Review QuickTakes:
The 2022 Nissan Altima is a five-passenger, midsize sedan that slots between the smaller Sentra and performance-oriented Maxima in the automaker’s lineup. A 2.5L four-cylinder engine is standard, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). All-wheel drive (AWD) is available, but it adds cost, reduces power output, and drops fuel economy ratings.
If you’re seeking maximum acceleration, the Altima’s sporty SR trim level offers an available variable-compression turbocharged engine (VC-Turbo). However, it comes only with front-wheel drive, and its power output is dependent on the grade of fuel you pump into the tank.
Nissan
What’s New for the 2022 Nissan Altima?
For 2022, Nissan adds a new Midnight Edition package for the Altima SR. Predictably, it adds black wheels and blacked-out exterior trim, plus fog lights, a power sunroof, and heated front seats. No, you can’t get it with the VC-Turbo engine option. But yes, you can get it with all-wheel drive.
How Much is a Nissan Altima?
This year, 2022 Nissan Altima prices range from the mid $20,000s to the mid $30,000s. That includes the destination charge to ship the car from one of the two assembly plants that build it, which are in Tennessee and Mississippi. Upgrading to all-wheel drive costs $1,400.
Nissan
2022 Nissan Altima Trim Levels and Configurations
Six versions of the 2022 Altima are available, as outlined below:
Nissan Altima S — The base trim version of the Altima comes with 16-inch steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, headlights with automatic high-beam assist, keyless entry with push-button engine start, and remote engine start. Inside, the Altima S has air conditioning, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, cloth seats, and a height-adjustable driver’s seat.
The infotainment system features a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and six stereo speakers. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, driver monitoring, and rear-seat reminder systems.
Nissan Altima SV — With SV trim, you get 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and brake-induced ride and handling features called Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control. The cabin features upgraded instrumentation, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and additional USB ports. Safety equipment includes a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic rear braking, and rear parking sensors.
Nissan Altima SR — This is the sporty Altima, equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, a dark chrome grille, a mix of black and body-color exterior trim, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, and a sport-tuned suspension. The SR’s interior features a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and sport cloth upholstery. A turbocharged engine is optional.
Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition — New for 2022, this version of the Altima features black wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, fog lights, a power moonroof, and heated front seats.
Nissan Altima SL — The SL trim level builds on the Altima SV with an automatic brake-hold function, fog lights, heated side mirrors, and a power moonroof. This version of the Altima also gets wood-tone interior trim, dual-zone automatic climate control with remote cabin pre-conditioning, rear air conditioning vents, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
NissanConnect services and a navigation system are standard, along with a nine-speaker Bose premium sound system. Added safety features include a traffic sign reader, lane-keeping assist, and ProPilot Assist, which pairs adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering assist system.
Nissan Altima Platinum — Platinum trim upgrades include standard Aall-wheel drive plus 19-inch wheels, a brake-based limited-slip system, ambient interior lighting, memory for the driver’s preferences, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a universal garage door opener. This trim is also your ticket to a surround-view camera system.
When will the Nissan Altima be redesigned?
The current-generation Altima sedan debuted for the 2019 model year. Typically, Nissan redesigns this model every six years. However, considering that Americans aren’t buying midsize cars as often as they once did, coupled with the auto industry’s transformation to electrified powertrains, we would not be surprised if the 2023 Altima gets a refresh, in turn allowing Nissan to continue selling it for several more years. That means a next-generation Altima is unlikely to roll into showrooms before 2025 or 2026.
Nissan Altima Competitors for 2022
The number of midsize sedans available in America continues to shrink. This year, alternatives to the Altima include the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat. However, the Malibu and Passat are not long for this world.
Nissan Altima Features
Highlights
With the 2022 Altima, Nissan gets all of the midsize family sedan basics right. Fuel economy in the 30s, a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and 15.4 cu. ft. of cargo space check the critical boxes. Inoffensive styling, available all-wheel drive, and modern tech add appeal. But the Altima lacks a compelling reason to buy it over most of its rivals.
2022 Nissan Altima Safety Features
- Rear Door Alert — Standard rear-seat reminder system
- Intelligent Forward Collision Warning — Standard system that Nissan says looks two cars ahead to more quickly respond if necessary
- Nissan Safety Shield 360 — Available collection of driver-assist and collision-avoidance systems*
- Intelligent Lane Intervention — Available feature that can steer to avoid an unplanned lane departure*
- ProPilot Assist — Available technology pairs adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance for hands-on semi-autonomous highway driving*
Nissan
2022 Nissan Altima Technology
- Infotainment system — Standard 7-inch and available 8-inch touchscreen displays
- Smartphone integration — Available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto*
- Connected services — Available NissanConnect connected service plans*
- Navigation system — Available feature*
- Intelligent Around View Monitor — Available surround-view camera system*
Nissan
2022 Nissan Altima Specs
- 2.5L four-cylinder engine, 182-188 hp, 178-180 lb.-ft. of torque
- 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 236-248 hp, 267-273 lb.-ft. of torque
- Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)
- Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
- EPA fuel economy ratings: 29 mpg to 32 mpg in combined driving
Nissan
2022 Nissan Altima Interior
- Dual-zone automatic climate control — Available feature*
- Leather seats — Available feature*
- Heated front seats — Available feature*
- Heated steering wheel — Available feature*
- Premium sound system — Available Bose audio system with nine speakers*
*Availability is subject to specific trim level selections
