Vehicle Overview The Altima Hybrid is Nissan’s first gas/electric hybrid, using technology borrowed from Toyota. The hybrid is sold in select states, including California, New York, New Jersey and most of New England.
The Altima Hybrid is available in one trim level and competes with other midsize hybrids like the Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion hybrids.
New for 2009 The 2009 Altima Hybrid remains mostly unchanged since its 2007 introduction. A new auto-locking power door-lock system is the only significant addition.
Exterior Except for some hybrid decal badging, the Altima Hybrid features the same silhouette as a conventional Altima.
The body is 189.8 inches long and 70.7 inches wide, with a 109.3-inch wheelbase, which is about average in its class.
Standard 16-inch alloy wheels
Standard power mirrors, heated mirrors optional
Standard dual exhaust
Optional automatic headlamps
Optional rear spoiler
Optional power sunroof
Interior The hybrid seats five in 100.7 cubic feet of passenger space, average for the class. Nissan installed the hybrid’s battery pack in the trunk, giving the vehicle 10.1 cubic feet of cargo area, which is about the same as the Camry Hybrid but significantly less than the Malibu Hybrid’s 15.1 cubic feet.
Available cloth or leather upholstery
Available wood or metallic trim
Standard dual-zone automatic climate control
Standard power windows, locks and keyless entry
Standard cruise control
Optional heated front seats
Optional nine-speaker Bose audio system and XM Satellite Radio
Optional navigation system
Under the Hood The four-cylinder gasoline engine shuts off when the vehicle comes to a stop to save gas. The electric motor provides some acceleration at low speeds; the gasoline engine kicks in when accelerating or for highway travel.
The air conditioning compressor is electric (rather than belt-driven) to save gas. This also means the air conditioning can blow in cold air even with the engine off. Overall, the Altima Hybrid achieves an estimated 35 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
158-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 162 pounds-feet of torque
40-hp, 650-volt electric motor with 199 pounds-feet of torque
