The Nissan Altima, a mainstay in the sedan market, is entering the 2023 model year with a significant refresh. This makeover brings a host of enhancements, from a striking new front-end design to expanded standard safety features and cutting-edge technology integrations. For those in the market for a capable and stylish sedan, the 2023 Altima is poised to impress.
Nissan has ensured the Altima remains competitive by equipping it with advanced features typically found in higher segments. These include the option of Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, the convenience of ProPILOT Assist, and the peace of mind offered by standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360 technologies. The 2023 Altima aims to deliver a compelling package for a wide range of drivers.
Catering to diverse needs, the 2023 Altima lineup presents a variety of configurations. Customers can choose between two different engines, opt for front-wheel or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and select from eight distinct grade levels: S FWD, SV FWD, SV AWD, SR FWD, SR AWD, SL FWD, SL AWD, and the sporty SR VC-Turbo FWD. Anticipation is building as the 2023 Nissan Altima is set to hit dealerships this fall.
A Bold New Face and Enhanced Aesthetics
The most immediately noticeable change for the 2023 Altima is its redesigned front fascia. This update prominently features a contemporary interpretation of Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille, exuding a sportier and more assertive stance. The refreshed grille proudly incorporates the redesigned Nissan brand logo, signaling a modern evolution for the sedan. Notably, the SR grades of the 2023 Altima receive an exclusive “black chrome” grille finish and a unique mesh pattern, setting them apart from the rest of the lineup.
Beyond the grille, the 2023 Altima boasts standard LED headlights, now equipped with integrated turn signals within the daytime running lights, enhancing both style and visibility. The rear of the vehicle maintains its distinctive taillight design, ensuring brand recognition. For those desiring an open-air feel, a single panel moonroof remains available.
Nissan has also refreshed the color palette for the 2023 Altima, introducing two new exterior hues: Gray Sky Pearl and Garnett Pearl Metallic. These join a rich selection of existing colors, including Scarlet Ember Tintcoat (premium color), Brilliant Silver Metallic, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Pearl White TriCoat (premium color), Glacier White, and Deep Blue Pearl, allowing for significant personalization.
To complete the exterior transformation, the 2023 Altima features four new aluminum-alloy wheel designs. The SV grade receives a new 17-inch wheel, while the SR, SL, and SR VC-Turbo grades each get their own unique 19-inch wheel designs, further enhancing the visual appeal and differentiation across the trim levels.
Interior Refinements and Cutting-Edge Technology
Stepping inside the 2023 Altima, occupants are greeted by an interior environment that leans towards luxury in both its design and material choices. Nissan has implemented revised instrument panel finishings and a fresh dual-stitch interior fabric design specifically for SR models, elevating the cabin’s ambiance. The focus on convenience and connectivity is evident throughout. Available features include a 7.0-inch Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display in the instrument cluster, NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats with dual-density foam for exceptional comfort, available leather-appointed seating surfaces, and an available 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
A major highlight for the 2023 Altima is the upgraded technology suite. New for this model year is a stunning 12.3-inch HD color display with multi-touch control. This expansive screen, standard on SL and SR VC-Turbo grades and optional on SV, also incorporates the Nissan Door-to-Door Navigation system, Android Auto™, wireless Apple CarPlay® integration, a wireless phone charging pad, and a WiFi hotspot.
The new 12.3-inch display in the 2023 Altima, matching the size found in the larger Nissan Armada SUV, marks a significant upgrade from the previous 8.0-inch screen. Its high-resolution clarity ensures sharp visuals and easy readability. The customizable home screen allows users to personalize their experience with shortcuts to frequently used functions and a convenient one-line destination search.
For audiophiles, the 2023 Altima offers a Bose® Premium Audio system with nine speakers, delivering immersive sound quality. Available Active Noise Cancellation further enhances the listening experience by minimizing unwanted cabin noise. Amazon Alexa® integration is also available, enabling voice commands for simplified control over various functions.
NissanConnect® Services powered by SiriusXM® (subscription required) are standard on Altima SL and SR Turbo and available with SV and SR Premium Packages. These services provide remote access via smartphone and smartwatch to features like Remote Engine Start/Stop, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, and Valet Alert. Compatibility with Amazon Alexa Skill and Google Assistant Action further expands remote control capabilities for the 2023 Altima.
Select 2023 Altima models also feature SiriusXM with 360L, SiriusXM’s latest platform. This technology blends satellite and streaming delivery to offer a wider array of channels, Pandora stations, personalized listening options, and extensive on-demand content.
Powertrain Choices and Performance
Under the hood, the 2023 Altima provides two distinct 4-cylinder engine options: the advanced 2.0-liter Variable Compression (VC) Turbo and a refined 2.5-liter DOHC engine.
Exclusively available on the Altima SR front-wheel drive model, the VC-Turbo engine offers a unique blend of performance and efficiency. It delivers the power output comparable to some V6 engines while maintaining 4-cylinder fuel economy. This engine produces 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque (using 93 octane fuel) and achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.
The VC-Turbo technology in the 2023 Altima is sophisticated, seamlessly adjusting its compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency) using a multi-link system that continuously alters piston reach. It also utilizes both multi-point injection and Nissan’s Direct Injection Gasoline system for optimized fuel delivery.
Across the broader 2023 Altima lineup, the 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine is available. This engine is rated at 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque in FWD configuration (or 182 hp/178 lb-ft with AWD).
Fuel economy for the 2.5-liter engine in the 2023 Altima is impressive, reaching up to 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined for the front-wheel drive S model. SV, SR, and SL FWD models achieve 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. AWD variants with the 2.5-liter engine offer 26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined for SV and SL trims, and 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined for the SR AWD model.
All 2023 Altima models, regardless of engine choice, come standard with Nissan’s Xtronic transmission. Paddle shifters are included as standard equipment on the Altima SR grade, allowing for a more engaging driving experience.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for Enhanced Confidence
For drivers seeking enhanced all-weather capability, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available on 2023 Altima SV, SR, and SL grades equipped with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. This system intelligently manages torque distribution, seamlessly shifting between 100% front-wheel drive and a 50:50 front-to-rear split based on driving conditions and road surface.
The AWD system in the 2023 Altima, combined with brake limited slip differential and Hill Start Assist, boosts driver confidence and control, especially on challenging surfaces or during hill starts.
ProPILOT Assist and Comprehensive Safety Technologies
The 2023 Altima continues to prioritize driver assistance, featuring Nissan’s advanced ProPILOT Assist system. Standard on Altima SL and SR VC-Turbo and optional on SV, ProPILOT Assist utilizes a suite of forward-facing camera, radar, and sensors to aid the driver in maintaining lane centering and a set vehicle speed and distance from the vehicle ahead. It can even bring the vehicle to a complete stop and hold it in traffic congestion.
Safety Shield® 360, a suite of front, side, and rear safety monitoring and intervention technologies, is standard across all 2023 Altima grades. This includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and High Beam Assist.
Additional standard safety features on all 2023 Altima trims include Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Driver Alertness. Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Around View® Monitor are standard on the Altima SL and SR VC-Turbo grades, further enhancing driver awareness.
Dynamic Performance and Chassis Control
Beyond powertrain and safety, the 2023 Altima is engineered for a dynamic driving experience. It features an advanced independent front and rear suspension, incorporating monotube rear shocks that balance responsive handling with ride comfort. The SR grades receive unique suspension and chassis tuning for a sportier driving feel.
The steering system employs a dual-pinion electric power steering design, reducing steering effort at lower speeds and increasing it at higher speeds for enhanced feedback. The 2023 Altima also offers an available Integrated Dynamics Module, featuring Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control systems, similar to those found in the flagship Nissan Maxima, further refining handling and ride quality.
The 2023 Nissan Altima represents a comprehensive update to a popular sedan, bringing fresh styling, enhanced technology, and continued focus on safety and driving dynamics. It remains a strong contender in the competitive sedan segment, offering a compelling blend of features and value for discerning drivers.
