Nov 15, 2018, 00:00 AM by Paul Immediato

Nissan launched Altima in 1993 as a compact, and it evolved into a mid-size that steadily gained in stature in handling, fuel economy and style. That translated into solid sales and a ranking that has been as high as No.3, and is still positioned in the Top-5 sedans sold in America.

Altima completed its last redesign in 2013 (a mid-cycle styling-performance-tech augmentation), and will be an all-new next-generation vehicle in 2019, with new exterior and interior styling, a new platform featuring two all-new engines, and the first application of all-wheel drive on a Nissan sedan in the U.S. The 2019 Altima will market as “… bringing fresh style and excitement back to the mid-size sedan category.”

But there’s a lot to like about the 2018 Altima. Assembled in Smyrna, TN., with engines assembled in Decherd, TN, this year’s edition offers a high level of standard equipment and features, and includes as standard thus year: Nissan's advanced Automatic Emergency Braking and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning. In addition, the top of the lineup Altima 3.5 SL receives standard Intelligent Cruise Control and upgraded NissanConnect™ with Navigation and Services, featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™.

Along with those enhancements, the 2018 model year brings a simplified model lineup: 2.5 S, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL and 3.5 SL (base 2.5 and 3.5 SR are no longer available) and revised option package content and availability. Among the new or revised option packages are the 2.5 SR Special Edition and 2.5 SV and 2.5 SL Technology Packages. And, following its winter 2017 launch, the popular Midnight Edition Package – featuring black 18-inch SR aluminum-alloy wheels, black mirror caps, black spoiler, black “Altima” and "SR" rear emblems, black V-Motion grille and black rear license plate holder – is again available on Altima 2.5 SR for 2018.

The 2018 Altima fully embraces Nissan's bold design language. Known by designers as "energetic flow," for Altima, it is expressed by the low muscular front fascia, distinctive "V-motion" grille and deep bumpers. The Altima hood and fenders are accented with tailored character lines, while the available LED signature boomerang headlights, fog lights and Daytime Running Lights create a distinctive contemporary "face." In the rear, the fascia and bumper add a dramatic character. The look is highlighted by wide four-piece taillights featuring a signature boomerang shape. The trunk lid incorporates an integrated spoiler for the 2.5 SR grade.

Altima’s premium and sporty expression is accomplished within mid-size dimensions of 191.9 inches in length, 72.0 inches in width and 58.0 inches in height on a 109.3-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 5.4 inches, and my test Altima 3.5 SL weighed in at 3463 lbs.

The 2.5-liter models feature a 179-hp/177 lb.-ft. of torque 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine, while the 3.5-liter Altima SL offers a 270-hp/251 lb.-ft. of torque DOHC V6. Both engines are matched with a standard smooth and efficient Xtronic transmission with enhanced third-generation D-Step Shift logic. The 2.5-liter engine gives Altima the best-in-class economy rating at 27mpg/city and 38 mpg/highway. The Altima 3.5 performs to an estimated at 22/city and 32/highway, and my test 3.5 averaged 26.4mpg during a week of mixed-use driving.

My 3.5 accelerated well in all ranges, and a track run from zero-to-60mph was completed in an energetic 6.1 seconds during a 14.6-second quarter-mile.

Steering showed some understeer that was fun on the autocross, and the independent strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar and a multi-link independent rear suspension with stabilizer bar was smooth on the road.

Altima’s cabin is refined, luxurious, tech-filled, quiet and comfortable, with 40.0 inches of front headroom and 37.1 inches in row two; 45.0 inches of front legroom and a snug 36.1 inches in the second row; with shoulder room of 56.4 inches in both rows.

From a safety perspective, Altima offers a long list of standard safety features starting with its construction that includes an energy-absorbing steering column, zone body construction with front and rear crumple zones, hood buckling creases and safety stops, pipe-style steel side door guard beams, knee bolsters, slide-away brake pedal assembly, break-away engine mounts, and body side reinforcements. Active Safety items include: Blind-Spot Warning, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Traction Control, Tire Pressure warning, ABS brakes and more. And the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System has dual stage supplemental front air bags, seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain supplemental side-impact air bags for front-and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

The base 2018 Nissan Altima 2.5 S carries a starting MSRP of $23,260 and four 2.5 variations run up to $29,110 for the 2.5 SL. The special 2.5 SR Midnight Edition, with exclusive cosmetic and tech items, starts at $25,415. The larger-engined Altima 3.5 SL bases at $33,630 I tested that one with a front and rear sonar system, paddle shifters with manual shift mode and 18-inch alloy wheels. Scarlet Ember (Red) exterior paint added $395 and was matched to a Black leather interior. There were no packages available, but accessory add-ons included a rear decklid spoiler for $405 and four splash guards for $200. Interior accent lighting added $210, Illuminated kick plates were $375, body side moldings added $55; a moonroof wind deflector was $80, and Nissan WiFi and apps added $450. Destination and handling added $895 for an MSRP as tested of $36,320, but incentives may be available from your local dealer.

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Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.