The 2018 Nissan Altima has officially been launched in United States dealerships. Some of the latest features it embraces include Nissan’s advanced Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) as well as Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW) - both are now standard across the range. While the range-topping Altima 3.5 SL gets more features like the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and NissanConnect with Navigation and Services, making it compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto.
To make it less confusing to buyers, Nissan has simplified the model lineup, now including: 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL and 3.5 SL, while losing the base 2.5 and 3.5 SR trims. Contents and availability of option packages have also been revised. These are now the 2.5 SR Special Edition, 2.5 SV Technology and 2.5 SL Technology Packages.
Naturally, since the said models have been released already, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) will be posted online as well. And the prices of the 2018 Nissan Altima Sedan are as follows: the entry level 2.5 S starts at $23,140, the 2.5 SR at $24,200, the 2.5 SV at $25,785, the 2.5 SL at $28,995, and the range topping 3.5 SL at $33,510. Costs for destination and handling amount to $885.
The first four trims of the Altima will be equipped with a 2.5 liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine with 179 horsepower. On the other hand, the range topping Altima 3.5 SL model gets a 3.5 liter DOHC V6 that is a little more powerful at 270-horsepower. All models will get a standard smooth and efficient Xtronic transmission with enhanced third-generation D-Step Shift logic.
On the inside, the Altima’s front seats will resemble that of NASA’s Zero Gravity seats, finished in leather seating standard only on the 2.5 SL and the 3.5 SL models. These cool seats are offered alongside the 7.0-inch colour audio display and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant.
The Altima 3.5 SL has some features that are not available as standard on the other trims, but can be had as an option if they would like some extra bits. This includes the NissanConnect with Navigation as well as the NissanConnect Services Powered by SiriusXM as mentioned earlier. The optional Special Edition package, on the other hand, has Prima-Tex appointed seats and heated seats.
Safety features now come standard in most vehicles. And for the Nissan Altima, this includes the Automatic Emergency Braking and Intelligent Collision Warning, along with Blind Spot Warning that works with a radar, Intelligent Cruise Control, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The 2.5 SR is probably the sportiest model across the range, with smoked headlights and taillight housings, fog lights, rear decklid spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel, sport-tuned suspension, and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
