2025 Nissan Altima Review: The End of the Road for a Familiar Name

The 2025 Nissan Altima marks the end of an era. Nissan has officially confirmed that this is the final model year for the Altima, which means no more mid-size sedans from the brand after this. If that news just made you feel old, you’re not alone.

For decades, the Altima has been a dependable, sensible choice for Americans who just wanted a comfortable, efficient sedan that didn’t require a second mortgage. It was never the flashiest, fastest, or most high-tech, but it always had a spot in driveways, rental fleets, and commuter parking lots across the country. Now, as SUVs and EVs take over, the Altima is bowing out, leaving behind a segment that’s getting smaller every year.

So, does the 2025 Nissan Altima go out with a bang, or does it simply fade into the background? Let’s take a closer look…

What’s New for the 2025 Model Year?

Since this is the final Altima, Nissan isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel. The 2025 model is mostly a carryover from the 2023 refresh, with a few minor tweaks:

• Simplified trim lineup – Fewer configurations make it easier to choose.
• Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – No more messy cables.
• New wheel designs – Because nothing says “fresh” like slightly different rims.
• Same powertrains as before – No surprises under the hood.

Nissan is keeping it simple, likely because they’re focusing more on SUVs and EVs.

Performance: Just Enough to Get the Job Done

The Altima has never been about outright speed, and that remains true for the 2025 model. It offers two engine options, both of which are more about efficiency than excitement.

Engine & Performance Specs:

• 2.5L Inline-4 (Standard Engine)
  • 188 hp / 180 lb-ft torque (FWD)
  • 182 hp / 178 lb-ft torque (AWD)
  • Fuel Economy: Up to 28 city / 39 highway MPG
  • Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
• 2.0L Variable Compression Turbo — (SR Model Only)
  • 248 hp / 273 lb-ft torque (on premium fuel)
  • Fuel Economy: 25 city / 34 highway MPG
  • FWD only

Most buyers will end up with the 2.5L engine, which is fine for everyday commuting. It’s pretty smooth, efficient, and relatively quiet unless you push it too hard, at which point the CVT reminds you why car enthusiasts don’t love CVTs. The VC-Turbo engine makes things a bit more stimulating, but it’s only available on the SR trim, and you have to put premium gas in it to get the full power output.

All-wheel drive is available, which is rare in the midsize sedan segment, but only on the 2.5L engine. If you want AWD, you’ll have to live with less power.

Interior: Comfortable and Functional, but Nothing Fancy

The 2025 Altima delivers a solid interior, though it doesn’t feel as upscale as some of its competitors. Nissan leans into function over flash, which means everything is easy to use but not necessarily exciting to look at.

Interior Features:

• 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster – Basic but functional.
• Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen – Bigger and better than before.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto – Finally.
• Available leather upholstery – If cloth seats aren’t your thing.
• Bose premium audio system – Available on higher trims.
• Plenty of cabin space – Rear seats are roomy.

Seats are comfortable, even on long drives, and rear passengers get plenty of legroom. Cargo space is about average for the class, with 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space, which is enough for groceries, luggage, or a very optimistic Costco haul.

Altima Trims: Which Fits Your Needs?

The 2025 Altima comes in four trims, all with slightly different levels of tech and comfort:

1. S (Base Model) – Basic but not bare-bones

   • 16-inch steel wheels (yes, steel wheels in 2025…)
   • 7.0-inch touchscreen
   • Cloth seats
   • Automatic emergency braking

2. SV (Mid-Level Trim, Best Value) – More features, still affordable

   • 17-inch alloy wheels
   • 12.3-inch touchscreen
   • Power-adjustable driver’s seat
   • Remote start

3. SR (Sportier Look, Turbo Engine Available) – Slightly more aggressive styling

   • 19-inch wheels
   • Sport-tuned suspension
   • Paddle shifters
   • Available VC-Turbo engine

4. SL (Fully Loaded) – All the bells and whistles

   • Leather upholstery
   • Bose premium audio
   • 360-degree camera system
   • Heated seats and steering wheel

The SV trim is the best choice for most buyers, offering a strong balance of features and affordability. If you want the most fun, the SR trim with the VC-Turbo engine is the way to go.

Competitors: What Else Should You Consider?

The midsize sedan market has been progressively shrinking in recent years, but the Altima still has some serious competition. Here’s how it stacks up:

Toyota Camry

• More reliable and better resale value.
• Hybrid option available.
• More engaging to drive than the Altima.

Honda Accord

• Interior feels more premium.
• Hybrid models offer great MPG.
• Better ride quality and handling.

Hyundai Sonata

• Bolder styling, more tech features.
• Turbo models are quick.
• Interior is surprisingly upscale.

Subaru Legacy

• Standard all-wheel drive.
• Great for snowbelt states.
• Interior tech isn’t as advanced as competitors.

The Altima’s chief selling points are its AWD option and the turbocharged SR model, but the Accord and Camry remain stronger overall choices for most buyers.

Why Is Nissan Killing the Altima?

This might be the biggest question buyers have. Why is the Altima being discontinued after 30+ years?  The answer is simple but unfortunate: sedans just aren’t selling like they used to. Nissan is shifting focus to SUVs and electric vehicles, which are far more popular and profitable.

With fewer people buying midsize sedans, Nissan decided it wasn’t worth the investment to develop a new-generation Altima, so instead it’s going the way of the Maxima (and other Nissan sedans of the past), making room for more SUVs and crossovers. Meh.

What Could Be Better?

Even though the Altima is a solid affordable sedan, there are a few things that could have been improved before its final model year:

• No hybrid option – Competitors offer hybrids, and Nissan should have jumped in.
• CVT-only transmission – A proper automatic or dual-clutch would improve the driving experience.
• Interior materials could be better – Feels a little cheap compared to Honda and Toyota.

These issues don’t ruin the Altima, but they make it harder to stand out in a segment with some very strong competition.

So, is the 2025 Nissan Altima Worth Buying?

The 2025 Altima is a decent choice for buyers who want a reliable, efficient, and comfortable sedan before they all disappear. It’s not as exciting as some competitors, but it does the job well. If you’ve been thinking about getting an Altima, this is your last chance before it’s gone for good.  If Nissan dealers offer good incentives or a nice trade-in value on your car, then it could entice some buyers away from the competitors more popular options.

Would you consider buying the final Altima, or do you think Nissan made the right call letting it go? Drop a comment below.