It happened to Nissan’s Maxima, which suddenly found itself packing on the pounds and occupying a different space entirely. As is often the case, the result of this spread isn’t very attractive.
But on a rare occasion, an alignment of the stars can work to create a truly great example: The ugly duckling that grows into a beautiful swan.
That’s not quite what the Nissan Altima has become, but it’s not that far off.
What is it?
A five-passenger front-wheel drive sedan, the latest Nissan Altima is the fifth-generation of an increasingly-successful recipe.
Totally redesigned for the 2013 model year, it is available with a new, more efficient 2.5-liter, transverse-mounted inline four-cylinder engine that manages 182 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. More refined than before, it is lighter, stronger and more fuel-efficient than the model it replaces. Fuel delivery occurs through a traditional multi-port fuel injection system, and we could only imagine the results if it were of the direct-injection variety.
For those who feel there is no replacement for displacement, the Altima can also be had with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Regardless of which engine box is ticked, the engines are mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which offers “shiftless” drive quality throughout its range.
Both engines can be had in a variety of trim levels that, for the 2013 model year, number seven models ranging from the base Altima 2.5 to, deep breath here, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV, 3.5 S, 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL.
Our tester was the mid-range 2.5 SL, which is the top model in the four-cylinder range.
Riding on a new platform, the Canton, Mississippi-built Altima uses tried and true suspension bits including MacPherson struts with coilover sprints and anti-sway bar in front and with a multi-link set-up in the rear. ZF Sachs shocks round out the kit at all four corners. Steering is of the electronic hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion variety. Rounding out the kit is Nissan’s standard Active Understeer Control, which actually brakes the inside front wheel during a turn to help tighten up the turning radius. That’s cool tech for a midsize sedan.
What’s it up against?
The Altima joins all the other heavy hitters in the midsize segment including the standard-bearing Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, as well as the Ford Fusion, Mazda6, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima and Volkswagen Passat.
How does it look?
Largely evolutionary from its last go-round, the Altima features a more upscale appearance than before. Along the way, it has grown to over 191 inches long, which was nearly the same size as Nissan’s flagship Maxima a decade ago. Select trim bits, including chromed door handles and window trim help to place it in direct competition with the top offerings of its rivals, but in a very conservative fashion.
But that does not mean the Altima is stylistically challenged in the least.
Boomerang headlamp and taillight housings inspired by those found on the Nissan 370Z sports car lend a sense of sportiness to a segment that sometimes suffers from styling in the other extreme.
After a second glance at the Altima’s grille, we notice that Lexus is not the only brand to use the so-called “spindle” shape on their models. Who does it better? That’s up to the eyes of the beholder.
Regardless, the end result is a design that will satisfy most buyers without offending or challenging the taste of others.
And on the inside?
Well-designed throughout, the 2013 Altima features a refined interior with excellent fit and finish, that keeps stride with the rest of the vehicle’s redesign, as well as its competition. Leather-wrapped throughout, it featured a conservative (there’s that word again) look that keeps things moving in an upscale (and there’s that word again) direction.
A two-gauge binnacle offers the driver a traditional speedometer and tachometer in addition to water temperature and fuel levels, while a high-resolution screen keeps the driver apprised of vehicle conditions, turn-by-turn navigation, trip, tire pressure monitoring and audio information.
We appreciated only having to take a quick glance downward to gather information, rather than redirecting our gaze to the 7-inch display in the centers tack, as is required in many other cars.
Speaking of that 7-incher, it was part of the Altima SL’s Technology Package, which included the NissanConnect Navigation system with Google POI highlights and read-text functionality. Among the most intuitive navigation systems available, it worked extremely well when connected via Bluetooth to a mobile phone.
Nissan’s Zero-Gravity front seats, inspired by NASA, offered more in the way of long-distance comfort for a reduced load on the spine, pelvis and muscles. The end result was a ride that was less restless as they sometimes become after extended stints in the wheelhouse. These seats did come with heating elements, but ventilation would be even nicer.
But does it go?
The 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine in our Altima tester is the go-to engine on offer from Nissan. While many may scoff at such a relatively small powerplant, we found it offered good acceleration in most situations, save for those few times that required massive amounts of foot pressure on the skinny pedal.
At that point, by the sheer noise alone, you become fully aware you are driving a CVT-equipped vehicle.
On the other hand, that same CVT is set up for long-term fuel savings. We observed a 31.2 mpg average, which is right in line with the EPA’s expectation of 31 mpg, with 27 city and 38 highway. Matched only by the Mazda6, the Altima is seriously efficient for this class.
The steering from the electric tiller felt very direct with excellent on-center feel. The electric assist never felt overbearing and remained well modulated throughout its range, letting us know we were very much in control. Handling through twisties showed a vehicle that managed to stay flat, while the almost imperceptible feel of the Active Understeer Control helped it to get through any turn quicker with increased stability. Rapid moves through twisty turns managed to keep the 2.5 SL cornering in a flat, well-controlled manner, which equates in other words, with presenting no surprises.
Frankly, most buyers probably won’t realize just how effective Active Understeer Control is – but we remain impressed with it.
We found the Altima’s interior to be pretty quiet while underway. Not silent, mind you, but pretty quiet,. Ours was equipped with Continental’s ContiPro Contact tires, which offered good grip and a nice road feel, although the natural construction of these meats did manage to transmit a good amount of noise while on coarse road grades.
Still, with 38 mpg on tap and those NASA seats just waiting for our derrieres, the Altima makes one heck of a road trip cruiser..
Leftlane’s bottom line
Well thought out and executed, Nissan’s Altima fires on all (four) cylinders, offering transportation that would do well to be on anyone’s short list of top picks in the midsize segment. While others zig, Nissan zags with some unorthodox technology, rarely misses a beat.
Overall, the Altima may not be the coolest, most engaging car you will ever drive, but it holds its own with enough creaminess to rise nearly to the top. Sure, the Fusion is prettier and the Mazda6 is more fun, but the Altima is a solid choice.
2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL base price, $28,050. As tested, $30,105.
Carpeted floor and trunk mats, $185; Technology Package, $1,090; Destination, $780.
Photos by Mark Elias.
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