Fun, Affordable and a Nirvana in Blue: 2024 Nissan Altima SR Review
Nissan has been making waves in recent years with overhauls of popular models like the Nissan Pathfinder and the Nissan Rogue. The brand has also had a little fun with a fresh take on the classic Nissan Frontier with it Hardbody pickup truck model. But its affordable sedans are not overlooked, which is what I discovered when I spent a week test driving the 2024 Nissan Altima.
The SR model that I test drove had a sportier look and feel with larger wheels and gloss black details. The look is in line with the SR aesthetic, which is essentially Nissan’s sport trim. Priced from $26K to about $36K, it’s a smooth, easy to drive, user friendly car that makes getting around affordable and fun. And the “Deep Blue Pearl color of my test model caught my eyes the eye without being too over-the-top.
This is a Solid Everyday Sedan
The Nissan Altima is a mid-range marvel, a standout choice for anyone who needs a dependable ride for the daily commute, weekend getaways and everything in between. It’s ideally sized for easy driving and parking, for bringing along a passenger or two, and it has nearly 16 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk for all your stuff.
First Impressions: The 2024 Nissan Altima is Sleek and Sensible
From the moment I set my eyes on the 2024 Nissan Altima SR, it made me smile. The exterior is both contemporary and functional, with a refined grille and LED headlights that give it a touch of sophistication without being overly flashy. It’s stylish, but in a practical, down-to-earth way.
Inside the 2024 Nissan Altima SR Cabin: Comfort Meets Convenience
Inside you’ll find a well-designed cabin that prioritizes comfort and convenience. The SR comes standard with sport cloth seats, though the leatherette seats in our model were comfortable, supportive and cushioned, perfect for long drives or city traffic. I found lots of legroom for both front and rear passengers, a big plus for those who often travel with friends or family.
The multimedia system is user-friendly and features an 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This makes it easy to connect your smartphone to access your favorite apps and stay entertained on the go. The dual-zone automatic climate control makes it easy to stay comfortable when not everyone wants the same temperature.
A Great Multimedia System – But With A Catch
During my test drive, a friend and I took a mini road trip to COTA in Austin, TX for the GT4 races and had a pretty easy time using the media system. The only hitch we ran into was that after we had connected both our phones via bluetooth, the car seemed to have trouble with our requests. There were several times when there was some confusion as to which phone the car played music from, or which phone displayed via Apple CarPlay in the 2024 Altima SR. Once we disconnected one phone, which was easy enough, it worked fine.
Performance and Handling: Smooth and Steady
Under the hood, the base model 2024 Nissan Altima is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 188 horsepower. That is more than enough oomph for everyday driving. The direct injection gasoline transmission ensures smooth acceleration and efficient fuel consumption, making it an economical choice for those mindful of their budget.
The SR tweaks the base engine for sportier handling, or you can upgrade to the SR VC-Turbo, a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine that offers up to 248 horsepower. Basically, the most expensive version is the one with a bit more ease and power in its performance.
Bumps in the Road? No Problem.
On the road, the Altima handles with confidence. Its responsive steering and stable ride quality make navigating city streets and highways a breeze. The car’s suspension system is tuned to absorb road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride even on rougher surfaces. While it’s not a luxury car, it’s still smooth and quiet with plenty of pep in its step.
Advanced Safety Features for Peace of Mind
Nissan has equipped the 2024 Altima SR with a suite of advanced safety features designed to keep you and your passengers safe. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These systems work together to provide an extra layer of protection and help prevent accidents before they occur.
Some cars have really obnoxious warning sounds, but the Altima was peaceful – even when it was beeping at me to stay in my lane. I always appreciate a warning I can hear without the music fading all the way down and an in your face beep that leaves passenger ears ringing every time the car weaves over to the edge of the lane during a long drive. Safety first always, but a happy medium is a must when it comes to effective warnings and enjoying a peaceful drive simultaneously.
How Many Kids Car Seats Fit in the Nissan Altima?
The Nissan Altima can fit three car seats across in the rear bench. There are full sets of LATCHes in the two outboard seats, but a car seat installed in the middle seat can be seatbelt installed. Kelley Blue Book gave it the highest rating for LATCH accessibility, and it’s the only sedan that made it on their top 15 list for vehicles that can accommodate three car seats across.
Practicality and Versatility: Ready for Anything
One of the standout features of the 2024 Nissan Altima SR is its versatility. The trunk offers 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space, ample for groceries, luggage, or shopping sprees. We had plenty of room for our luggage and a few sacks full of goodies from HEB – with ample room to spare. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats add even more flexibility, allowing you to transport even larger items with ease.
Fuel efficiency is another strong suit. With an EPA rating of 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, the Altima SR is an economical choice for those who spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Its impressive fuel economy means fewer stops at the gas station and more money in your pocket.
After my week with the Altima, the combined fuel economy displayed on the dash display was 30.3 mpg. The only highway miles I put on the Altima that week were on the road trip. The other driving I did was all in the city. While there are certainly other more efficient options, 30 mpg did have me avoiding math at all cost when I started comparing it with my 2013 Lexus GX. Suffice it to say I can see why any family might consider a car like the Altima in their driveway to save on fuel costs.
How Much is the New Nissan Altima?
The price of the 2024 Nissan Altima starts at an affordable $26,370 for the base model or “Altima S.” The freshened Altima comes in four main trim levels, with one of the SR versions offering a specialty performance engine for those that want a more engaging driving experience in their daily commute. For around $1,500, all wheel drive can be added to any of them except the entry level option or the performance model, the SR VC-Turbo.
2024 Nissan Altima Pricing at a Glance:
- Altima S: $26,370
- Altima SV: $27,270
- Altima SR: $28,570
- Altima SL: $33,070
- Altima SR VC-Turbo: $36,070
This Cute Sedan is a Reliable Companion
The 2024 Nissan Altima SR is a testament to what a mid-range vehicle can offer: style, comfort, and practicality without breaking the bank. Its comfortable cabin, easy to use multimedia system and solid drive experience make it a car for anyone who needs a dependable ride for a busy life.
This sporty little sedan shines for its balance of form and function. Its updated look, long list of standard features and comfort upgrades make this budget-friendly sedan feel much more friendly than budget. And a nirvana for all the daily driving doldrums.
Categorized:Car Reviews