfortable, and the layout of controls and storage was practical. The wireless phone charger and other conveniences added to its appeal, though the quality of leather upholstery and some plastic parts left room for improvement.

The 2023 Nissan Altima was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The AWD system could deliver up to 50% of the engine's output to the rear wheels. The CVT was programmed to mimic a traditional automatic, with paddle shifters available in the SR Premium trim for added engagement. Fuel economy ratings were 9.1 L/100 km city, 6.5 highway, and 7.9 combined for the base trim, with slightly higher figures for upper trims. The Altima's performance was adequate, though the ride was firm, and road noise was noticeable at highway speeds. Rear visibility was poor, necessitating reliance on the reversing camera and rear cross-traffic alert system.

The 2024 Nissan Altima shared the same engine and power output as its predecessor, with a 0-96 km/h acceleration time of approximately 7.5 seconds. The AWD system operated primarily as a front-wheel-drive vehicle, enhancing fuel efficiency with ratings of 9.1 L/100 km city, 6.5 highway, and 7.9 combined. The steering felt light, but the low centre of gravity minimized body roll in corners. The brakes were predictable, and the CVT managed power well, though it produced a droning noise under heavy acceleration. Overall, the Altima's driving dynamics were satisfactory, with a focus on comfort and efficiency.

The 2023 Altima's interior was straightforward and user-friendly, with controls laid out logically and clear analog gauges. The Zero Gravity seats were exceptionally comfortable, though the leather upholstery was somewhat sticky. The driver's seat offered 10-way power adjustment, but the front passenger seat had only four-way adjustment, making entry and exit challenging. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and headroom, and rear air conditioning vents were standard. Interior storage was reasonable, though the design of the floor mats was problematic. The trunk offered 437 litres of cargo space, smaller than some competitors but well-shaped for practical use.

The 2024 Altima provided impressive interior space, with front seats offering more room than several competitors. The rear seat had 895 millimetres of legroom, surpassing some rivals. Trunk space remained at 437 litres, with a wide opening for easy loading. The Altima's interior was designed for comfort, with well-placed cupholders and storage cubbies. Despite its spaciousness, the Altima's interior felt dated, with some materials lacking in quality.

In 2023, the Altima came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, featuring Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A new 12.3-inch touchscreen was available on higher trims, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, a navigation system, and NissanConnect Services. The Bose nine-speaker audio system was available on SR Premium and Platinum trims, though its performance varied. The 12.3-inch system was a significant improvement, with a superior user interface and voice recognition.

The 2024 Altima also featured an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 12.3-inch display available on higher trims. The larger screen offered crisp graphics and a user-friendly interface, with static icons for easy navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay was available only with the larger screen. The Bose stereo system was underwhelming, and the SiriusXM interface appeared cluttered. NissanConnect was standard on higher trims, providing remote access features through the MyNissan app.

The 2023 Altima was equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProPilot Assist was available on higher trims, offering adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it scored poorly in the updated side-impact test.

The 2024 Altima also received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with similar standard safety features. However, it did not earn the Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS due to poor side-impact test results. ProPilot Assist was standard on all trims except the base S, providing semi-autonomous driving capabilities.