2022 Nissan Altima offers new Midnight Edition Package, range of available technologies, including Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and variable compression turbo engine

The 2022 Altima offers the most extensive range of models and grade levels among Nissan's popular sedan lineup – with two engines, front-wheel or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and five well-equipped grade levels.

Like all Nissan sedans, Altima brings an exceptional level of advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology to its segment – including available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive1, ProPILOT Assist2 and Nissan Safety Shield 360 technologies3.

For 2022, a special Midnight Edition Package with unique 'black-out' exterior trim is available on the popular Altima SR grade (2.5L models only). The package includes LED fog lights, heated front seats, 2-way driver power lumbar, single panel moonroof, gloss black painted sport grille, gloss black painted spoiler, Satin black Midnight Edition badge, gloss black painted 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and black painted heated outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicators.

A 2022 model lineup includes nine models: S FWD, SV FWD, SV AWD, SR FWD, SR AWD, SL FWD, SL AWD, Platinum AWD and SR VC-T FWD.

Sporty exterior, premium interior

The 2022 Altima again features an athletic stance and low, wide proportions – thanks in part to the use of two low-profile engine designs. The result is a sleek, sophisticated look and a coefficient of drag of just 0.26.

Available exterior elements include the expressive V-Motion grille with dark chrome finish, LED projector headlights with signature Daytime Running Lights, LED fog lights, floating roof with slim pillars and single panel moonroof.

A range of nine available exterior colors includes Scarlet Ember Tintcoat (premium color), Sunset Drift ChromaFlair® (premium color), Brilliant Silver Metallic, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Pearl White TriCoat (premium color), Glacier White, Deep Blue Pearl and Storm Blue Metallic. The new Midnight Edition Package is offered in three colors – Super Black, Gun Metallic and Pearl White.

As in previous years, the 2022 Altima interior offers a near-luxury feel in both design and materials – marked by the lightweight, layered and more horizontal 'gliding wing' instrument panel and high-contrast colors and trim.

The uplifting interior design also offers a high level of comfort, convenience and connectivity features – including available 7.0-inch Advanced Drive-Assist® Display, NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seat design with dual-density foam and added bolstering for improved holding and support, available perforated leather-appointed seat inserts, remote engine start4 and available 8-way power driver's seat with position memory.

The Altima's selection of audio and infotainment choices include a Bose® Premium Audio system with nine speakers, including a digital amplifier with eight channels of custom equalization. Active Noise Cancellation is available on SR models equipped with the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine.

In addition to available Apple CarPlay® integration, Android Auto™ and 8.0-inch multi-touch color display, every 2022 Altima comes equipped with standard, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, and Siri® Eyes Free voice recognition.

Available NissanConnect® Services powered by SiriusXM® (Sirius/XM® subscription required, sold separately) provides compatible smartphone and smartwatch access to features, such as Remote Engine Start/Stop4, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Valet Alert and more. Additionally, certain remote features are accessible through the NissanConnect Services Amazon Alexa Skill and Google Assistant Action.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility: ProPILOT Assist leads the way

When it comes to enhancing driving enjoyment, the 2022 Altima again offers Nissan's advanced ProPILOT Assist2 system. ProPILOT Assist eases driver workload by reducing the amount of driver acceleration, steering and braking input under certain driving conditions, such as single-lane highway driving.

ProPILOT Assist utilizes a forward-facing camera, forward-facing radar, sensors and an electronic control module to help the driver stay in the center of the driving lane and to maintain vehicle speed (set by the driver) or help maintain a gap to the preceding vehicle if the vehicle speed drops below the driver-set speed. It also can slow the vehicle to a complete stop and hold the vehicle during traffic jam conditions. ProPILOT Assist is standard on Altima SL and Platinum grades and optional on SV.

Another key Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology is Safety Shield 3604, which helps provide front, side and rear safety monitoring and intervention technologies. Safety Shield 360 includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, radar-based Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and High Beam Assist. It is standard on SV, SR, SL and Platinum grades and optional on S.

The range of Altima safety and convenience features also includes standard Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Driver Alertness5 on all grades.

Traffic Sign Recognition6, standard on SL and Platinum grades, provides drivers with the most recent speed limit information detected by a camera unit located on the windshield in front of the inside rearview mirror. In addition, Intelligent Around View® Monitor7, which utilizes four small superwide-angle cameras mounted on the front, side and rear of the vehicle to provide a 'bird's eye' virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle, is standard on the Altima Platinum grade6.

Available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive

The 2022 Altima features available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive1 – the first AWD system offered on a Nissan sedan in the U.S. The AWD system is available in four trim levels equipped with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine – standard on Platinum and offered on SV, SR and SL grades. The system uses an advanced torque split control strategy that automatically redistributes torque to the wheels (0:100 front up to 50:50 front-to-rear) according to road and driving conditions.7

In addition, cooperative control between the AWD torque distribution, brake limited slip differential and Hill Start Assist optimizes performance on hills starts and rough roads – adding to the sense of confidence and driving pleasure under a range of driving scenarios.

Advanced Variable Compression Turbo engine

The 2022 Altima is available in a choice of two powerplants. The 2.0-liter variable compression (VC) Turbo, which generates the performance of some V6 gasoline engines but with 4-cylinder level fuel economy, is available exclusively on the Altima SR front-wheel drive.

The VC-Turbo's technology continuously transforms the engine characteristics, providing both dynamic and efficient performance. It seamlessly changes its compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency) – with an advanced multi-link system continuously raising or lowering the pistons' reach to transform the compression ratio. The engine delivers 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque (premium fuel).

The VC-Turbo engine utilizes both multi-point injection and Nissan's Direct Injection Gasoline system to balance efficiency and power in all conditions. When equipped with the VC-Turbo, a meter in the standard 7.0-inch Advanced Drive-Assist® Display lets the driver see, as well as feel, the control state of this world-first technology while driving.

Fuel economy8 for the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine is rated at 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined – a 15% increase over the previous-generation Altima 3.5-liter V6 (combined fuel economy).

Also available is an advanced 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine, which is rated at 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque FWD (182 hp/178 lb-ft AWD). The engine, introduced in the 2019 Altima, features 80% new or redesigned parts (versus the previous generation 2.5-liter design).

More than just the gains in horsepower and torque, the engine offers improvements in noise, vibration and harshness, along with enhanced fuel economy and cleaner emissions. It also has a lower profile through adoption of a 'reverse' cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold and low engine mounting into the platform's engine bay for quieter operation.

Fuel economy8 for the 2.5-liter engine is rated at 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined for front-wheel drive S model, and 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined for front-wheel drive SV, SR, and SL models

Fuel economy8 for Altima 2.5-liter AWD models is rated at 26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined for all-wheel drive SV and SL models and 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined for all-wheel drive SR and Platinum models.

All 2022 Altima models, including both engine configurations, come equipped with a standard Xtronic transmission. Paddle shifters are available with the Altima SR grade.

Dynamic performance and chassis control

Along with the all-weather traction offered by the all-wheel drive system, all 2022 Altima grades feature an advanced independent front and rear suspension, with monotube rear shocks to improve vehicle response without impacting harshness.

The steering system features a dual-pinion electric power steering design, which reduces steering effort at low speeds for ease of driving. Effort is increased at higher speeds for improved feedback and control. Altima includes an available advanced Integrated Dynamics Module. It includes two unique systems – Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control – similar to those found on the flagship Nissan Maxima sedan.

Three wheel and tire size combinations are available – 16-inch, 17-inch and 19-inch. The Altima SR FWD grade features unique suspension and chassis tuning for a sportier ride and handling.

A range of advanced models

The 2022 Altima is offered in five trim levels – S, SV, SR, SL and Platinum. All five come equipped with the standard 2.5-liter engine. All grades except S are available with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. In addition, Altima SR is available with the advanced 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine (front-wheel drive only).

Altima S includes standard Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Rear View Monitor, 7.0-inch color touch-screen audio display, Remote Engine Start4, 6-way manual driver's seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, Rear Door Alert, Hill Start Assist and more.

Altima SV features 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, NissanConnect with Apple CarPlay® integration and Android Auto™, 8.0-inch color touch-screen display, SiriusXM Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), 8-way power driver's seat, LED projector headlights with signature LED Daylight Running Lights, 7.0-inch Advanced Drive-Assist® Display, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Automatic Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, rear sonar system and more.

Altima SR grade models add 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, unique rear diffuser color, sport suspension (FWD only), sport interior with sport seat, leather-appointed steering wheel with paddle shifters, dark chrome V-motion grille, exhaust finishers, black side mirror caps and body colored door handles.

The Altima SR 2.0-liter VC Turbo also includes single panel moonroof, heated outside mirrors with LED turn signals, heated front seats and 2-way driver power lumbar support.

Additional features found on the Altima SL grade include ProPILOT Assist, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, leather-appointed seating, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, Bose® Premium Sound System with nine speakers, moonroof, NissanConnect® with Nissan Door to Door Navigation, NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Traffic Sign Recognition, LED fog lights, heated outside mirrors with LED turn signals, power front windows with one-touch auto-up/down and auto reverse feature, 2-way power lumbar, Remote Engine Start4 with Intelligent Climate Control, rear console HVAC vents, Dual Zone Auto Climate Control and more.

Finally, the fully equipped Altima Platinum includes 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Intelligent Around View® Monitor, 4-way power front passenger's seat, interior accent lighting, driver memory seat and mirrors function, auto-dimming rearview mirror and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.

Three option packages are available. The Driver Assist Package (S grade) features Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Automatic Braking and Rear Sonar System.

The SV Premium Package includes single panel moonroof, heated outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, heated front seats, 2-way driver power lumbar, leather steering wheel, leather shift knob, ProPILOT Assist with steering assist and Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range and Hold, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, Intelligent Lane Intervention and exhaust finishers

The new Midnight Edition Package is available on SR 2.5 models only.

by Nissan

4.4 Million Altimas Later, Another First: All-New, 2013 Nissan Altima Begins Production in Tennessee

First Generation (1993-1997)

The name 'Altima' originally referred to a trim line of the Nissan Laurel mid-size car sold in Central America and the Caribbean before 1992. In 1993, Nissan discontinued the Stanza line, replacing it with the U.S.-made Altima. The very first Altima rolled off the assembly line in Smyrna, Tenn., in June 1992, as a 1993 model. All Altimas were built in Smyrna until June 2004, when Nissan's Canton, Miss., plant began producing additional Altimas to meet high demand.

Initially, the car's official name was 'Stanza Altima.' 1993 models can be seen with a sticker reading 'Stanza' in small lettering to the left of the ALTIMA emblem on the trunk lid. Though the Stanza name was there more for regulatory compliance than a lack of confidence in renaming the middle vehicle in Nissan's longstanding Sentra-Stanza-Maxima three-sedan lineup, there were concerns at the time about the public's acceptance and ability to pronounce the new Altima name - enough that guidelines were distributed explaining the proper syllable emphasis. The concern was ill-founded, as Altima had an almost immediate impact on the mid-size sedan segment, which at the time was dominated by the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

All Altima models used Nissan's 150 hp straight-4 DOHC engine mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Suspension was composed of struts with stabilizer bars at both ends and was noted for providing sporty, satisfying handling. Trim lines consisted of the entry level XE, mid-line GXE, sporty SE, and luxury GLE.

The base XE (rare) had manual windows. The mid-line GXE had power windows, a power retracting antenna, pass thru rear armrest, digital clock in dash, and color matched plastic speaker grilles for the rear 6-inch speakers. The XE and GXE models only had the fixed intermittent wiper switch.

In addition to the GXE features, the SE had a stiffer suspension, fog lights, 3-leg mount rear spoiler, side skirts and sport seats (plus a standard sunroof in 1994-1995). It also had 4-wheel disc brakes, which came on the other trim lines when antilock brakes were ordered.

The GLE's enhancements included a digital head-up display (1993 and 1994 only), which displayed speed in mph or km/h, turn signals, and various warning lights on a unique mirrored patch made into the windshield. Other features included a coin holder built into the fuse panel cover (1993 and 1994 only), adjustable lumbar support on the front seats, automatic digital climate control, keyless entry with alarm (optional), floor mats, color matched side mirrors, cornering lights, sunroof, and a higher-powered six-speaker cassette/CD stereo which included 6X9 rear speakers with black metal 'active speaker' grilles. For 1997 it gave up all of the above in exchange for standard leather (previously optional). All SE and GLE models had alloy wheels and variable intermittent wipers.

The 1993 Altima came with a rosewood colored dash trim and only had a driver's side airbag coupled with automatic shoulder belts. The 1994 Altima gained a darker burl wood dash trim, a flush mount passenger airbag and regular seatbelts. The 1995 model year also brought a new venetian blind-like grille, new taillights (red and clear), and a new 2 leg mount spoiler with a red LED brake light for the SE. Nissan added new wheel covers for base models in 1996. In 1997 the GXE gained a new 'Limited Edition' package including alloy wheels, keyless entry, alarm, floor mats, and a Limited Edition sticker on each side near the front wheels. The majority of final-year Altima models were dubbed '1997.5' models, signifying the added crash protection necessary to meet 1997 side-impact standards.

Second Generation 1998- 2001

The second generation Altima followed in 1998 and was produced through the 2001 model year. Once again designed in California and manufactured in Tennessee, it had more power (155 hp by 2000) and a more responsive driving feel. It also offered a much more comfortable interior, a higher quality feel and additional equipment options. For 2001, the first Limited Edition model was introduced, which would become an important part of Altima's value pricing strategy in the years that followed.

The second generation (chassis model L30) was an American market-only version, again styled by Nissan's California design center. A new interior brought a revised glove box and cup holders, a folding back seat (except on XE), and depowered airbags.

While total volume remained identical at 108 cubic feet (3.1 m3), most felt it was distributed better and resulted in a slightly roomier-feeling cabin.

Trim lines were the entry XE, volume-selling GXE, sporty SE, and luxury-trimmed GLE. The SE can be distinguished by its body-color grille, fog lights, rear spoiler, alloy wheels, and white-faced gauges. In this generation of Altima, all GLEs had leather seats standard.

The majority of changes came for the 2000 model year. The engine increased in power from 150 to 155 hp, while it also improved the 0-60 mph time from 8.7 to 8.4 seconds. The Altima grew slightly longer and got a deeper front grille, one-piece headlamps with turn signals, all-red taillights, and plastic trim on the decklid. Side airbags were newly standard on GLE and available on GXE and SE. For 2001, the Altima GXE again gained a Limited Edition package: power driver's seat, keyless entry with alarm and floor mats.

Third Generation 2002-2006

While the first two generations of Altima laid the foundation - and were very successful compared with the previous Nissan Stanza - the third generation really put Altima on the map and customer shopping lists.

It was the first mass-market product built on Nissan's new FF-L platform, which was unique to North America and had no equivalent model in Japan. It was produced in model years 2002 through 2006. This new design had up to 18-inch wheels and was the first Altima series to offer a 3.5-liter V6 in addition to its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. The Altima grew substantially for this generation, as interior volume expanded to 118.8 cubic feet. The Altima's interior dimensions even surpassed that of the higher-end Maxima, so the 2004 Maxima moved more upscale into the full-size bracket. The new Altima also featured improved handling and more aggressive styling. Reviews were consistently strong by media and consumers alike as the Altima helped lead Nissan's product resurgence in the early part of the new century.

'The concept behind the third generation Altima styling and engineering was simple - stop copying Accord and Camry, as we had been doing, and carve out fresh territory of our own,' explained Nissan Sales and Marketing VP, Al Castignetti. 'We brought the 2002 Altima to market under the banner of 'The Cure for the Common Sedan,' letting people know that they could continue to blend in with the crowd, or stand out with Altima's more aggressive styling and driver-rewarding performance.' With this vehicle, Nissan found its own identity in the mid-size sedan segment, which continues to drive its popularity today.

The 2002 Altima was named 'North American Car of the Year,' the first Asian nameplate to win the coveted award determined by a panel of 50 independent auto writers from the United States and Canada. It was also named 2002 'Best of the Year' by MotorWeek on PBS. And, for the first time the automotive media deemed that Altima was not only an alternative to the leading mid-size sedans, it was equal to or better than the longstanding sales leaders in the segment.

The 2003-2004 models received two tone dash color, and the 3.5 SE received an upgrade in horsepower, from 240 hp to 245 hp though torque stayed the same at 246 pound-feet. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine launched the sedan from 0-60 mph in just 8.6 seconds, more than competitive to those in its class.

For 2005-2006 the Altima received a facelift, including a new front grille, all-red taillights, redesigned interior, and an optional DVD-based navigation system. The V6 was now rated at 250 hp with torque rated at 249 pound-feet, with a 0-60 mph time in just 5.9 seconds utilizing the Xtronic 5-speed transmission. Also new was the SE-R model with a 260 hp and 251 lb ft of torque version of the V6, a 6-speed manual transmission (automatic still optional), upgraded brakes, 18-inch wheels, a sport suspension and a high-flow exhaust. Topspeed.com recorded a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds for the SE-R.

The third-generation Altima was well-received by the press, with many critics praising the new style and extra space, and calling it one of the most powerful and best-handling family sedans available.

Fourth Generation: 2006 - 2012

The fourth generation Nissan Altima was announced at the 2006 New York Auto Show on April 12, 2006. It is the first vehicle to use the smaller Nissan D platform, with a new front and upgraded rear suspension. The wheelbase is 1-inch shorter than the third generation Altima, but interior space is mostly unchanged. The Maxima and Murano also used this new platform starting with the 2009 models.

The 2007 Nissan Altima used revised versions of the engines from the third generation model. The 3.5 L V6 engine produced 270 hp and the 2.5 L straight-4 produced 175 hp. A 6-speed manual was standard, and a continuously variable transmission replaced the traditional automatic as the optional transmission.

The 2007 Altima sported some more recent innovations in the market, including, but not limited to, standard 'push-button start' (Called 'Intelligent Key'), Bluetooth capability for cell phones, and a parking camera. The dashboard has larger buttons for easy readability and a total of nine cup holders. For 2008, all Altima models received ABS with electronic brake-force distribution.

For the 2010 model year, the Nissan Altima was face lifted with a new front fascia, hood, and headlights, as well as new wheels and interior materials. Electronic stability control, previously only offered as part of an option package on V6 models and unavailable with 4-cylinder engines, was now standard on all Altima trims.

New Coupe and Hybrid Models Join the Lineup

The fourth and current generation Altima design (2007 to present) has far outpaced all of its predecessors, offering more of just about everything - including the addition of a dramatic new Altima Coupe for the 2008 model year. Unlike most coupe models in the class, which merely took their sedan model and removed the rear doors, the Altima Coupe featured unique bodywork from the A-pillar back and was designed inside, out and underneath to offer a more sporty style and performance to match the desires of 2-door Altima buyers.

An Altima Sedan Hybrid was introduced in 2007 and continued through 2011, with availability limited to a small number of states. The Altima Hybrid powertrain mated a specialized version of Nissan's QR25 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and standard electronically controlled CVT with an advanced electric drive motor/generator. This combination increased fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions.

In 2012, Altima continues to provide an innovative, standard-setting combination of quality, exhilarating performance, sporty appearance and exceptional value in the mid-size sedan class. Its design is still highly distinctive, and it still offers excellent driving dynamics with competitive fuel economy - all at a great price value. On Tuesday, May 15, 2012, the fifth and most innovative generation of the Nissan Altima will be launched in Smyrna, Tenn. Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate the Altima line with details of this exciting new model!

by Nissan