The automotive industry continues to evolve with advancements in technology, design, and performance. Yet, amidst these changes, affordability remains a crucial factor for many consumers.
Nissan, a brand recognized for delivering value-oriented vehicles, has made strategic decisions to maintain its foothold in the competitive midsize sedan market with the 2025 Altima. Although it lacks significant alterations compared to its predecessor, this iteration has seen some noteworthy changes, including the discontinuation of the VC-Turbo engine and the introduction of a new value-focused package for the Altima SV trim. Here’s a detailed look at what the 2025 Nissan Altima brings to the table.
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A Farewell to the VC-Turbo Engine
One of the most notable updates for the 2025 Altima is the removal of the VC-Turbo engine. This engine, which had powered the now-discontinued Altima SR VC-Turbo model, was an innovative piece of engineering. The VC-Turbo, or Variable Compression Turbo, was designed to optimize performance and fuel efficiency by varying its compression ratio. This allowed the engine to deliver strong power when needed while maintaining fuel economy during low-load situations. Despite its advanced technology, the VC-Turbo engine did not resonate with enough consumers to justify its continued production in the Altima lineup.
The decision to drop the VC-Turbo engine aligns with broader industry trends, where competitors like Honda and Toyota have also phased out their higher-output engine options in their midsize sedans. As consumers increasingly prioritize fuel efficiency and affordability over sheer power, the demand for such engines has dwindled. Nissan’s choice to simplify the Altima’s powertrain options reflects this shift in consumer preferences.
Powertrain and Performance: What Remains
With the VC-Turbo engine gone, the 2025 Altima is now solely powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four engine. This engine produces 188 horsepower, which, while not groundbreaking, is sufficient for most daily driving needs. More importantly, it offers a balanced combination of performance and fuel efficiency, two attributes that are highly valued by midsize sedan buyers.
The 2.5-liter engine comes paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), a hallmark of Nissan vehicles. The CVT helps optimize fuel efficiency by continuously adjusting to the most efficient gear ratio for the given driving conditions. Front-wheel-drive models of the 2025 Altima achieve an impressive 27 mpg in the city, 39 mpg on the highway, and 32 mpg combined. For those who opt for the available all-wheel-drive system, fuel efficiency drops slightly to 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. These figures, while not the best in class, are competitive and should appeal to cost-conscious buyers.
What’s New for 2025: The SV Special Edition Package
While the powertrain may not have seen significant updates, Nissan has introduced a new SV Special Edition package for the 2025 Altima. This package aims to enhance the value proposition of the SV trim, which is one of the most popular choices among Altima buyers.
The SV Special Edition package includes several features that were previously only available on higher trims or through separate options. For instance, it adds a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display, which comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This is a significant upgrade over the standard infotainment system and caters to the tech-savvy consumer.
In addition to the upgraded infotainment system, the SV Special Edition package also includes a wireless phone charger, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a moonroof. These features enhance the overall comfort and convenience of the Altima, making it a more appealing option for those who value modern amenities. On the exterior, the package adds 17-inch gloss-black wheels, illuminated door sill plates, and a rear spoiler, giving the Altima a sportier appearance.
The SV Special Edition package is expected to be priced competitively, offering more value than the existing SV Premium Package. This strategic pricing move ensures that Nissan remains competitive in a segment where value for money is a key selling point.
Pricing and Trims: Slight Increases, Big Value
Despite the changes for 2025, Nissan has managed to keep the Altima’s pricing relatively stable. The base Altima S sees the largest price increase, up by $630 from last year, bringing its starting MSRP to $28,140. However, for the other trims, the price increases are minimal, with a $260 bump across the board.
The Altima SV starts at $28,570, while the sportier Altima SR begins at $29,970. The more luxurious Altima SL, which includes features like leather upholstery and advanced driver-assistance technologies, starts at $34,470. For those who desire the added traction of all-wheel drive, this option is available for an additional $1,500 on all trims except the base S model.
These modest price increases ensure that the Altima remains one of the more affordable options in the midsize sedan segment, particularly when compared to rivals that have seen more significant price hikes in recent years. Nissan’s commitment to offering a variety of trims and options at competitive prices is evident in the 2025 Altima lineup.
| Trim Level | MSRP (including destination) | Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Economy (FWD) | Fuel Economy (AWD) | AWD Option | Price Change from 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima S | $28,140 | 2.5-liter I-4 | 188 hp | 27 mpg city / 39 mpg highway / 32 mpg combined | N/A | Not Available | + $630 |
| Altima SV | $28,570 | 2.5-liter I-4 | 188 hp | 27 mpg city / 39 mpg highway / 32 mpg combined | 25 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined | + $1,500 | + $260 |
| Altima SR | $29,970 | 2.5-liter I-4 | 188 hp | 27 mpg city / 39 mpg highway / 32 mpg combined | 25 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined | + $1,500 | + $260 |
| Altima SL | $34,470 | 2.5-liter I-4 | 188 hp | 27 mpg city / 39 mpg highway / 32 mpg combined | 25 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined | + $1,500 | + $260 |
| Altima SR VC-Turbo | Discontinued | VC-Turbo 2.0-liter I-4 | 248 hp | 25 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 29 mpg combined | N/A | Not Available | Discontinued |
Nissan’s Strategy in a Changing Market
The 2025 Nissan Altima’s updates, while not groundbreaking, reflect Nissan’s broader strategy in a rapidly evolving automotive market. As consumer preferences shift toward SUVs and crossovers, the midsize sedan segment has become increasingly competitive. Brands that once dominated this segment are now either phasing out their sedans or significantly reducing their sedan offerings in favor of larger vehicles.
Nissan, however, remains committed to the sedan market, recognizing that there is still a significant customer base that values the practicality, efficiency, and affordability that sedans like the Altima offer. By maintaining a diverse lineup that includes both cars and SUVs, Nissan positions itself to cater to a wide range of consumers.
The discontinuation of the VC-Turbo engine, the introduction of the SV Special Edition package, and the modest price increases are all part of Nissan’s strategy to keep the Altima relevant in a changing market. By focusing on value, efficiency, and practicality, Nissan ensures that the Altima remains a strong contender in the midsize sedan segment.
Nissan Altima and Competitors:
| Car Model | Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Economy (MPG) | Drivetrain | Base Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Nissan Altima | 2.5L Inline-4 | 188 hp | 27 city / 39 highway | FWD (AWD Optional) | $28,140 |
| 2025 Honda Accord | 1.5L Turbo Inline-4 | 192 hp | 29 city / 37 highway | FWD | $28,565 |
| 2025 Toyota Camry | 2.5L Inline-4 | 203 hp | 28 city / 39 highway | FWD (AWD Optional) | $27,515 |
| 2025 Hyundai Sonata | 2.5L Inline-4 | 191 hp | 28 city / 38 highway | FWD | $25,600 |
| 2025 Kia K5 | 1.6L Turbo Inline-4 | 180 hp | 27 city / 37 highway | FWD (AWD Optional) | $25,390 |
| 2025 Mazda 6 | 2.5L Turbo Inline-4 | 250 hp | 23 city / 31 highway | FWD | $28,000 (Est.) |
| 2025 Subaru Legacy | 2.5L Inline-4 | 182 hp | 27 city / 35 highway | AWD | $24,895 |
