Review: The 2025 Nissan Altima SR AWD is a competent, comfortable, midsize sedan

In a time of ever advancing driving technology and increasingly competitive and complex midsize sedans, the 2025 Nissan Altima SR stands out by focusing on what it has done best for years: offering a balanced, no-frills driving experience at a price point that’s hard to ignore. 

While its rivals like to push the envelope with turbocharged and hybrid powertrains and over-the-top tech, the Altima takes a refreshingly grounded approach that we quite enjoyed during our week of testing. This classic midsize contender is worth considering for buyers seeking reliability, comfort and value.

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Photo credit: Nissan USA Newsroom

Analog simplicity meets modern functionality

We really enjoyed the 2025 Altima SR, primarily due to its focus on simplicity. Analog gauges? Check. A naturally aspirated 4-cylinder? Check. It’s all very intuitive and easy to use, especially when compared to some of the competition’s flashy and complex approaches to interiors and driving. Being in the Altima felt like being in a sedan from the mid-2000s — in a good way — with all the most essential modern features you could want. 

The crisp, easy-to-read dials, for example, deliver all the information you need without distracting from the driving experience. The dials are complemented by a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with straightforward menus and physical knobs for volume and tuning. Combined, they are a nice balance of modern convenience and design that will look good, and work, for years to come. This is a perfect car for someone who is nervous about driving or is just learning.

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Comfort and space in spades

As with other Nissan seats we’ve waxed on about before, the seats in the Altima are utterly fantastic. They’re soft, supportive and perfectly ergonomically positioned. We’d happily spend all day in them. The Zero Gravity seat engineers at Nissan deserve a raise and should design all other seats in the automotive industry. If you’re driving a lot, the Altima is a top contender for comfort alone.

Photo credit: Nissan USA Newsroom

Rear seat passengers also benefit from generous legroom, making the Altima a solid choice for families or rideshare drivers. Compared with many competitors, the Altima offers above average rear seat comfort and space. The 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space also offers plenty of room, even for larger luggage or grocery loads.

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Surprisingly sharp handling and driving dynamics

It may be one of the last qualities you expect from an Altima, but the SR trim delightfully tightens up the suspension with a sporty tune that provides a surprising degree of engagement. Coupled with the wonderful, leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, the Altima handles corners with confidence while delivering a smooth ride over uneven pavement. It’s a rare balance between sportiness and comfort that left us satisfied.

Overall, while the 2025 Altima SR won’t win any drag races, its predictability and poise make it very enjoyable to drive.

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Reliable, efficient performance

Sad news for turbo fans: The turbocharged variable combustion engine is gone for 2025. In its stead resides Nissan’s old standby, the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine that produces 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. It is … not quick, but this tried and true power plant is a good one, boring as it may be. 

Photo credit: Nissan USA Newsroom

This engine, instead of its fancy schmancy turbocharged sibling, favors reliability and fuel efficiency instead of performance, which should please most buyers. It's rated at 25 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway, but Car and Driver’s testing achieved an impressive 41 mpg — far beyond those conservative estimates. We achieved about 35 mpg in our testing, a mighty feat for this motor and on par with some hybrid rivals out there. 

With fewer complex components than its turbocharged and hybrid rivals, the Altima’s engine should offer some peace of mind for those prioritizing long-term dependability over outright power.

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A solid value proposition 

Starting at just $28,830, the Nissan SR offers a slew of standard features, including 19-inch wheels, paddle shifters, a sport-tuned suspension, a dark chrome grille and a long list of safety equipment, including Nissan’s robust Nissan Safety Shield 360 system. 

The pricing strategy by Nissan is tempting. Our tester, an SR with all-wheel drive and a few other nice options, priced out at just over $34,000. If you’re looking for a new, reliable, midsize sedan with all-wheel drive and a warranty, the Altima is a competitive option.

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Photo credit: Nissan USA Newsroom

Final thoughts

The 2025 Nissan Altima SR is proof you don’t need the latest tech or blistering performance to build a winning, endearing midsize sedan. By focusing on simplicity, comfort and value, it carves out a niche that's increasingly rare and attractive in this segment. For buyers seeking a budget-friendly sedan that delivers where it counts —- on the road and in the long run — the Altima SR with all-wheel drive deserves a serious look. 

Whether you’re a commuter, rideshare driver, family hauler or just someone who values reliability and simplicity above all, this unpretentious yet capable sedan is well worth your consideration. We really enjoyed it.

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Highs

• Analog gauges and intuitive controls make for a distraction free driving experience. 

• Zero Gravity seats and spacious interior make for a very comfortable place to spend time. 

• Sharper than expected handling strikes a perfect balance between sportiness and everyday usability. 

• Naturally aspirated engine promotes reliability and impressive fuel economy. 

• Attractive starting price with excellent standard features. 

Lows

• Competitors offer more powerful turbocharged or hybrid engines.

• Some interior materials, while durable, lack the premium look and feel of rival models.

• Some tech and safety features feel dated and a tad sensitive

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.