In a market that has no shortage of worthy competitors, the Nissan Altima has etched a name for itself that we just can't overlook. Sure, more notable models like the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry get more of the buzz, but the Altima, thanks to its redesigned exterior, sophisticated interior and a choice of two engines, is by no means a slouch.

For the 2014 model year, Nissan->ke62 built on the changes made to the 2013 version to give the Altima more bang for your buck. The addition of the newest version of NissanConnect is a huge plus with connectivity to online apps never been easier.

That's crucial for young buyers of the vehicle and Nissan did a good job of keeping the Altima look sporty and athletic to cater to a new wave of potential customers.

Updated 06/02/2014: Nissan announced prices for the 2015 Altima which is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. Prices for the 2015 Altima will range from $22,300 for the base 2.5 version up to $31,950 for the 3.5 SL version.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Nissan Altima.

2014 - 2015 Nissan Altima

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 - 2015 Nissan Altima
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 182 @ 6000
  • Torque: 180 @ 4000
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

, especially when rivals like the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry are themselves attractive to look at for midsize sedans. So the Altima doesn't fall short there, which is a good thing.

It certainly helps the Altima's cause when you think about the changes that have been made since the fourth-generation model burst into the scene in 2012. Since that time, Nissan installed wider tracks and modified the fenders, giving the Altima that athletic look that should serve it well when lined up against the competition.

Even the headlights have been polished, albeit somewhat replicated in Infiniti's design vein. Still, it's definitely an upgrade that shouldn't be overlooked. While we're talking about upgrades, don't forget about the standard features for the 2014 model. The UV-reducing solar glass is more function over style, while the projector-type halogen lights are both functional and beautiful.

2014 Nissan Altima - Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

109.3

Overall length

191.5

Overall width

72.0

Overall height

57.9

Track width front/rear

62.4/62/4

Trunk liftover

26.9

Coefficient of drag (Cd)

0.29 (0.30 – SV)


2014 Nissan Altima - Standard Exterior Features

-16" steel with bolt-on cover

- Projector-type halogen headlights

- Dual chrome exhaust finishers

- Dual body-color power outside mirrors

- UV-reducing solar glass

Interior

You can't help but appreciate the efforts Nissan put to bringing the best possible product for the Altima. The Japanese carmaker even went so far as enlisting the help of NASA to develop "zero-gravity" seats, which are designed to simulate the closest "neutral posture" customers can have, preventing them from getting fatigued from long drives.

But the seats are just the beginning, too. The overall makeup of the interior is pretty striking to look at. The dashboard looks to have been designed with the idea of simple functionality in mind. That speaks to the neatly designed center console with buttons and knobs that are easily understandable and within arms' reach of both the driver and the front passenger.

Cloth seats and a Piano Black trim with chrome accents are standard, which is normal for a midsize sedan. You can upgrade to leather and metallic or faux-wood accents, though, allowing you the chance to make it more upscale.

2014 Nissan Altima - Interior Dimensions

Interior (inches)

Front

Back

Head room (w/o moonroof)

40.0

37.1

Head room (with moonroof)

39.1

37.1

Leg room

45.0

36.1

Hip room

54.0

52.1

Shoulder room

56.4

56.4


2014 Nissan Altima - Standard Interior Features

- Advanced Drive-Assist® Display

- Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System

- Air conditioning

- Power door locks with auto-locking feature

- Remote keyless entry

- Push Button Ignition

- Remote trunk release

- Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges

- Tilt and telescoping steering column

- Digital clock (in radio)

- 6-way manual adjustable driver's seat

- Cloth seat trim

New for 2015

- 8-way power driver's seat

- 2-way power lumbar support for 2.5 SV and 3.5 SV models

- Beige interior-equipped models receive black carpeting and lower seat side trim

- Intelligent Climate Control added to models equipped with Remote Engine Start System

- Navigation and Mobile Apps

- Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

- Moving Object Detection (MOD)

- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Drivetrain

The 2014 Altima has the benefit of receiving two separate engine options, beginning with a modest 2.5-liter inline-four that produces a respectable 182 horsepower ay 6,000 rpm and 180 pound-feet of torque. That's a good starting point for the sedan. But if you want more power, a 3.5-liter V-6 is also in the cards, developing a stout 270 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 251 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It falls a little short to the Accord and the Camry, but not by the kind of margin that'll turn people off to the Altima.

2014 Nissan Altima - Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

Altima 2.5

Altima 3.5

Name

QR25DE

VQ35DE

Cam design

DOHC

DOHC

Orientation

Transverse

Transverse

Cylinders / configuration

I4

V6

Block / head composition

Aluminum/aluminum

Aluminum/aluminum

Displacement (liters / cc)

2.5L/ 2,488 cc

3.5L / 3,498 cc

Horsepower/PZEV

182 @ 6000 RPM
179 @6000 RPM (CAL)

270 @ 6,000 RPM

Torque (lb-ft)

180 @ 4000 RPM
177 @6000 RPM (CAL)

251 @ 4,400 RPM

Bore & stroke (mm)

89.0 x 100.0

95.5 x 81.4

Compression ratio (:1)

9.6

10.3

Maximum engine speed

6,200 RPM

6,600 RPM


Prices

The 2014 Nissan Altima retails at a competitive price with the base 2.5 Liter I4 CVT fetching $22,110 (a little more expensive than the Accord) and going all the way up to the 3.5 Liter V6 CV at $30,760, just under the $32,120 price tag of the Accord EX-L V-6 Sedan Navi.

Base vehicle

Description

Suggested List Price

Altima 2.5

2.5 Liter I4 CVT

$22,110

Altima 2.5 S

2.5 Liter I4 CVT

$22,630

Altima 2.5 SV

2.5 Liter I4 CVT

$24,280

Altima 2.5 SL

2.5 Liter I4 CVT

$27,860

Altima 3.5 S

3.5 Liter V6 CVT

$26,260

Altima 3.5 SV

3.5 Liter V6 CVT

$28,460

Altima 3.5 SL

3.5 Liter V6 CVT

$30,760


Options

Option

Price

Splash Guards

$150

2.5 S Display Audio Package

$320

2.5 SV Convenience

$1,350

Navigation Package (SV)

$590

2.5 Moonroof Package (SL)

$800

Technology Package (SV)

$1,090

Technology Package (SL)

$1,090

Illuminated Kick Plates

$240

2.5 S Sport Value Package

$850

2.5 S Alloy Wheel

$620

Rear Spoiler

$400


2015 Nissan Altima prices

Model

Price

Altima Sedan 2.5

$22,300 USD

Altima Sedan 2.5 S

$22,560 USD

Altima Sedan 2.5 SV

$24,720 USD

Altima Sedan 2.5 SL

$28,150 USD

Altima Sedan 3.5 S

$26,450 USD

Altima Sedan 3.5 SV

$29,830 USD

Altima Sedan 3.5 SL

$31,950 USD


Competition

Toyota Camry

One of the oldest models in the segment, the Toyota Camry is still churning along in its seventh incarnation. In the time that it's been around, the Camry has become an institution of sorts in the midsize sedan market, parlyaing a rich history class with Toyota's technological savvy.

For the seventh-gen Camry, Toyota is offering a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine for the base versions and a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine on upper trims. The four-cylinder engine delivers a total of 178 horsepower, while the V-6 version delivers 268 horsepower.

Oh, and have you been inside the Camry recently? Jump on board and you're treated to a cabin that's more spacious than ever before, not to mention all the modifications Toyota did, including a new dashboard design, modified seat locations, redesigned seats, and "lean" door, pillar and headliner trim.

The model is priced from $22,235.

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is another standard bearer in the midsize sedan segment and to the unintended shame of the Camry and the Altima, the Accord has actually been around for nine life cycles. Even if its an old name, the 2014 Accord still packs a competitive punch, highlighted by its versatile offerings - six trim choices! - and the fact that it has a list of high end features to brag about. Whether its the LED headlights, daytime running lights and brake lights, and mirror-mounted turn signals, the Accord has them in its not ashamed to flaunt it.

Powertrain options are also diverse with a a direct injected, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder with 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque serving us the base unit. Bump that up and you get a 3.5-liter, V-6 that develops a stout 278 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 252 pound-feet of torque at 4,900 rpm.

The LX is the base model of the Accord and that retails for $21,955.

Conclusion