The 2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 is the base model, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on features. The four-door sedan has an excellent reputation for class and reliability. It offers a comfortable ride and smooth styling. It doesn’t try to be flashy. Instead, it prioritizes practicality and elegance.
What are the features of the 2012 Nissan Altima 2.5?
The 2.5 4-cylinder engine provides 180 horsepower. It’s paired with an automatic CVT transmission which makes shifting feel seamless. It gets 23 mpg in the city, and an admirable 32 mpg on the highway.
The 2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 can be seen as a good choice for a family sedan. We’ll take a closer look at the vehicle and also discover some of the pros and cons of the 2.5 trim.
The 2012 Nissan Altima
The 2012 Altima has three trim levels. Each trim is named after its engine, the 2.5, a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder and the 3.5. The 2.5 S trim provides 5 more horsepower than the base model. They each get 23 mpg with city driving and 32 with highway driving.
The 3.5 SR has a 3.5-liter V-6 has 270 horsepower. It gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. All three trims have the same CVT automatic transmission.
The 2.5 S goes 0-60 in 8.5 seconds, and the 3.5 SR reaches 60 mph in 7 seconds. These times might not be impressive for a sports car, but they are better than average for a mid-size sedan.
IIHS gave the Altima Good for front and side crash ratings, and Acceptable ratings for roof strength and head restraints. The NHTSA gave it an overall 4-star rating. It also received four-star rating for each individual category, except rear side crash, where it got a five-star rating.
The Altima comes with a 36,000-mile basic warranty. Accessories are warrantied for 36 months or 36,000 miles. It also includes a 60-month corrosion warranty with unlimited mileage, and a 60 month/60,000 miles powertrain warranty.
2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 Features
The Altima has an independent suspension. The front has MacPherson struts, and the rear has a mutli-link suspension. It also includes front and rear roll bars. The 2.5 has 16-inch wheels, while the 3.5 SR has 17-inch wheels.
The suspension is designed for ride comfort. It rides smooth even on rough roads. Handling is responsive and agile, but it’s clear it was designed for ride quality instead of sporty handling.
Drivers will discover plush velour seats. The rear has a 60/40 split folding bench seat with a folding armrest in the middle. It has power door locks, mirrors, and windows. Cruise control and a telescopic steering wheel increase driving comfort.
The 2.5 includes four speakers, and a window grid antenna. It also has a primary monitor touch screen.
It did not include a radio, which is virtually unheard of in a 2012 model vehicle. Nissan excluded the radio to keep costs down, but did provide speakers and wiring harness required to install an after-market radio.
It has 44 inches of front leg room, and 35 inches of rear leg room. It offers 15 cubic feet of cargo space. It seats five, but the rear seat is slightly smaller than competitors. Three people in the backseat is do-able, but not so comfortable for three adults.
Is the 2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 the Vehicle for You?
The 2012 Altima 2.5 is a good choice for a budget sedan. Before you buy, you should check out Vehicle History. You’ll find owner and expert reviews and a full list of specs. You can also learn the history of the vehicle by performing a VIN search.
