The new-generation Nissan Altima sedan introduced in 2013 features a 2.5L four-cylinder or 3.5L V6. But the 2013 Altima coupe is only available with an older version of the 175-hp, 2.5L four-cylinder.
Key Points:
- The Nissan Altima sedan introduced in 2013 utilizes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or 3.5-liter V6.
- The 2013 coupe is only available with an older version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which produces 175 horsepower.
- Altima sedans get a new version of the 2.5-liter engine that produces 182 horsepower and gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg city/highway combined.
- Models equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 put out an impressive 270 horsepower and returns 25 mpg combined.
- The 2013 Altima’s engines are mated to Nissan’s Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which was updated in 2013, however, it has caused many problems for the car.
2013 Altima Sedan’s 2.5L Engine Gained Horsepower, Making it more Efficient Than its Predecessor
The newly updated 2013 Nissan Altima sedan received several powertrain updates that made it more powerful and more efficient. The engine gets variable valve timing on both exhaust and intake camshafts. In addition, the exhaust manifold trades steel for aluminum, gets a more efficient starter motor, uses a smart alternator that only charges during deceleration, and has thinner cylinder walls.
Overall, these upgrades make the 2.5L engine lighter. As a result, output for the 2013 Altima increased to 182 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque.
Mated to Nissan’s updated Xtronic CVT, which the automaker says it was able to reduce internal friction by 40% and utilizes updated shift logic for expanded gear ratio coverage, the 2.5L engine moves the 2013 Altima sedan from zero to 60 in approximately 7.5 seconds. The taller gearing from the CVT helps the sedan achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 31 mpg combined (27 city/38 highway).
Sedan’s 3.5L V6 Resists Downsizing and Turbos, is Sport-minded but not that Efficient
Nissan’s 3.5-liter V6 carries over unchanged from the previous generation for the 2013 Altima sedan. The V6 was last updated for the fourth-generation Nissan Altima (2007-2012) with twin induction instead of single and use of one serpentine timing belt instead of two and use of carbon on the valve lifters, which allowed the automaker to reduce friction and improve cylinder head cooling.
The 3.5-liter V6 also features twin knock sensors, continuously variable valve timing, and uses a dual exhaust system.
The 3.5L V6 uses the same CVT transmission as the four-cylinder, moving the 2013 Altima sedan from zero to 60 in approximately six seconds. While the CVT is better suited for acceleration with the V6, it falls short in terms of fuel efficiency against its competitors. With its EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined fuel economy rating (22 city/30 highway), turbocharged alternatives like the 2013 Hyundai Sonata achieve better (26 mpg combined, 22 city/33 highway).
Final Year of 2013 Altima Coupe Uses Older 2.5 Engine, Resulting in a Lack of Power and Efficiency
The Nissan Altima two-door coupe was first introduced for the 2008 model year. Its production run concluded for the 2013 model year, despite the Altima sedan being redesigned for 2013. The 2013 Nissan Altima coupe uses the prior-generations 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which was first introduced in 2007. The older 2.5L engine features a larger intake manifold, reduced friction characteristics, a silent chain drive, a balancer system, and a higher compression ratio.
Mated to Nissan’s prior-generation Xtronic CVT, the 2.5L engine goes from zero to sixty in approximately the same amount of time as the updated 2.5L engine in the sedan. Keep in mind that with two fewer doors, the coupe is lighter than the sedan.
Unfortunately, the older 2.5 four-cylinder is less efficient than the updated version. For 2013, the Altima coupe achieves an estimated 26 mpg combined (23 city/31 highway), almost 20% lower than the newer 2.5-liter engine.
Reliability Concerns for the 2013 Altima Appear to be Transmission Related, not Engine-specific
The four-cylinder and V6 engines used in the 2013 Nissan Altima sedan, and four-cylinder engine in the 2013 Altima coupe, have almost 150 complaints reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA).
However, upon review of these complaints about the engines, which include issues with poor acceleration and stalling, research suggests these stem from problems with Nissan’s CVT (which has several hundred complaints reported), not the engines themselves. Buyers should review these transmission problems for this generation Nissan Altima further for more information.
2013 Nissan Altima’s Capable Engines Let Consumers Prioritize Between Best Fuel Efficiency or Driving Performance
Either engine option offered on the 2013 Nissan Altima sedan can be appreciated by buyers, it just depends on if fuel efficiency or performance is the priority. Only one engine option (an older 2.5-liter four-cylinder) is available on the 2013 Altima Coupe.
Nissan’s primary seller on the Altima sedan is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which offers class-leading fuel efficiency and adequate acceleration. The prior-gen 2.5L engine in the 2013 Altima coupe is less powerful and less efficient than its updated successor. The optional 3.5-liter V6 on the Altima sedan is powerful for its class, making good use of the CVT it’s attached to, but it is not as fuel-efficient as its turbocharged competitors.
For a daily driver, the 2.5L equipped 2013 Nissan Altima sedan seems like the best buy; it uses an updated design and updated powertrain and is the most fuel-efficient option. Regardless, buyers should be aware of the CVT problems associated with all of 2013 Altima’s engines.
Photos: Nissan
