2012 Nissan Altima: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

2012 Nissan Altima: What is it?

Altima is Nissan's midsize car that's offered in coupe and sedan body styles -- the latter being far more popular. Compared with the coupes, sedans ride a longer wheelbase and are slightly longer overall. Four-cylinder and V6 engines are offered in both. A gas/electric Hybrid model is offered only as a sedan, and it's available only in California, Oregon, and certain northeastern states.

Altima is a Consumer Guide Recommended pick among the vast number of midsize cars on the market.

Altima has proven very popular of late, with sales closing in on class leaders Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Other top rivals include the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, and Hyundai Sonata. Altima is due to be redesigned for 2013, so the current model is in its final year in this form. Altima is built in the U.S. 

2012 Nissan Altima: What's New

Only minor trim changes mark the 2012 Altima, as it's due to be redesigned for 2013.

2012 Nissan Altima: Engines, Transmissions, and Drive Wheels

Base engine is a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. V6 models get a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) that behaves much like an automatic is standard on all sedans and available on coupes. Coupes are also offered with a 6-speed manual. 

Hybrids pair the 4-cylinder engine and CVT with a battery-powered electric motor for 198 horsepower. The Hybrid can run on one or both of its power sources depending on driving conditions and does not require plug-in charging.

All Altimas are front-wheel drive.

2012 Nissan Altima: Fuel Economy

The 4-cylinder/CVT automatic combination is EPA rated at 23 city/31 highway. Coupes with the 4-cylinder and manual transmission are rated at 23/32. The V6/CVT combination earns a 20/27 rating, while V6 coupes with the manual transmission are rated at 18/27. The Hybrid sedan is rated at 35/33.

All Altimas use regular-grade gas.

In Consumer Guide tests, fuel economy -- particularly with the 4-cylinder engine -- has been impressive. We averaged 28.1 mpg on a 2.5 S sedan in a mix of city/highway driving. A 2.5 manual-transmission coupe averaged 24.8.

A V6 sedan with the CVT automatic averaged 19.1 mpg in mostly city driving, 23.8 with more highway work.

It's worth noting that the Altima has a 20-gallon fuel tank, among the largest in the midsize class. 

2012 Nissan Altima: Model Lineup Features and Options

A base 2.5 model is offered only as a sedan, as is the Hybrid. Both sedans and coupes are offered in up-level 2.5 S and V6-powered 3.5 SR models.

Oddly, base 2.5 sedans come with all the popular basics, including power windows/locks/mirrors and remote keyless entry, but no radio; the cars come with wiring and speakers for an audio system that can be installed by the dealer.

Added in the 2.5 S models are keyless access and starting along with a radio with CD player and digital-media connection.

V6-powered 3.5 SR models add a power driver seat, steering-wheel radio controls, and heated mirrors; coupe versions add a sunroof and driver-seat lumbar adjustment. 3.5 SR coupes with the manual transmission also get automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, USB port, satellite radio, wireless cell-phone link, and a rearview camera, items that are optional on most other models. Also optional are a navigation system with traffic information and a music hard drive.

Hybrid sedans are equipped much like 2.5 S models and offer similar options, but delete the standard split folding rear seat.

2012 Nissan Altima: Safety Features

Altimas come with all the expected safety features as standard. The only safety-related option is a rearview camera.