2022 Nissan Altima 2.0 SR

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a wholly competent mid-size sedan that fills the void between the less and more desirable alternatives in the segment. The Nissan isn't as holistically excellent as the Honda Accord nor is it as ho-hum as the VW Passat. Instead, the Altima is notable for its attractive styling, comfortable cabin, and surprising athleticism. Its available all-wheel-drive system is a popular option, even though its added capability is far from necessary. All-wheel drive, however, is only compatible with the Altima’s unremarkable standard four-cylinder powertrain—so those buyers also tempted by the more powerful VC-Turbo engine option are out of luck. Despite not offering a hybrid or plug-in-hybrid model like other family sedans, every Altima is notably fuel efficient. Combine that with its other pleasant characteristics and you get a good car that most folks will appreciate. For 2022, the Altima receives a few minor alterations. There's a new Midnight Edition package, which adds dark exterior accents, but it's only offered on the SR trim level. Plus, those who opt for the SV Premium package will now also get heated exterior mirrors with LED turn signals. Unlike the Accord and Hyundai Sonata, the Altima offers two features they don't: all-wheel drive and that unique VC-Turbo engine. While the benefits of the latter are hard to quantify, the $1400 all-wheel-drive system might attract sedan shoppers who live in the Snowbelt. Still, we'd choose the SR trim level and skip both options. Along with a sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels that make this family sedan more fun to drive, the SR has a host of desirable features that include an eight-way power driver's seat, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an upgraded digital gauge cluster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. We'd also spring for the Premium package that adds heated mirrors, heated front seats, and a sunroof. The Altima has a standard 188-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes up to 248 horsepower with premium fuel and also uses the CVT. While Nissan touts the innovative variable-compression technology, only the 2.5-liter engine can be had with all-wheel drive. The standard four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive had predictable, albeit unremarkable, acceleration. The engine grew noisier the harder we pressed the gas pedal, but the four-cylinder Camry we tested was equally loud at times. The VC-Turbo engine makes the Altima significantly quicker. Despite the unconventional turbocharged engine and uncommon all-wheel drive, the Nissan is not as fun to drive as the Accord. The Altima SR receives a sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels that make it more entertaining on twisty sections of road. However, these upgrades also reduce the ride quality found on regular Altima models. Surprisingly, the top-of-the-line Platinum model we drove had more cornering grip than the 2019 BMW 330i xDrive we tested. The Nissan also had a comfortable ride that prevented any shudders over undulating pavement. Its steering system was precise by family-sedan standards and doesn't add effort to emulate steering feel. The Altima's brake pedal had linear feedback and prompt responses to our input.