Lots of motorists are just not impressed by flashy cars.
Ever since Henry Ford set the automotive world on its ear with the Model T more than a century ago, car dealers across United States have made a comfortable living selling dependable, affordable vehicles capable of getting from one point to another with a minimum of fuss.
Even with car business heading for a once-in-a-lifetime transition, passenger cars such as the Nissan Altima are still popular with significant slice of consumers, and it is not because the Altima is a boring vehicle.
Overview
The 2023 Altima SR is quick, powerful and with a smooth ride. Overall, the vehicle is smartly designed both inside and out. The SR trim level is very well equipped with a full array of driver assistance features and connectivity.
The clever packaging and the smart design make it a worthy competitor of traditional rivals in the midsized segment such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata, all of which get routinely get high marks from satisfied customers.
Exterior
The low-slung 2023 Altima is sleek and looks as if it could knife through the air with its sharp lines, sleek roof line, which bends back to rear of the vehicle, which serves to the underscores its clean profile.
The exterior design also features an aggressive face, which features a bold grille and large, stylized air for openings on the engine and the brakes on the front wheels. The appearance is finished with stylized wheels, which flash in the sunlight, which complete the overall visual impact of the exterior design.
Interior
The Altima is surprisingly spacious and comfortable both on longer drives and while running errands. The cabin is also well furnished with a nice mixture of texture and materials the create a luxurious ambience around the driver, while making room for storage and easy-to-access cupholders.
The technology is nicely integrated into the Nissan, starting with the 12.3-inch color touch screen in the center stack for the entertainment and navigation systems. The cabin is also quiet enough for the Bose audio system to work effectively. The lighting scheme for night driving is well-modulated, making the gauges easy to read without distracting or impairing the vision of the driver. The design of the Altima also enhances the visibility from the driver’s seat.
Powertrain
The 2023 Altima SR is equipped with 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline 4-cylinder engine, which is matched up to a Xtronic CVT transmission. The front-wheel drive Altima comes with paddle shifters for driver’s looking to control their shifts as well as an electronic suspension and electronic parking brake.
This version of the internal combustion engine produces 237 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has given the 2023 Altima SR a combined fuel-economy rating of 29 mpg, including 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Safety and Technology
The Nissan Altima is equipped advanced front- and side-impact airbags, knee airbags for the driver and passenger and automatic front and rear brakes. It also has rear cross traffic alert, active blind-spot detection, lane-keeping assistance, and parking assistance with rear-view camera.
The vehicle also comes with wireless charging, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Bose sound system. Blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, high-beam assistance and surround view camera are also part of the package. It also comes with Nissan connected services and wi-fi hotspot, two USB ports in the front seat, and two rear-seat charging ports.
Driving Impressions
For a car with a rather bland reputation, the on-road performance of the Altima was excellent. It has a favorable power-to-weight ratio ample kick while passing or moving from a standing start. The sporty suspension on the Altima SR lines up well with performance, giving the car a solid feel over different road surfaces and it hugs the road going around curves. It also accurate steering and nice solid brakes.
With coming of electric vehicles, the discussion around fuel economy has shifted dramatically. But for a car with a mid-sized car with an internal combustion engine the Altima deliver good if not great performance.
2023 Nissan Altima SR Specifications
| Dimension | Dimensions: L: 192.9 inches/W: 72.9 inches/H: 56.7 inches/Wheelbase: 111.2 inches |
| Weight | 3,460 pounds |
| Powertrain | 2.0-liter inline-4; CVT automatic transmission |
| Fuel Economy | 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined |
| Performance Specs | 237 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque |
| Price | Base price: $21,490; As tested: $37,060 including $1,095 destination charge |
| On-Sale Date | Available now |
Wrap Up
The Altima, which has undergone a major makeover recently, is still a modest car. But it is also generally a good value. It can handle every day commuting and has room for passengers and luggage. It also does well on long road trips and the version of the Altima that I drove also came with a full array of the latest safety and connectivity features.
The $37,000 price tag underscores the rapid increase for new cars that has overtaken the automotive industry since the pandemic. However, the sticker price on the 2023 Altima represents the new normal across the industry and is also a solid vehicle.
2023 Nissan Altima SR — Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does a 2023 Nissan Altima SR premium have?
The Altima has a standard 188-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The optional turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder makes up to 248 hp with premium fuel and also uses a CVT.
What is the top speed of a Nissan Altima 2.0 SR?
The Nissan Altima has a top speed of 130 mph.
What does the SR mean in Altima?
SR probably especially stands out among the common S, SV, and SL trims. So, what does Nissan SR mean, exactly? Well like the others, SR is a trim level, however, this one is only available for select models. The SR trim is usually a bit sportier and offers more premium features than most lower trim levels.
