Manufactured since the early 1990s, the Altima is one of Nissan’s best-selling vehicles. Now in its sixth generation, this line of midsize sedans has seen several updates that have ushered it into the contemporary age, including an altogether sleeker design and semiautonomous driving functionality. The latest Altima, too, has some alterations compared to last year’s. Take a closer look at the 2022 Nissan Altima and see how it compares to the 2021 model.
Trim Levels
Similar to last year, the 2022 Nissan Altima is available in five trim levels: S, SV, SR, SL, and Platinum. The latter four are available in both front- and all-wheel drive, while the base S trim comes exclusively in front-wheel drive. At every level and drivetrain option, you get a standard 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve DIG four-cylinder engine that pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission, capable of generating 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque.
Here’s a closer look at what each trim level has to offer:
S
The S trim is the base model for both the 2022 and the 2021 Nissan Altima. The standard features at this level include 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, an intelligent forward-collision warning system, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Additional safety features include a rearview camera, a lane departure warning system, automatic high beams, and a driver attention alert system that monitors driving behavior for signs of drowsiness. The interior design features cloth upholstery, a 5-inch multifunction information display, and a 7-inch infotainment touch screen.
SV
For both the 2022 and 2021 models, the SV trim level is where you begin to see upgrades to the standard features. You get an automatic upgrade to the wheels, which are 17-inch aluminum-alloy at this level. You also get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which is a suite of six driver-assistance features to enhance comfort and safety:
- Automatic emergency braking plus pedestrian detection.
- Blind-spot warning.
- Rear cross-traffic alert.
- Lane-departure warning.
- High-beam assist.
- Rear automatic braking.
On the outside, you also get LED projector headlights with LED daytime running lights. Inside, you get a power-adjustable driver’s seat. There’s an optional premium package as well, with which you get heated front-row seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a moon roof.
SR
The SR trim sees another upgrade in wheel size, here coming in 19-inch aluminum alloy. The front end of the SR sports a dark chrome V-Motion grille. The interior brings you a leather-wrapped shift knob and a steering wheel with paddle shifters and a manual shift mode, allowing you to shift gears quickly and seamlessly while gripping the wheel. As with the 2021 model, this year allows you the option of a moon roof.
SL
The SL trim has smaller wheels than the SR — 17-inch aluminum alloy — but offers a couple of additional features. These include automatic brake hold, which keeps the car stopped even when you remove your foot from the brake pedal, and ProPILOT Assist, a combination driver-assist and intelligent cruise control system that helps you to maintain a set distance between you and the vehicle in front of you while in motion. At this level, you also get an entertainment upgrade, with a nine-speaker premium audio system and NissanConnect services by SiriusXM.
Platinum
The Platinum level is the top-of-the-line trim for both the 2022 and 2021 Nissan Altima. Here, the wheels go back up to 19 inches. The interior features accent lighting and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and you get an Intelligent Around View monitor that provides you with an expansive view of the vehicle’s surroundings to enhance parking, convenience, and safety. Additionally, the driver’s seat and outside mirrors have a memory system that recalls your preferred positioning.
Exterior Dimensions and Design Packages
In terms of exterior dimensions, the 2022 Nissan Altima is identical to the 2021 model. At all trim levels, it measures 192.9 inches in length, 72.9 inches in width, and around 57 inches in height, with some variation depending on your trim level.
A point of differentiation from last year is that the 2022 Altima offers two distinct design packages at the SR level. The first is the Midnight Edition, which offers exclusive exterior features such as 19-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels, a black V-Motion grille, a black rear spoiler, LED fog lights, and Midnight Edition badging. It also sports a couple of functional design features such as a power-sliding glass moon roof and heated exterior mirrors with turn signal indicators.
The second design package exclusive to the SR trim level is the VC-Turbo, a sportier, front-wheel-drive-only model that boasts a 2-liter variable compression turbo DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine under the hood. This, which also pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission, can produce 236 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. An SR Altima with an upgraded engine is noticeably quicker and more powerful than the standard models.
Interior Dimensions and Features
Regarding the interior dimensions, the 2022 Nissan Altima offers 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume, which is unchanged from 2021. The front-row legroom is 43.8 inches, and the back row gets 35.2 inches. The trunk volume, too, is still 15.4 cubic feet, but with a 60/40 split that significantly expands the cargo room.
The connectivity and comfort features are also similar to 2021. As mentioned, the base model comes with a 7-inch infotainment touch screen. This offers Bluetooth integration, USB ports, voice recognition, and a six-speaker stereo. You also get push-button and remote start capabilities. As you move up in trim level, you get optional features such as an upgrade to an 8-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, navigation capabilities, satellite radio, a nine-speaker premium audio system, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Like Altimas of the past, the 2022 model continues to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing the common bumps and shocks of the road. The overall driving experience is relaxed and comfortable. The SR VC-Turbo’s sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels can handle winding roads with ease.
The fuel economy of the 2022 model is comparable to the 2021 model. The base 2.5-liter engine gets an EPA estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. Higher-level trims get a little less. The Midnight Edition is rated at 27 and 37 mpg, respectively, while the Platinum trim gets 25 and 35 mpg. With the front-wheel-drive-only SR VC-Turbo model, you can expect 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Whether you’re interested in an all-new 2022 Altima or want to consider the 2021 model, we can help you get in the car that’s right for you. Contact us or visit our dealership in Streetsboro to learn more.
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