The Nissan Altima, a mainstay in the sedan segment, is entering the 2023 model year with a significant refresh. This makeover includes a striking new front-end design, a boost in standard safety features, enhanced technology options, fresh wheel designs, and the introduction of two new exterior color choices.
Continuing Nissan’s commitment to advanced technology across its sedan lineup, the 2023 Altima offers available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, ProPILOT Assist, and the Nissan Safety Shield® 360 suite of safety technologies as standard. This positions the Altima as a leader in its class, providing drivers with confidence and peace of mind on every journey.
Catering to a wide range of preferences, the 2023 Nissan Altima presents a diverse model lineup. Customers can choose between two engine options, front-wheel or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and a selection of eight well-equipped trim 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 arrive at dealerships this fall, promising a refreshed and enhanced driving experience.
Exterior Facelift: Bold New Look and Fresh Accents
The most immediately noticeable change for the 2023 Altima is its redesigned front fascia. This update features a modern interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille, resulting in a sportier and more assertive aesthetic. The refreshed grille proudly incorporates Nissan’s redesigned brand logo, signaling a forward-looking approach. Notably, the SR trim levels distinguish themselves with a unique “black chrome” grille finish and a distinctive grille pattern, setting them apart from the rest of the Altima range.
Image: Frontal view of the 2023 Nissan Altima showcasing the newly designed V-Motion grille with black chrome finish on the SR model.
Further enhancing the exterior, LED headlights with integrated turn signals within the daytime running lights are now standard across all trims, improving visibility and adding a touch of sophistication. The Altima retains its distinctive taillight design, ensuring brand recognition from all angles. For those seeking an open-air experience, a single-panel moonroof remains available.
Nissan has broadened the color palette for the 2023 Altima with two exciting new additions: Gray Sky Pearl and Garnett Pearl Metallic. These new hues join the existing range of premium and standard colors, including Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Pearl White TriCoat, Glacier White, and Deep Blue Pearl, allowing for greater personalization.
To complete the refreshed exterior, four new aluminum-alloy wheel designs have been introduced. The SV trim receives a new 17-inch wheel, while the SR, SL, and SR VC-Turbo trims each get their own unique 19-inch wheel designs, adding to the visual appeal and differentiation between models.
Refined Interior: Comfort, Connectivity, and Premium Touches
Stepping inside the 2023 Altima reveals an interior that emphasizes both comfort and technology. The cabin offers a near-luxury ambiance through its design and material choices. Updates include revised instrument panel finishings and a new dual-stitch interior fabric design specifically for SR models, adding a touch of sporty elegance.
Image: Interior view of the 2023 Nissan Altima dashboard and center console, highlighting the new 12.3-inch HD display and refined materials.
The Altima continues to excel in providing convenience and connectivity features. Depending on the trim, drivers can enjoy a 7.0-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display, NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats with dual-density foam, available leather-appointed seating, and an available 8-way power driver’s seat, ensuring a comfortable and supportive driving experience.
Technology Upgrade: Larger Display and Enhanced Connectivity
A significant upgrade for the 2023 model year is the introduction of a new, larger 12.3-inch HD color display with multi-touch control. This impressive screen, standard on SL and SR VC-Turbo trims and optional on SV, replaces the previous 8.0-inch display and brings a premium feel to the Altima’s technology interface. This display is the same size as found in the larger Nissan Armada SUV, emphasizing Nissan’s commitment to bringing high-end features to the Altima.
Alongside the larger display comes the Nissan Door-to-Door Navigation system, standard on SL and SR VC-Turbo grades and available on SV. Wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, a wireless phone charging pad, and a WiFi hotspot are also included with this technology package, offering seamless smartphone integration and on-the-go connectivity.
The new 12.3-inch display boasts high resolution, delivering sharp images and clear graphics. Its customizable home screen allows users to create shortcuts to frequently used functions, and the one-line destination search simplifies navigation input.
For audiophiles, the Altima offers an available Bose® Premium Audio system with nine speakers, delivering a rich and immersive sound experience. Available Active Noise Cancellation further enhances the cabin’s tranquility. Amazon Alexa® integration is also available, allowing drivers to manage various tasks with voice commands.
NissanConnect® Services powered by SiriusXM® (subscription required) elevates the connected experience. Standard on Altima SL and SR Turbo and available with SV and SR Premium Packages, it provides smartphone and smartwatch access to features like Remote Engine Start/Stop, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, and Valet Alert. Compatibility with Amazon Alexa Skill and Google Assistant Action expands remote feature access.
These models also feature SiriusXM with 360L, SiriusXM’s latest platform, combining satellite and streaming for a wider variety of channels, personalized listening experiences, and extensive on-demand content.
Powertrain Choices: Efficient and Powerful Options
The 2023 Nissan Altima offers two distinct 4-cylinder engine choices. The first is a fuel-efficient and refined 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine, producing 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque in FWD configuration (slightly less in AWD at 182 hp/178 lb-ft).
For those seeking more spirited performance, the available 2.0-liter Variable Compression (VC) Turbo engine, exclusive to the Altima SR front-wheel drive model, delivers the power of some V6 engines while maintaining 4-cylinder fuel efficiency. This engine generates 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque (using 93 octane fuel) and achieves impressive fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.
Image: A visual representation of the two engine options available for the 2023 Nissan Altima: the 2.5-liter DOHC and the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo.
The VC-Turbo technology ingeniously adjusts its compression ratio between 8:1 (for performance) and 14:1 (for efficiency) using a multi-link system that continuously alters piston reach, optimizing for both power and fuel economy. Both multi-point injection and Nissan’s Direct Injection Gasoline system are utilized in this advanced engine.
Fuel economy for the 2.5-liter engine is rated up to 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined for the front-wheel drive S model. All 2023 Altima models, regardless of engine, are equipped with Nissan’s smooth Xtronic transmission. Paddle shifters are standard on the Altima SR grade for a more engaging driving experience.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive: Enhanced Confidence in All Conditions
Available on SV, SR, and SL trims equipped with the 2.5-liter engine, the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system provides added confidence and control, especially in challenging weather. This system proactively distributes torque between the front and rear wheels (from 100% front to a 50:50 split) based on road conditions and driving inputs, maximizing traction and stability.
The AWD system works in conjunction with brake limited slip differential and Hill Start Assist to further enhance performance in various situations, contributing to a more secure and enjoyable driving experience.
ProPILOT Assist: Advanced Driver Assistance Technology
The 2023 Altima continues to offer Nissan’s advanced ProPILOT Assist system, standard on SL and SR VC-Turbo and optional on SV. This technology utilizes a suite of forward-facing camera, radar, and sensors to provide steering assistance, helping to keep the vehicle centered in its lane, and intelligent cruise control, maintaining a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead. ProPILOT Assist can even bring the Altima to a complete stop and hold it in traffic, reducing driver fatigue in stop-and-go conditions.
Nissan Safety Shield® 360: Standard Safety for Peace of Mind
Safety is a top priority for Nissan, and the 2023 Altima reflects this with standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360 across all trim levels. This comprehensive suite of safety technologies includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and High Beam Assist, providing a multi-layered approach to safety and driver assistance.
Further enhancing safety, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Driver Alertness are also standard. The Altima SL and SR VC-Turbo trims add Traffic Sign Recognition and the Intelligent Around View® Monitor for enhanced situational awareness.
Dynamic Performance and Chassis Control
Beyond powertrains and technology, the 2023 Altima is engineered for a balanced and engaging driving experience. Its independent front and rear suspension, featuring monotube rear shocks, provides responsive handling without compromising ride comfort. SR grades receive unique suspension and chassis tuning for a sportier driving feel.
The dual-pinion electric power steering system offers light steering effort at low speeds for easy maneuverability and increased feedback and control at higher speeds. The available Integrated Dynamics Module, featuring Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control, further refines handling and ride quality, similar to systems found on the flagship Nissan Maxima sedan.
The 2023 Nissan Altima represents a significant step forward for this popular sedan, offering enhanced style, technology, and safety features to meet the evolving needs of today’s drivers.
