The 2015 Nissan Altima boasts a respectable cabin, solid fuel economy and top safety scores, but its CVT transmission may not be for everyone.

The new Nissan Altima hits a checkbox in almost every category, which is why it’s one of the best full-size sedans around. Large cabin space? Check. Great comfort and ride quality? Check. Good safety scores? Check. Respectable fuel economy? Check. There really isn’t much to criticize about this vehicle, but if we’re going to get nitpicky – the continuously variable transmission may be a deal breaker for some. When it comes to the Altima, we really believe the good outweighs the bad here – by a long shot.

Roomy and Comfortable Cabin

When choosing a full-size sedan, you always assume that you and your family spend a lot of time in it. Whether you need it for standard commutes to school and back or long road trips to out-of-town recitals, a spacious and comfortable cabin is a must, and the Altima delivers the goods. The front seats are built with NASA-inspired “zero gravity” technology, making them extra-supportive and comfortable. Rear passengers are treated to ample headroom and legroom, save for six-footers, who may feel a bit cramped. Added bonuses include lots of trunk space and high-quality materials throughout the cabin.

Top-Rated Safety

When it comes to family, there is no cargo more precious, and the Altima goes the extra mile to ensure that they are safe. The 2015 model has more safety equipment and features than ever before. Handy features unique to the Altima are tire pressure monitors and a clever Easy Fill system, which sounds the horn when the recommended tire pressure level is reached. There are also a plethora of new safety technologies such as a rearview camera, blind-spot monitors and lane-departure warning system. To top it all off, the Altima has received a five-star rating with the National Traffic and Safety Administration.

Solid Fuel Economy

The 2015 Altima is available with two engines, both of which have solid fuel economy. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder uses 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway for an outstanding average of 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The 3.5-litre V6 drinks 10.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.4 on the highway for a solid average of 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The Altima is a great way to go, if you hate wasting fuel when you don’t have to.

Superb Automatic Transmission

The improved fuel consumption comes with what some might consider a catch. The only gearbox to accompany either of the two engines is a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Since introducing the CVT, the Altima has improved its fuel economy by 15 per cent across the board. However, for some, the CVT transmission may affect the quality of driving in a negative way. The CVT has a tendency to rev the engine noisily even during modest acceleration. There is also a lug that happens at low rpm when cruising, which is primarily felt in the four-cylinder model.

Verdict

Unless you have six-foot-tall passengers riding in the rear seat often or care more about drive smoothness than fuel efficiency, then there isn’t much we can find wrong with the Nissan Altima. It will meet most of the expectations for a family vehicle you may have. The price is also right with a base MSRP of $23,698.

For more information on the 2015 Altima, check out our full review right here!