Sept. 24--Nissan's product overhaul continues with the midcycle refresh of the 2016 Nissan Altima midsize sedan.
While the engine offerings remain the same, a restyled interior and redesigned body help boost the fuel economy 1 mpg to 39 mpg highway, making it the second best behind the Mazda6 (40 mpg) for gas engines in the segment.
Both the 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder (182 horsepower, 180 pound-feet of torque) engine and the 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 (270 horsepower, 251 pound feet of torque) engine are unchanged.
The improvement comes from a more aerodynamic body that uses the "energetic flow" design style that first appeared on the 2015 Murano and 2016 Maxima. The design is punctuated by a flat-bottomed, V-shaped chrome bar in the front grille under the badge that flows around the headlights and forms the lines down the side and rear. LEDs complete the modern fascia. Toward the rear, boomerang taillights enhance the sportier refresh.
Active air shutters, an underbody cover and a more raked windshield are responsible for the fuel economy gain, however.
Nissan says the car has reduced weight, increased stiffness for better body control and is quieter on the inside, which are all common upgrades to midcycle refreshes. Nissan says it's the quietest Altima ever.
On the inside, the flat-bottomed V-shape frames the center stack, same as in the Murano and Maxima. It's a sleeker design that is less crowded and more functional -- at least it is in the 2015 Murano.
The technology fitting between the V is what you'd expect: a 5-inch display is standard on all but the base model, while a 7-inch screen is standard on the 3.5 SL and available on the 2.5 SV and SL. Models with the 7-inch screen get the full suite of navigation and in-car connectivity.
Nissan is pushing a premium feel for the interior with more soft touch materials, but similar emphasis in the Murano looked great until you touched it. Looks good, feels cheap.
Advanced safety features offered in the new Altima include forward collision alert, forward emergency braking, blind-spot warnings, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.
There are five trim levels for the 2.5-liter, and two trim levels for the 3.5-liter V-6. The $22,500 base model is $60 less than the 2015.
For Altima fans who want Maxima performance, a new Altima SR trim offers leather steering wheels and gear shifters, 18-inch alloy wheels standard, a rear spoiler and a sport-tuned suspension.
rduffer@chicagotribune.com
