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2024 Nissan Altima: A Solid Contender in the Mid-Size Sedan Segment

The 2024 Nissan Altima might not be the most attention-grabbing car on the road, but it offers a compelling package for those seeking a reliable, fuel-efficient, and comfortable mid-size sedan. With a starting MSRP of $25,730, the Altima undercuts many competitors, making it an attractive option for budget-minded buyers. Let's delve deeper into what the 2024 Altima has to offer.

Unremarkable Design, But Functional Interior

The exterior design of the 2024 Altima follows an evolutionary path. It retains the familiar Nissan styling cues, with a V-motion grille and swept-back headlights. While not necessarily head-turning, the design is clean and inoffensive. The SR trim offers a sportier look with unique wheels and a more aggressive front fascia.

Inside, the Altima prioritizes functionality over extravagance. The cabin uses decent materials, and the layout is straightforward and easy to navigate. Higher trim levels boast features like heated seats and a panoramic sunroof, adding a touch of comfort and luxury. While some rivals might offer more premium interiors, the Altima's focus on practicality is undeniable.

Spacious Seating and Decent Cargo Room

The Altima offers ample space for passengers in both the front and rear seats. Adults will find plenty of headroom and legroom for comfortable rides, even on longer journeys. The rear seats also feature a standard 60/40 split-fold function, increasing cargo versatility.

Speaking of cargo, the Altima offers a trunk with 15.4 cubic feet of space, which is slightly less than some competitors. However, it's still enough for most everyday needs, and the folding rear seats can significantly expand cargo capacity when needed.

Two Engine Options with a Focus on Fuel Economy

The 2024 Altima comes with two engine options:

2.0L 4-Cylinder: This base engine produces 188 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. While not the most powerful option, it delivers adequate pep for city driving and achieves an impressive fuel economy of up to 39 mpg on the highway.
2.0L VC-Turbo 4-Cylinder (Available on SR and Platinum): This more powerful option utilizes variable compression technology for a balance of performance and efficiency. It produces 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, with highway fuel economy reaching up to 34 mpg.

Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that delivers smooth gear changes. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on all trims, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on the SR and Platinum trims with the VC-Turbo engine.

Tech Features Can Feel Dated

The 2024 Altima comes equipped with a decent array of standard tech features, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offer additional features like a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Bose sound system.

While the infotainment system itself is reasonably responsive, the software can feel dated. The graphics lack the crispness of some competitors, and the menu system might require some familiarization. Additionally, some features that are becoming increasingly common, like a Wi-Fi hotspot or a digital instrument cluster, are absent from the Altima.

Safety Features Aplenty

The 2024 Altima prioritizes safety, equipping all trims with Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

Trims and Pricing

The 2024 Nissan Altima comes in five trim levels: S, SR, SV, SL, and Platinum. Here's a quick breakdown of the starting MSRP for each trim: