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2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV AWD Sedan: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?
The 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV AWD continues to uphold its reputation as a reliable midsize sedan, now featuring advanced technology, refined styling, and the added confidence of all-wheel drive. While Nissan moves toward an electrified future, the Altima remains a steadfast choice for those who value practicality and performance. But in 2025, does it still hold its ground against the competition?
Performance: Balanced Power with All-Weather Confidence
Under the hood, the 2025 Altima is powered by a 2.5-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine, producing 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT, the Altima offers smooth acceleration and efficient power delivery, making it well-suited for both city commutes and long highway drives.
One of its standout features is the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which continuously monitors road conditions and automatically adjusts power distribution to optimize traction. Whether navigating rainy streets or snowy highways, this system enhances stability and control.
Despite offering AWD, the fuel efficiency remains impressive, with an EPA-estimated 27 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway. This balance of capability and efficiency makes the Altima a compelling option for drivers in diverse climates.
Exterior: A Sporty Presence
The 2025 Altima’s design mixes aerodynamics with modern elegance, featuring Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille, sleek LED projector headlights, and signature Daytime Running Lights. The body lines add a sense of motion, even when the car is parked.
For added style and road presence, available 19-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels give the Altima a more dynamic stance. Buyers can also choose from an array of exterior colors, including the bold Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, allowing for personalization.
Interior: Comfort Meets Technology
Inside, the Altima offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with seating for five. While leather-appointed seats are available for a more upscale feel, the base trim still provides well-cushioned seating designed for long-haul comfort.
At the heart of the dashboard is an available 12.3-inch color touchscreen display, seamlessly integrating wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ for effortless smartphone connectivity. Additional premium touches include a wireless charging pad and an optional Bose Premium Audio System, ensuring an enhanced audio experience on the road.
However, not everything feels premium—some hard plastic materials in the cabin detract from an otherwise well-designed interior. While this may not be a dealbreaker, some rivals offer a more refined interior feel at a similar price point.
Technology & Safety: Packed with Advanced Driver Assistance Features
Nissan equips the 2025 Altima with Safety Shield® 360, a standard suite of advanced driver-assist features, including Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Automatic Braking, and High Beam Assist. For added convenience, ProPILOT Assist helps with lane positioning and speed adjustments, making highway driving smoother and less stressful.
Where the Altima Falls Short
While the Altima shines in many areas, there are a few drawbacks worth noting:
- No Hybrid or Turbocharged Option – Some competitors offer hybrid or turbocharged variants for improved performance and efficiency, but the Altima sticks with its 2.5L naturally aspirated engine.
- CVT May Lack Engagement – The Xtronic CVT prioritizes efficiency but doesn’t provide the same level of driving engagement as a traditional automatic or dual-clutch transmission.
- Use of Hard Plastics in Interior – While the cabin is well-designed, some hard plastic surfaces reduce the overall premium feel compared to rivals like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.
How the Altima Compares to the Competition
In the competitive midsize sedan segment, the Altima faces off against some well-established rivals:
| Model | AWD Option | Hybrid Available | Notable Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Altima | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | AWD + excellent fuel economy |
| Toyota Camry | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Available V6 & hybrid variants |
| Honda Accord | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Turbocharged engine + engaging drive |
| Subaru Legacy | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Standard AWD but lower MPG than Altima |
The Altima’s biggest advantage is its combination of AWD and solid fuel economy, making it a great option for drivers who need all-weather capability without sacrificing efficiency.
Final Verdict: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?
The 2025 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV AWD remains a strong contender in the midsize sedan segment, offering a well-rounded mix of performance, technology, and all-weather capability. While it could benefit from a hybrid or turbocharged option, as well as some interior refinements, its AWD availability, safety features, and efficiency make it a smart choice.
✅ Verdict: Thumbs Up – If you need a stylish, fuel-efficient sedan with AWD confidence, the 2025 Altima 2.5 SV AWD is a solid pick.
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