Nissan Altima Used Buying Guide

Hitting the roads in 2019, this generation came out with two engines to pick from. The engines are a 2.5L I4, and a 2.0L I4. Out of these two, the most powerful one is the 2.0L I4 that is able to produce 248 horsepower. The most fuel efficient one is the 2.5L I4, getting 32 MPG combined, able to go up to 518 miles on one tank.

This generation comes in 5 trims. The trims are the S, SR, SV, SL, and Platinum. No matter the trim you get, you can look for Pro-Pilot Assist, Nissan Intelligent Around View Monitor, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Intelligent Lane Intervention. You can also find an 8-inch infotainment screen at the beginning of this generation.

For the first few years, you could look for optional heated sets, and a power sunroof that helped bring some upscale features to the line. Up until the 2023 models, the new additions to the vehicle were mainly cosmetic, or shifting some features around, and putting them in packages.

For the 2023 models, the old 8-inch screen was replaced for the SL, and SR trims, with a 12.3-inch screen. This screen is also available on the SV trims. Despite those features only being available for certain trims, some more safety features were added to the entire lineup.

These new safety features are automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and high-beam assist. Thanks to these new features, the Nissan Altima comes with an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, helping it retain the designation from the years prior.

For the 2025 model, the 2.0L I4 was discontinued, leaving only one engine option. There’s also been some rumors about the Altima being discontinued, meaning that drivers may be ditching their older models in favor of the last new model, making it easier for you to find a great used model.

This generation came in a handful of trims, with the one you can find on most models being the 2.5L I4, and the one you can find on the lineup topper being the 3.5L V6 that produced 258 lb-ft of torque. This generation’s 2.5L I4 shares similar combined MPG to the most recent one. It gets 31 MPG combined, but gets even more mileage at 558 total miles.

The Altima came in 4 trims, the trims are the base 2.5, S, SV, and SL. When 2015 came around, they axed the option to have the 3.5L V6 on the S and SV trims. This year also saw the removal of the manual transmission.

When 2013 came around the Altima coupe was discontinued, leaving the sedan as the only option. This year also saw the addition of advanced drive-assist display.

For model year 2016, the SR trim came back. This brought performance back, making the Altima more than a soccer mom car. The SR came with performance-tuned shocks, and springs, as well as a bigger anti-roll bar, and 18-inch wheels. Outside of the SR, all new models now come with new cabin silencing materials, helping make the drive a better experience.

When the 2018 model came around, the 3.5L SR was dropped, leaving the only engine option the 2.5L. This year also saw the removal of the base 2.5 Altima, now leaving the S trim as the new starter.