2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV

And that aspiration is tougher than ever.  With so much good product in this segment it’s ultimately the customer who wins.  But when you dissect them carefully there are some notable distinctions.  So here we are with Nissan’s go-getter, the 2013 Altima.  Specifically I’m driving the 2.5 SV – a 4-cylinder model 1 rung down from the top trim SL with a starting price of $25,190.  You’re not going to find many bells and whistles in the SV which adds 17” alloy wheels, intelligent key with remote start and an audio system with a color display.  Added to my car is the $1,350 Convenience Package which bundles a moonroof, fog lights and a host of other nuances to the interior.  But still, this Altima feels like rental car fodder exacerbated by the pearl white paint.  The velour feel to the seat fabrics and furriness in trim pieces like the center console make you feel like you never left your bathrobe.  Overall, it’s stark by comparison to other midsize rivals I’ve driven recently, leaving almost no impression at all.  Credit is deserved though for these NASA-inspired seats that comfort and support in a way that replicates a relaxed position the body takes in a weightless environment.  The Altima is very roomy all around with large back seats that allow you to stretch out and get comfortable and a trunk that’ll take in 15 cubic feet of your stuff.  It’s just a little smaller inside than the big boys, the Sonata and Accord.  And it is very quiet making the Altima a solid long trip companion, accentuated by the fact it’ll travel over 500 miles on a tank.  Impressive real life fuel economy numbers of 27mpg city/38mpg highway make this car the mileage champ and Nissan does it with a snappy engine.

The redesigned 2.5-liter engine has lost weight, added variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust and boosted horsepower to 182.  Paired exclusively to Nissan’s next gen CVT, the powertrain is the Altima’s calling card – it’s quick, responsive, refined and is out to show the world that CVTs needn’t be hated.  New functionality minimizes this transmission’s un-automatic like operation while highlighting its strengths, like smooth acceleration.  It masks itself quite well.

Drivability, suspension tuning, steering and handling are as chameleon-like as the rest of the Altima – you don’t really think about them one way or the other.  The best way I can describe it would be to say everything feels like it’s a degree or two off from the solid, tuned goodness found in the new Accord.  The Altima is completely inoffensive and rather competent for its intended chores, yet its lack of personality also makes it quite dull.  That is unless smart safety features excite you, the best of which is the Easy Fill Tire Alert taking the guesswork out of proper tire inflation and the fact that the headlights automatically turn on with the wipers.

$26,540 is the sticker on this Altima…right in step with a comparable Accord EX.  Both will capably get the job done but the Nissan is the one you’ll likely forget meeting.