2013 Nissan Altima review

The previous Nissan Altima topped our family-sedan ratings for several years, earning a Top Pick designation in 2010 and 2011. So expectations were high for the redesigned 2013 model.

Now, having finished our testing, we've found that the new Altima is still an excellent, top-tier family sedan, with impressive fuel economy and a roomy interior. But it no longer leads this competitive class, scoring below the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata.

The  Altima has plenty of virtues. The cabin is quiet, visibility is very good, and controls are intuitive. Rear-seat room has improved. And Nissan's continuously variable transmission is one of the best.

But if you want a car that's engaging to drive, look elsewhere. Compared with the previous-generation  Altima, the new model took a step back in handling and braking, which are so-so compared with those of other family sedans. The suspension isn't particularly absorbent, which compromises ride comfort, especially on uplevel versions. And our mid-level 2.5 S lacks such commonly found amenities as a driver's seat lumbar support, satellite radio, and a USB port for plugging in portable music.

We tested two versions of the  Altima. The high-selling 2.5 S, with a 182-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, cost us $23,410. The top-trim 3.5 SL, with a 270-hp, 3.5-liter  V6 engine, cost $31,610.

The  Altima's reliability is expected to be above average, based on the previous model.

The four-cylinder engine provides ample power and delivers an amazing 44 mpg on the highway and 31 mpg overall, the best of any non-hybrid or diesel family sedan we've tested. The smooth V6 provides potent acceleration, and it's more refined and responsive than the turbocharged four-cylinders used in competitive sedans, while delivering similar fuel economy: 24 mpg overall. But in the end, the Altima's four- cylinder works so well that we see little reason to opt for the  V6.

Credit for the impressive fuel economy and performance goes partly to the smooth CVT. Under heavy acceleration, it mostly avoids the common CVT complaint of holding the engine revs too high, which can create a lot of racket. And when cruising, it keeps engine revs very low. That significantly aids fuel economy but does generate some low moaning from both engines.

Lackluster handling, vague steering, and body lean rob any fun from the 2.5 S. The 3.5 SL is more capable and responsive but still isn't sporty. When pushed to their handling limits at our track, both were secure through our avoidance maneuver. The  V6 model's 41-foot turning circle, wide for this class, hinders maneuverability. Altima versions with the 16-inch wheels and tires, such as our S, provide better ride comfort. In uplevel models with low-profile tires, like our SL, you feel more pronounced rubbery punches. But sharp bumps can transmit through regardless of the version.

The  Altima is quiet inside, with well- contained road and wind noise. Slightly more road hiss is transmitted by the SL's bigger tires. Overall the  V6 sounds more relaxed and refined than the four.

Padding on the doors and dashboard highlights a neat but plain interior. The leather seats and carbon-fiber-inspired trim in our SL provides a more upscale feel.

Drivers will find plenty of room overall, but the wide console intrudes on knee room a bit. A tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, well-designed footrest, and center armrest all help with driver comfort.

The front seats are wide and well padded, but some drivers found that the cloth seats in our 2.5 S lacked sufficient support for long trips. You also can't move around easily on the grippy cloth, which proves awkward. Adjustable lumbar is available only with leather, and we found that lower-back support came up short without it. The leather seats are more supportive all around. The rear seat offers good room and support but is tight for three occupants.

The large, backlit displays are easy to read, and controls are simple, with climate and audio functions operated through easy-to-use knobs. Even the uplevel radios have tuning knobs. On lower-trim models, pairing a phone with the standard Bluetooth is easily done by voice, the only method. The SL has a USB port and a button for controlling an iPhone or iPod.

Trunk space is decent, although components for the audio system in our 3.5 SL rob some space under the rear deck. The rear seatbacks fold 60/40 to create more cargo room.