Refreshed 2023 Nissan Altima Breaks Cover

Like the minivan, the sedan was supposed to have gone away. But on closer inspection, even the minivan has staying power. Both body styles are surviving the increasing onslaught of utility vehicles.

But for the remaining players, at least in the sedan segment, millions of shoppers still prefer them. One such model, the Nissan Altima, receives an important refresh for 2023.

The Nissan Altima survives because it brings an attractive value and handsome styling to families. This midsize sedan seats five in comfort and delivers a well-equipped model for less than $30,000. That’s in contrast to most utility vehicles that cost thousands of dollars more.

2023 Nissan Altima Overview

2023 Nissan Altima profile

For 2023, the Nissan Altima offers a refreshed design and more tech features. In particular, the 2023 Altima delivers new front-end tailoring, extended standard safety features, and accessible technologies, along with new wheel patterns and a pair of added exterior colors.

As before, the 2023 Altima delivers two engine choices, standard front-wheel drive, and available all-wheel drive. Eight grades are offered: S FWD, SV FWD and AWD, SR FWD and AWD, SL FWD and AWD, and SR VC-Turbo FWD. The updated Altima arrives in Nissan showrooms this fall.

Refreshed Styling

Nissan describes the 2023 Altima as having an enhanced exterior. On closer inspection, the brand’s trademark grille offers a sportier design and includes Nissan’s updated emblem. Move to the SR grade and this one comes with a “black chrome” grille to distinguish it from the four other grades.

Beginning this year, LED headlights with integrated turn signals within the daytime running lights come standard. Other changes involve the taillight design, wheel choices, and Gray Sky Pearl and Garnet Pearl Metallic paint options.

Inside, the 2023 Altima features revised instrument panel finishes along with a new dual-stitch interior fabric pattern exclusive to the SR. Among the convenience items are the NASA-inspired zero-gravity seats up front along with available leather seating, and an optional 8-way power driver’s seat.

Upgraded Tech

Nissan Altima dashboard

Tech features remain an important selling point for consumers and with the 2023 Altima Nissan does not disappoint. A new 12.3-inch, high-definition color touchscreen display is now standard. Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, a wireless phone charging pad, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are integrated on the upper trims along with navigation.

Other features of note include an available 9-speaker Bose audio system, connected services, Amazon Alexa, and Google assistance. The usual USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity are included.

Safety Features

On the safety front, the 2023 Altima comes with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. This model also has rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. High beam assist is also standard.

Forward collision warning, driver alert, and traffic sign recognition are other features of note. Some trims also come with a surround-view monitor, which is an enhanced rearview camera.

Available on some grades is Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist technology. This system utilizes elements of autonomous driving to enhance lane centering and vehicle spacing as set by the driver. We have tested the technology extensively and found that it eases driver fatigue.

Two Engine Choices

Once again, the 2023 Nissan Altima will offer two engine choices. All but one trim will have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque.

This engine works with a continuously variable transmission and averages up to 32 miles per gallon combined according to the EPA. Customers have a choice of standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive.

The second engine choice is a 2.0-liter variable compression turbocharged engine. This engine delivers 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque when using premium fuel and routes power to the front wheels utilizing a CVT. As equipped, this model earns an estimated 29 miles per gallon combined.

Looking Ahead

We believe Nissan will keep the Altima’s starting price at around $25,000 with fully optioned models costing at least $10,000 more.

Finally, as for the competition, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are Altima’s chief rivals. The Subaru Legacy and Volkswagen Arteon are two other models of note.


See Also – Value Proposition: 2022 Nissan Altima Sedan

Photos copyright Nissan Motors.

Matthew Keegan

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