In addition to some minor changes in standard equipment, the 2015 Altima received more convenience and safety features on select trims. Nissan also improved the fuel economy of V6-equipped Altima models.
Key Points
- Mostly a carryover from the previous year, the 2015 Nissan Altima did have some popular features become standard equipment on certain models to provide better value for buyers.
- The 2.5 and 3.5 SV models now feature an eight-way power driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support. Fog lights also are standard on 2.5 SV models, and automatic climate control was added to all SV and SL models.
- The 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL trims received NissanConnect with GPS navigation. Safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, moving object detection, and lane departure warning are also now standard on these trims.
- All 3.5L V6 models received an EPA-estimated one mpg increase for highway and combined fuel economy ratings over previous years. The 2.5L still delivers the best fuel economy figures at 27 mpg city, 37 highway, and 31 combined.
- Option packages stayed largely the same, though the Technology package is no longer available on 3.5 SV and SL models as its contents are now standard on those trims. A Power Driver’s Seat package for 2.5 S models is the only new addition.
2015 Nissan Altima Added Value with New Standard Safety Equipment as well as Improved Fuel Economy on V6 Models
Nissan looked to appeal to value-conscious shoppers with the 2015 edition of its Altima midsize sedan. In addition to standardizing a few of the more popular convenience features on various trim levels, Nissan additionally provided extra driver safety features on select upper trim models. Nissan’s engineers also managed to improve the efficiency of the 3.5L V6 resulting in better highway and combined fuel economy ratings.
Option packages remained largely static, however, the contents of the Technology package are now included on all 3.5 SV and SL models, so it’s no longer available for those trims. There is one new package added for 2015; a Power Driver’s Seat bundle for 2.5 S models.
Higher Trim Levels Add More Standard Equipment to 2015 Altima, and Optional Packages Bring a Premium Audio System, Remote Start, and Six-way Power Driver Seat
The trim hierarchy for the 2015 Altimas begins with the 2.5 model, which comes standard with a 182 hp 2.5L I4 and a CVT gearbox. Also included on the 2.5 is traction control, remote keyless entry, and Bluetooth connectivity. The 2.5 S model is the next rung on the ladder and netted automatic headlights, a cabin filter for the HVAC system, and cruise control.
2.5 S buyers can also opt for the Sport Value package (16-inch aluminum wheels, remote start, and a rear decklid spoiler), the Display Audio package (premium audio system with five-inch color display, NissanConnect, USB port, and satellite radio), or the aforementioned Power Driver’s Seat package, which adds a six-way power driver seat with seatback pocket.
Stepping up to the 2.5 SV model adds several optional features from the 2.5 S’s option groups plus 17-inch wheels and dual-zone climate control. The 2.5 SV can also be optioned with the Convenience package and the Technology package. The Convenience package adds a power sliding glass moonroof, rear HVAC vents, an auto-dimming mirror, and interior mood light. The Technology package includes Nissan’s navigation system, blind-spot monitoring, moving object detection, and lane departure warning.
The top-spec trim with the 2.5L I4 was the 2.5 SL, which featured leather upholstery, a Bose premium audio system, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. 2.5 SLs can be optioned with the same Technology package as the 2.5 SV, as well as a Moonroof package.
2015 Altima 3.5 S, SV, and SL Trims Add a 270-hp, 3.5-liter V6 Engine Mated to a CVT with Paddle Shifters
Buyers wanting some extra oomph can opt for the 3.5 S, SV, or SL trims which adds a 270-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a CVT with paddle shifters and a manual mode. Standard equipment on the 3.5 S model includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a six-way power driver’s seat, and an upgraded audio system. 3.5 SV models sport navigation, a seven-inch color touch-screen, power moonroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The top-spec 3.5 SL model shares its heated leather seats and steering wheel, Bose audio system, and LED tail lights with the 2.5 SL, but added HID headlights and wood or metallic interior trim.
Engineering Revisions Increase Fuel Economy of V6-equipped 2015 Altimas, but Still Trails the 2.5L Engine
Nissan’s engineers made some revisions to the 3.5L V6 engine which resulted in a net gain of one mpg on the EPA’s highway and combined ratings. The new ratings for the V6 engine were 22 mpg city and 32 highway with a combined rating of 26. However, those figures still trail the 2.5L I4 equipped models by a decent margin. The 2.5L models are rated at 27 mpg city and 38 highway with a combined rating of 31.
The 2015 Altima is a Great Value Buy No Matter the Engine, but the 3.5 Still Grabs the Win
Thanks to its wide variety of trim levels and available engines, the 2015 Nissan Altima is a great value for shoppers looking for a basic sedan or a more luxurious cruiser. Though the changes were few over the 2014 model, they add up to create a more appealing package and a strong competitor to its rival offerings from Toyota and Honda. Ultimately, the updated 3.5L will provide the best ownership experience, especially with its slightly enhanced mpg figures over previous years, which now put it within range of the four-cylinder.
Photos: Nissan
