2025 NISSAN ALTIMA SL
2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder FWD (188 hp, 180 lb-ft torque) - USA Market
PistonDB Editorial Rating
Editorial Score:
2.5 / 5.0The 2025 Nissan Altima SL is a front-wheel-drive sedan offering a balance of comfort and efficiency for the US market. It features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an Xtronic CVT, delivering 188 horsepower and achieving a combined fuel economy of 31 MPG. The chassis includes independent front and multi-link rear suspension with Active Ride Control for a smooth ride, and electronic power steering. While praised for its affordability and design, the 2025 Altima faces significant community skepticism regarding historical CVT and engine reliability, with notable NHTSA concerns including door striker recalls and powertrain issues. Despite potential strengths, these widespread concerns contribute to a cautious reception.
Reddit Community Sentiment Analysis: nissan altima 2025
Community Sentiment Score:
2.5 / 5.0The 2025 Nissan Altima discussion on Reddit is largely dominated by negative sentiment, primarily focusing on historical reliability issues, particularly with the CVT transmission and engines. Many users express strong distrust in Nissan's engineering, citing personal experiences and common knowledge of past failures. While some acknowledge that newer models might be improved, the prevailing opinion is one of caution and skepticism. There's also a recurring theme of associating Altima drivers with reckless or poor driving habits, which colors the perception of the car itself. A few comments touch on the car's affordability and design as potential positives, but these are overshadowed by concerns about long-term durability and the perceived quality of Nissan's components.
Pros
- Affordability and design are sometimes mentioned positively.
- Some users believe newer models may have improved reliability.
- Good ride quality noted in older SL models.
Cons
- Widespread distrust in Nissan's CVT transmissions due to historical failures.
- Concerns about engine reliability, including piston slap and blown head gaskets.
- Perception of Altima drivers as being aggressive or poor drivers.
- Body and glass are perceived as being fragile ('like paper').
- AC issues reported by some owners.
- Association with lower quality and attracting drivers who may not maintain their vehicles.
NHTSA Safety & Reliability: Nissan Altima 2025
Safety Score:
2.5 / 5.0The 2025 Nissan Altima has a significant recall concerning door strikers that may break, potentially causing doors to open while driving. Additionally, there are several consumer complaints highlighting issues with the power train (gear shifter detaching), electrical system and fuel propulsion (abnormal fuel consumption, erratic odometer), visibility (cracked windshield, unclear rear camera at night), and back-over prevention camera. One severe complaint details a crash where airbags failed to deploy, resulting in multiple injuries. These issues collectively indicate potential safety concerns that warrant attention.
Severe Risks & Complaints
- Door strikers may break, leading to doors opening unexpectedly while driving.
- Gear shifter detaching from housing, rendering the vehicle inoperable and creating a hazard.
- Abnormal fuel consumption and erratic odometer readings pose potential fire and operational risks.
- Failure of airbags to deploy during a significant collision, leading to severe injuries.
- Poor rear-view camera clarity and brightness at night, impacting visibility.
- Back-over prevention camera displaying blurry and distorted images.
Major Recalls
- Nissan is recalling certain 2025 Altima, Sentra, 2025-2026 Frontier, and 2026 Kicks vehicles due to improperly welded door strikers that may break, allowing the door to open while moving. This affects Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 206. Dealers will replace the door strikers free of charge.
| Vehicle Identity: | |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | NISSAN |
| Model Name | Altima |
| Model Year | 2025 |
| Trim Level | SL |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Target Market | USA |
| Dimensions and Aerodynamics: | |
|---|---|
| Number of Doors | 4 |
| Overall Length | 192.9 in |
| Overall Length (mm) | 4900.7 mm |
| Overall Width | 72.9 in |
| Overall Width (mm) | 1851.7 mm |
| Overall Height | 56.8 in |
| Overall Height (mm) | 1442.7 mm |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2824.5 mm |
| Front Track Width | 1585.0 mm |
| Rear Track Width | 1585.0 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 129.5 mm |
| Drag Coefficient (Cd) | 0.26 |
| Engine Specifications: | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Inline |
| Engine Configuration | 4-cylinder |
| Engine Orientation | Transverse |
| Engine Displacement | 2488 cm^3 |
| Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Engine Block Material | Aluminum-alloy |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum-alloy |
| Bore (mm) | 89 mm |
| Stroke (mm) | 100 mm |
| Total Valves | 16 valves |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves/cylinder |
| Camshaft Layout | DOHC |
| Valvetrain Drive Type | Chain |
| Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel System Type | Direct Injection |
| Fuel Delivery System | Direct Injection |
| Engine Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Aspiration Detail | Naturally Aspirated |
| Variable Valve Timing (VVT) System | CVTCS |
| Power | 188 hp |
| Horsepower RPM | 6000 rpm |
| Power (kW) | 140.2 kW |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft |
| Max Torque (Nm) | 244.0 N-m |
| Maximum Torque RPM | 3600 rpm |
| Transmission and Drivetrain: | |
|---|---|
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Marketing Name | Xtronic CVT |
| Reverse Gear Ratio | 1.769 |
| Final Drive Ratio | 4.875 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | FWD |
| Drive Modes Selector | Yes |
| Performance and Fuel Economy: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61.3 L |
| Fuel Economy (City) | 27 MPG |
| City Fuel Economy (L/100km) | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Economy (Highway) | 37 MPG |
| Highway Fuel Economy (L/100km) | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG |
| Combined Fuel Economy (L/100km) | 7.6 L/100km |
| Chassis Suspension and Brakes: | |
|---|---|
| Front Suspension | Independent strut front suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link independent rear suspension |
| Active Roll Stabilization | Active Ride Control |
| Steering Type | Electronic power steering (EPS) |
| Turning Circle Radius | 11.6 m |
| Front Brakes | Front vented disc brakes |
| Rear Brakes | Rear solid disc brakes |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) |
| Traction Control System (TCS) | Traction Control System (TCS) |
| Torque Vectoring System | Intelligent Trace Control |
Downloads & Manuals
-
Download
brochure.pdf