Is the 2025 Nissan Altima Still a Top Contender in the Midsize Sedan Market?

Kiran C

Kiran C
Feb 20, 2025
Car News

Sedans may no longer dominate the streets as they once did, but that hasn’t stopped automakers from delivering alternatives that remain bold and competent. The 2025 Nissan Altima is one such competitor, going head-to-head with heavyweights like the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. But does it still have what it takes to hold its own in a rapidly shrinking and competitive midsize sedan market? Let's explore.

An Overview of the 2025 Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima has had a remarkable run since its debut over three decades ago. For 2025, the Altima carries over from its 2023 refresh with a mix of trims designed to appeal to a wide range of customers. However, it faces some challenges against modernized competitors that continue to push innovation.

From a pricing perspective, the Altima starts at approximately $27,000, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers. But pricing isn't enough to win over customers—features, driving dynamics, and reliability are equally critical factors.

Key Features of the 2025 Altima:

Standard Safety Features: Forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning.
Five Trim Levels: Ranging from the base S to the well-equipped SL.
Optional All-Wheel Drive: Available on all trims except the base model.
Fuel Economy: Up to 39 mpg on the highway for front-wheel-drive models.

Performance and Driving Experience

Under the hood, the 2025 Altima comes equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine delivering 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. While the CVT transmission lacks refinement and responsiveness, the Altima compensates with precision steering and a comfortable ride.

For daily commuting or long highway drives, the Altima provides a smooth, easy-to-handle experience. However, if you're seeking something sporty, the light steering and limited engine power might leave you wanting more. It performs well as a practical family car but doesn’t quite match the excitement some competitors, like the Honda Accord, may offer.

Pros:

Composed ride quality.
Comfortable Zero Gravity seats with great support.
Solid fuel economy for a gasoline-powered midsize sedan.

Cons:

No longer offers the more powerful VC-Turbo engine.
CVT performance feels lacking compared to rivals.
Lags behind competitors in offering hybrid options.

Interior and Features

Inside, the Altima’s cabin strikes a balance between functionality and style. Large physical buttons, clear gauges, and an intuitive infotainment system make it easy to use. The 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard, though higher trims include a larger and more premium 12.3-inch display.

The "Zero Gravity" seats deserve special mention for their superior comfort during long drives. Rear seating is spacious enough for adults, although headroom may feel a little tight in the middle seat. Cargo-wise, the trunk offers a competitive 15.9 cubic feet of space.

Despite these positives, some cost-cutting shows through in the interior materials. While it looks premium at first glance, closer inspection reveals areas where competitors like the Accord or Camry outshine it in quality.

Noteworthy Features:

Intuitive controls with physical buttons.
Available leather-trimmed seating in the SL model.
Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

How Does the Altima Compare?

The Altima faces stiff competition in this category, with competitors like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, and Kia K5 all vying for attention. While the Altima excels in comfort and affordability, it struggles in areas like powertrain options and cutting-edge safety scores.

Where Altima Shines:

More affordable starting price compared to the Camry and Accord.
Cushier seats for longer trips.
Easy-to-use controls and a straightforward driving experience.

Where Altima Falls Short:

Lack of hybrid powertrain options, which competitors like the Camry and Accord readily offer.
Mixed crash-test scores compared to segment leaders.
Interior quality and style that feel a step behind rivals.

Final Verdict

The 2025 Nissan Altima remains a solid, value-focused option in the midsize sedan market. It’s well-suited for drivers prioritizing comfort, fuel efficiency, and practicality. While it may not outpace the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord in every category, it still offers enough to stay relevant in the shrinking sedan segment.

Ultimately, if you're looking for a budget-friendly alternative and don't need a hybrid, the Altima is well worth considering. However, if cutting-edge safety or aggressive performance is a top priority, exploring other options in this category may be worth your time.

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