2024 Nissan Altima: Expert Reviews & Buyer's Guide

Hey guys! So, you're curious about the 2024 Nissan Altima and whether it's the right ride for you? Well, you've come to the right place! We're diving deep into what makes this sedan tick, covering everything from its slick design to its performance chops. Nissan has been a solid player in the mid-size sedan game for ages, and the Altima is always a strong contender. For 2024, Nissan is giving the Altima a bit of a refresh, aiming to keep it competitive against some pretty tough rivals. We'll be looking at what the critics are saying, what features you can expect, and whether this car is worth your hard-earned cash. Let's get started and break down the 2024 Nissan Altima!

Exterior and Interior Design: A Sleek Refresh

First off, let's talk looks. The 2024 Nissan Altima is definitely turning heads with its updated exterior design. Nissan has really leaned into its V-Motion grille philosophy, giving the front end a bolder, more aggressive stance. You'll notice sharper lines, redesigned headlights that are sleeker and more modern, and a general sense of sportiness. The profile remains classic Altima, with its flowing lines, but the subtle tweaks make it feel fresh. They've also updated the wheel designs across the trim levels, adding another layer of visual appeal. For those who love a bit of flair, the sportier SR trims often get unique styling cues, like a darker grille finish and more aggressive bumper designs. It's not a radical redesign, mind you, but it's enough to make the Altima stand out in a crowded parking lot. The goal here was to give it a more premium and dynamic appearance, and I think they've succeeded. It feels more grown-up and sophisticated without losing that sporty edge that many buyers appreciate.

Now, stepping inside the 2024 Nissan Altima, you'll find a cabin that prioritizes comfort and practicality. Nissan has always been good at creating comfortable seats, and the "Zero Gravity" seats are still a highlight here. They're designed to reduce fatigue on long drives, which is a huge plus if you do a lot of road-tripping or have a long commute. The overall layout is driver-centric, with easy-to-reach controls and good visibility. For 2024, Nissan has also focused on improving the materials used in the cabin. You'll find softer-touch plastics in key areas, giving it a more upscale feel. The infotainment system gets a boost too, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen that's responsive and user-friendly. Higher trims can get a larger display, which is always nice for navigation and media. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so you can easily connect your smartphone. Storage space is also decent, with a good-sized glovebox and center console. In the back, passengers will find ample legroom and headroom, making the Altima a comfortable choice for families or for carpooling with friends. The trunk offers competitive cargo space, so you won't have trouble fitting your groceries or luggage. It’s a well-thought-out interior that balances modern tech with everyday usability.

Performance and Powertrains: Efficiency Meets Power

When it comes to performance, the 2024 Nissan Altima offers a couple of compelling powertrain options that balance fuel efficiency with capable acceleration. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers a respectable 188 horsepower (182 hp on AWD models) and 180 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with Nissan's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Now, I know some folks aren't the biggest fans of CVTs, but Nissan has really refined theirs over the years. It's smooth, quiet, and does a great job of keeping the engine in its sweet spot for optimal fuel economy. For everyday driving, this base engine is more than adequate. It gets the Altima moving confidently, whether you're merging onto the highway or navigating city streets. Fuel economy is a strong suit here, with the FWD models achieving excellent MPG ratings, making the Altima a very economical choice for daily commuting. The added benefit for 2024 is the wider availability of All-Wheel Drive (AWD). While previously limited to higher trims, Nissan is making AWD an option on more Altima models, which is fantastic news for those living in areas with inclement weather. The AWD system intelligently distributes power to the wheels that have the most grip, enhancing stability and confidence in rain, snow, or ice.

For those craving a bit more excitement, the Altima still offers the powerful 2.0-liter Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine, though it's usually reserved for the sportier SR trim. This engine is a marvel of engineering, producing a healthy 236 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. What's really cool about the VC-Turbo is its ability to change its compression ratio on the fly, optimizing for either performance or fuel efficiency depending on your driving demands. It provides a noticeably more potent acceleration and a more engaging driving experience compared to the base engine. This engine is also paired with the Xtronic CVT, which is tuned to complement its power delivery. While the VC-Turbo offers more thrills, it does come at the expense of slightly lower fuel economy compared to the 2.5-liter. Regardless of which engine you choose, the Altima offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth experience for both the driver and passengers. Steering is generally responsive, and while it's not a sports car, the handling feels secure and predictable, especially in the SR trims which often feature sportier suspension tuning.

Technology and Safety Features: Staying Connected and Protected

In today's world, tech and safety are paramount, and the 2024 Nissan Altima doesn't disappoint. Nissan has equipped this sedan with a solid suite of standard and available features designed to keep you informed, entertained, and, most importantly, safe. As mentioned earlier, the infotainment system is anchored by a standard 8-inch touchscreen. This unit is intuitive and easy to navigate, and it comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone for access to your favorite apps, music, navigation, and hands-free calling. Bluetooth connectivity is also standard for audio streaming and phone calls. Higher trim levels can upgrade to a larger touchscreen, offering an even more immersive experience. USB ports are strategically placed to keep all your devices charged on the go. NissanConnect services are available, providing features like remote start, vehicle locator, and emergency assistance.

But what about safety? This is where the 2024 Nissan Altima truly shines, thanks to Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite. This comprehensive package of active safety and driver-assist technologies comes standard on most, if not all, trims for 2024, which is fantastic news for buyers. Safety Shield 360 includes features like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential frontal collision with a vehicle or a pedestrian. You also get Rear Automatic Braking, which helps prevent collisions when backing up. Blind Spot Warning is included to alert you to vehicles in your blind spots, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert helps you back out of parking spaces safely by detecting approaching vehicles. Lane Departure Warning is there to ensure you don't unintentionally drift out of your lane, and High Beam Assist automatically adjusts your headlights based on surrounding traffic. Beyond Safety Shield 360, other available driver aids include Intelligent Cruise Control, which can maintain a set speed and distance from the car ahead, and ProPILOT Assist. ProPILOT Assist is Nissan's advanced driver-assistance system that combines intelligent cruise control with steering assistance to help keep the Altima centered in its lane on highways, reducing driver fatigue during long journeys. With this array of technology and safety features, the 2024 Altima aims to provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

Trim Levels and Pricing: Finding Your Perfect Altima

Nissan offers the 2024 Altima in several trim levels, each building upon the last with increasing levels of features and refinement. Understanding these trims will help you pinpoint the perfect Altima for your needs and budget. The lineup typically starts with the S trim, which, while often considered the base model, still comes well-equipped with essential features like the 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and key safety tech from Safety Shield 360. Moving up, you'll find the SV trim. The SV usually adds more comfort and convenience features, often including things like dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, larger alloy wheels, and potentially more advanced driver-assist features or upgrades to the infotainment system, like SiriusXM compatibility. This trim often represents a great balance of features and value.

Next up is the SR trim, which is where the Altima gets its sportier personality. The SR typically features unique exterior styling elements, such as a sportier grille, unique alloy wheels, and sometimes a rear spoiler. Inside, you might find sportier seat cloth or accents, and the suspension might be tuned for a slightly firmer, more engaging ride. The SR is also the trim where you're most likely to find the powerful 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine as an option, paired with front-wheel drive. The top-tier trim is usually the SL. The SL is designed to offer the most premium experience, packing in all the luxury and tech features. Expect things like leather-appointed seating, a Bose premium audio system, a power-adjustable passenger seat, a universal transceiver for garage door opening, and potentially a more advanced navigation system. The SL often offers AWD as an option with the 2.5-liter engine. Nissan aims to make pricing competitive within the mid-size sedan segment. While exact MSRPs will vary based on options and destination charges, the Altima generally starts at an attractive price point, making it accessible to a wide range of buyers. The higher trims, like the SL, will naturally command a higher price but offer a significant upgrade in luxury and technology. When considering your purchase, it's worth checking Nissan's official website or visiting a local dealer for the most current pricing and available packages for the 2024 model year.

Competitors: How Does the Altima Stack Up?

The mid-size sedan segment is fiercely competitive, and the 2024 Nissan Altima faces stiff competition from some very well-established players. One of its primary rivals is the Honda Accord. The Accord is renowned for its refined driving dynamics, spacious interior, and strong reliability ratings. It often appeals to buyers who prioritize a premium feel and engaging handling. Another major competitor is the Toyota Camry. The Camry is a perennial best-seller, known for its bulletproof reliability, comfortable ride, and excellent fuel efficiency. Toyota also offers a popular hybrid version, which the Altima currently does not directly compete with in terms of electrification. The Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5 are also strong contenders, offering bold styling, a wealth of standard features, and attractive warranty packages. These Korean sedans have significantly upped their game in recent years, providing a compelling mix of value and technology.

Compared to these rivals, the 2024 Altima often stands out with its available All-Wheel Drive option on more trims, which is a significant advantage for those in colder climates where competitors might only offer front-wheel drive. The Altima's comfortable "Zero Gravity" seats are also a notable comfort feature that many drivers appreciate on long journeys. While some competitors might offer slightly more engaging driving dynamics or a more cutting-edge interior design, the Altima strikes a good balance between comfort, technology, and practicality. Its updated styling for 2024 helps it keep pace visually with its rivals. The availability of the VC-Turbo engine also gives it a performance edge over some base models in the segment. When considering the Altima, buyers should weigh its strengths – comfort, available AWD, and a strong suite of standard safety features – against the specific advantages offered by each competitor. It holds its own well, offering a compelling package for a broad audience.

Final Verdict: Is the 2024 Altima the Right Choice for You?

So, after breaking down the 2024 Nissan Altima, what's the final verdict? Guys, this sedan continues to be a very strong contender in the mid-size segment. It strikes an excellent balance between comfort, technology, and affordability. The exterior refresh gives it a modern and appealing look, while the interior remains a comfortable and practical space, especially with those fantastic "Zero Gravity" seats.

The powertrain options are sensible, with the standard 2.5-liter engine offering great fuel economy and the optional VC-Turbo providing a welcome boost in performance. The expanded availability of All-Wheel Drive is a major plus for many buyers. Nissan's commitment to safety is evident with the standard Safety Shield 360 suite, offering a comprehensive array of driver-assist features that provide real peace of mind.

While it might not be the sportiest sedan in its class, and some rivals might offer slightly more luxurious interiors or advanced tech on their highest trims, the 2024 Altima delivers a well-rounded package that is hard to beat. It's a practical, comfortable, and safe choice for daily commuting, family road trips, or just cruising around town. If you're in the market for a reliable mid-size sedan that offers good value, plenty of features, and the added security of AWD in many configurations, the 2024 Nissan Altima is definitely worth a serious look. It’s a solid option that continues to prove why it's a favorite among many drivers. Go check one out and see for yourself!