The 2016 Nissan Altima comes in a wide range of models, from the basic 2.5 to the top-of-the-line 3.5 SL. Out of seven trims, the 2.5 SR, 3.5 SR, and 3.5 SL make the other four look kind of pointless.
Key Points
- The 2016 Nissan Altima comes in seven different trim levels, from the base 2.5 and its standard I4 engine to the leathered-out V6-powered 3.5 SL.
- The best value 2016 Nissan Altima is hands down the 2.5 SR, offering a five-inch touchscreen and sport suspension for barely more than the base trim.
- The 3.5 trim levels add a 270 horsepower V6 engine under the hood, putting the car in the same power range as rally favorites like the Civic R-Type.
- No matter your trim level, the only transmission option is a one-speed Xtronic CVT.
2.5 is a Solid Entry-level Trim, but it Won’t Save You Much Money Over an Altima SR
Basic but not skimpy, the 2.5 Nissan Altima, named for the 2.5L DOHC 16 inline-four engine under the hood, comes packed with standards like Bluetooth hands-free, remote keyless entry, and push-button ignition.
For entertainment, you get an LCD monitor upfront with a four-speaker radio with CD, MP3, Bluetooth streaming, and aux. Nothing spectacular, but totally up to par.
At 189 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque, the entry-level engine is nothing to sneeze at. The 3.5 is an obvious upgrade, but the 2.5 won’t have you stalling out when trying to pass and merge in traffic, and at 27/39 mpg city/highway, you’re covering a lot of ground on a single 18-gallon tank of gas.
The transmission is a one-speed Xtronic CVT, and that goes for all trim levels and both engine types. No surprises there, as that’s basically the standard for compact cars these days.
The 2.5 starts at just under $16,000 on Kelley Blue Book and goes up to around $18,000 for a CPO.
Skip the 2.5 S Trim, Because the Real Upgrades Start with the 2.5 SR
The 2.5 S offers a nice quality bump across the board with two extra speakers, a five-inch touchscreen monitor, USB connection, a backup camera, and steering-wheel-mounted cruise control.
But, the 2.5 SR offers all that, plus paddle shifters, leather-wrapped shift knob, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, and sporty exterior features like 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, and a slick spoiler, at just a few $100 over the 2.5. The 2.5 S, meanwhile, has been priced as high as $20,000 for a CPO. So, not much point in spending more to get less, right?
A 2.5 SR is mechanically the same car as the 2.5. In fact, all the 2.5s have identical specs under the hood. Even so, with the sport-tuned suspension and spoiler, the overall feel of the car is a little stronger.
2.5 SV Altima Offers Solid Upgrades at a Fair Price, but the 2.5 SL is Even Better for Much Less
The 2.5 SV takes all the S trim level stuff and then adds a whole range of safety and comfort features. That includes intelligent dual-zone climate control, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot warning, remote engine start, and a stylish leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Starting at around $1,000 over the SR, you get a fair upgrade for the price, but the 2.5 SL actually tends to run a few $100 cheaper than the SV, while offering even more bonuses to the package. That includes heated front seats, a nine-speaker sound system with subwoofers, and style upgrades like chrome exterior accents and door handles. So if you’re gonna upgrade to the SV, go ahead and upgrade to the SL.
3.5 SR Altima Adds a 270 HP V6 Engine to the Sporty SR Trim Level
The 3.5 SR is just a 2.5 SR with a V6 engine under the hood. The car starts at around $18,200 and goes up to around $21,000 for a CPO.
Like the 2.5s, the 3.5s are both paired to a CVT. But the 24 valve DOHC engine cranks out a solid 270 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque at 22/32 mpg city/highway. Like a Civic R-Type, this is one of those “more than meets the eye” compacts.
3.5 SL is the Most Generous Trim Level, but it Sacrifices the 3.5 SR’s Sportier Features
Like the 3.5 SR, the 3.5 SL is based on the 2.5 trim of the same name, but with a few noticeable upgrades unique to the V6. These include a seven-inch monitor, Nissan Voice Recognition for audio and GPS, a power sliding moonroof, and front and rear sonars so you can parallel park like a pro.
The 3.5 SL runs about $500 over the 3.5 SR, and you get some fair upgrades for the price, but you’re losing the spoiler, sport-tuned suspension, and eighteen-inch alloy wheels, which kinda defeats the purpose of upgrading to the V6.
Sport Suspension, Backup Camera, and Low Price Make the 2.5 SR the Best Deal in the Lineup
You can’t go wrong with either of the SL or SR trim levels, but if we’re picking just one as the best value trim of the bunch, it’s hard to beat the 2.5 SR. You’re getting lightweight yet sporty performance with a generous suite of interior and exterior features for just a few $100 over the entry-level trim.
If you always wanted a speedy V6 compact, don’t let us talk you out of the 3.5 SR. However, if we’re talking sheer bang for the buck, the 2.5 SR is the hands-down winner.
Photos: Nissan
