What’s not to love about the 2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL sedan?
Sitting in front of me was a Cayenne Red 2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL FWD sedan. According to Nissan’s online catalog, it has a “new look that’s aggressive and strong.’’ I agree, it does have an aggressive feel to its design. Tastefully so, I would add. Actually, there is a new crossover vehicle that looks to have incorporated Darth Vader’s helmet into its design. Fortunately, Nissan chose not to embrace the sci-fi school of design.
It would be fair to say the 2016 Nissan Altima is a refresh, not a totally new design. Nevertheless, this is an important aspect of Nissan’s plan to keep the Altima current.
That’s because the Altima is Nissan’s best-selling sedan, in what is a very congested and competitive segment of the automotive market. Keeping it relevant, or as Nissan states, “It’s time your ride kept up with your expectations,’’ is the key to staying on top.
Along with new styling, the 2016 Altima 2.5 SL offers as standard equipment a Bose Premium Sound System with nine speakers and sub-woofers. Also, leather-appointed heated front seats, a leather-wrapped gear shifter, and a heated steering wheel. It was not that long ago that a heated steering wheel was found only on a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or a BMW 7 Series luxury sedan. I must say, the heated wheel met and exceeded my expectations. Other standard features were driver and passenger power seats, heated outside mirrors with LED turn signals, and Homelink Universal Transceiver. These are just some of the Altima SL’s long list of standard features.
Our test vehicle also featured the $2,190 SL Tech with LED package that included the Nissan Connect package with navigation, mobile, and services. Nissan Connect uses an in-dash seven-inch color display screen and is powered by SiriusXM. You can also access the audio and navigation systems with the Nissan Voice Recognition program. SiriusXM Traffic offers real-time info on traffic conditions and SiriusXM Travel Link offers fuel prices, weather reports, movie listings, sports scores, and more.
Nissan’s Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) is part of the tech package. With it, you can set the distance between your Altima and the car ahead. The ICC system will maintain this distance automatically. This way, you avoid continuously having to tap the brake and punching the resume button to keep pace with traffic flow. It also provides a Forward Emergency Braking feature. The system’s sensors will apply your car’s brakes for you in an emergency situation. Another high-tech feature of our Altima were the LED headlamps, something mostly found only on high-end and exotic vehicles.
To be fresh and relevant is important, but for me it’s all about how a car goes down the road. Well, our Altima had a 2.5 liter DOHC 182 hp 4-cylinder engine mated to their Xtronic Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). The SL trim is also available with a 3.5-Liter 270 hp V-6 engine, too. Our 2.5-Liter engine felt strong and responsive to the electronically controlled throttle.
For those not familiar with a CVT, it is a virtually gear-less transmission. This allows the engine and transmission to choose the optimal rpm for performance and fuel economy. On acceleration you don’t feel the gear changes as you do with a conventional transmission, just one smooth zoom forward. My passenger wanted to know if there was something wrong with the transmission because he didn’t feel the shifts. To most, it is a perception issue, and after a few miles, it will all seem normal. However, if you really miss the sensation of the shifts, the Altima’s sport mode simulates that feeling for you.
The Altima 2.5 SL felt nimble and secure through all driving conditions. These included ice, snow, and even unusually warm weather. It was fun to drive and had a strong sporty personality. Yet, it offered a comfortable ride, not an easy task on New England’s winter roads. Also, the leather seating and excellent Bose Audio system offered an upscale feel.
The Altima’s trunk capacity is 15.4 cubic feet and the rear seat backs fold down. Because of this, I was able to haul home a variety of bulky items and a snow shovel from a big box store. Our Altima 2.5 SL has an EPA rated 27 city/39 highway/31 combined. With the low price of fuel, the Altima 2.5 SL is a very thrifty ride.
For 2016 the updated Nissan Altima is available in five trim levels with the four cylinder engine: 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, and 2.5 SL. The V-6 powered car is available in two trims, the 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL. The SR trim level is an all-new addition for the 2016 model year. Sport-tuned suspension and wheel-mounted paddle shifters are key features of both the V-6-cylinder and 4-cylinder cars.
It is clear that Nissan has crammed a lot of technology into the 2016 Altima. However, it did so in a way that neither intimidates nor overwhelms the driver. It is there if you want to use it, but if not, just press the start button and drive. That’s my kind of car.
Ultimately, those in the market for a new car will determine if the 2016 Altima meets “expectations’’ or not.
2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL FWD Sedan
THE BASICS
Price: Base price $28,570. As tested: $32,595 including destination. Fuel Economy: EPA estimated 27 city/39 highway/31 combined. Engine: 2.5 liter, DOHC 4-cylinder. Transmission: Xtronic CVT automatic.
THE SPECIFICS
Horsepower: 182 @ 6,000 rpm. Torque: 182 lb.-f.t @ 4,000 rpm. Wheelbase: 109 in. Height: 57.9 in. Width: 72.0 in. Curb weight: 3,254 lbs.
THE GOOD
Fun to drive and lots of high-tech goodies.
THE BAD
Nothing really.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Good looking, nicely appointed, great mpgs.
OTHERS TO CONSIDER
Many, many, many.
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