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2013
Nissan Altima

Starts at:
$21,760
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New 2013 Nissan Altima
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Notable features

Redesigned for 2013
Four- and six-cylinder engines
4-inch color screen in gauge cluster
Easy Fill Tire Alert honks horn when correct tire pressure is reached
Available text-messaging assistant, Pandora integration

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn I4 2.5
    Starts at
    $21,760
    27 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    27 City / 38 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    Gas I4 Engine Type
    2.5L/152 Displacement
    182 @ 6000 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    180 @ 4000 SAE Net Torque @ RPM

    Suspension

    Strut Suspension Type - Front
    Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)

    Weight & Capacity

    3,108 lbs Base Curb Weight
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    18 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx

    Safety

    Standard Brake Assist

    Entertainment

    Standard Bluetooth®

    Electrical

    N/A Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)
    110 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)

    Brakes

    Pwr Brake Type
    4-Wheel Brake ABS System
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    11.700 x 1.020 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    11.500 x 0.350 in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Not Available Drum - Rear (Yes or )
  • 4dr Sdn I4 2.5 S
    Starts at
    $22,280
    27 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    27 City / 38 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    180 @ 4000 SAE Net Torque @ RPM
    182 @ 6000 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    2.5L/152 Displacement
    Gas I4 Engine Type

    Suspension

    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear
    Strut Suspension Type - Front

    Weight & Capacity

    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    18 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    3,114 lbs Base Curb Weight

    Safety

    Standard Brake Assist

    Entertainment

    Optional Bluetooth®
    Standard Bluetooth®

    Electrical

    110 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
    N/A Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

    Brakes

    Not Available Drum - Rear (Yes or )
    11.500 x 0.350 in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    11.700 x 1.020 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    4-Wheel Brake ABS System
    Pwr Brake Type
  • 4dr Sdn I4 2.5 SV
    Starts at
    $24,080
    27 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    27 City / 38 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    Gas I4 Engine Type
    2.5L/152 Displacement
    182 @ 6000 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    180 @ 4000 SAE Net Torque @ RPM

    Suspension

    Strut Suspension Type - Front
    Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)

    Weight & Capacity

    3,121 lbs Base Curb Weight
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    18 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx

    Safety

    Standard Brake Assist

    Entertainment

    Standard Bluetooth®
    Optional Bluetooth®

    Electrical

    N/A Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)
    110 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)

    Brakes

    Pwr Brake Type
    4-Wheel Brake ABS System
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    11.700 x 1.020 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    11.500 x 0.350 in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Not Available Drum - Rear (Yes or )
  • 2dr Cpe I4 2.5 S
    Starts at
    $25,230
    23 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    23 City / 32 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    180 @ 4000 SAE Net Torque @ RPM
    175 @ 5600 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    2.5L/152 Displacement
    Gas I4 Engine Type

    Suspension

    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear
    Strut Suspension Type - Front

    Weight & Capacity

    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    20 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    3,124 lbs Base Curb Weight

    Electrical

    110 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
    N/A Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

    Brakes

    Not Available Drum - Rear (Yes or )
    11.500 x 0.350 in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    11.700 x 1.020 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    4-Wheel Brake ABS System
    Pwr Brake Type
  • 4dr Sdn V6 3.5 S
    Starts at
    $25,760
    22 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    22 City / 31 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas V6 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    Gas V6 Engine Type
    3.5L/213 Displacement
    270 @ 6000 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    251 @ 4400 SAE Net Torque @ RPM

    Suspension

    Strut Suspension Type - Front
    Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)

    Weight & Capacity

    3,295 lbs Base Curb Weight
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    18 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx

    Safety

    Standard Brake Assist

    Entertainment

    Optional Bluetooth®
    Standard Bluetooth®

    Electrical

    N/A Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)
    130 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)

    Brakes

    Pwr Brake Type
    4-Wheel Brake ABS System
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    11.700 x 1.020 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    11.500 x 0.350 in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Not Available Drum - Rear (Yes or )
  • 4dr Sdn I4 2.5 SL
    Starts at
    $27,660
    27 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    27 City / 38 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    Gas I4 Engine Type
    2.5L/152 Displacement
    182 @ 6000 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    180 @ 4000 SAE Net Torque @ RPM

    Suspension

    Strut Suspension Type - Front
    Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)

    Weight & Capacity

    3,187 lbs Base Curb Weight
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    18 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx

    Safety

    Standard Brake Assist

    Entertainment

    Optional Bluetooth®
    Standard Bluetooth®

    Electrical

    N/A Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)
    110 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)

    Brakes

    Pwr Brake Type
    4-Wheel Brake ABS System
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    11.700 x 1.020 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    11.500 x 0.350 in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Not Available Drum - Rear (Yes or )
  • 4dr Sdn V6 3.5 SV
    Starts at
    $28,260
    22 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    22 City / 31 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas V6 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    251 @ 4400 SAE Net Torque @ RPM
    270 @ 6000 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    3.5L/213 Displacement
    Gas V6 Engine Type

    Suspension

    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear
    Strut Suspension Type - Front

    Weight & Capacity

    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    18 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    3,323 lbs Base Curb Weight

    Safety

    Standard Brake Assist

    Entertainment

    Standard Bluetooth®
    Optional Bluetooth®

    Electrical

    130 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
    N/A Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

    Brakes

    Not Available Drum - Rear (Yes or )
    11.500 x 0.350 in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    11.700 x 1.020 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    4-Wheel Brake ABS System
    Pwr Brake Type
  • 4dr Sdn I4 2.5 SL *Ltd Avail*
    Starts at
    $28,400
    27 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    27 City / 38 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    180 @ 4000 SAE Net Torque @ RPM
    182 @ 6000 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    2.5L/152 Displacement
    Gas I4 Engine Type

    Suspension

    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear
    Strut Suspension Type - Front

    Weight & Capacity

    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    18 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    3,187 lbs Base Curb Weight

    Safety

    Standard Brake Assist

    Entertainment

    Optional Bluetooth®
    Standard Bluetooth®

    Electrical

    110 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
    N/A Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

    Brakes

    Not Available Drum - Rear (Yes or )
    11.500 x 0.350 in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    11.700 x 1.020 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    4-Wheel Brake ABS System
    Pwr Brake Type
  • 4dr Sdn V6 3.5 SL
    Starts at
    $30,560
    22 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    22 City / 31 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas V6 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    251 @ 4400 SAE Net Torque @ RPM
    270 @ 6000 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    3.5L/213 Displacement
    Gas V6 Engine Type

    Suspension

    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear
    Strut Suspension Type - Front

    Weight & Capacity

    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    18 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    3,355 lbs Base Curb Weight

    Safety

    Standard Brake Assist

    Entertainment

    Optional Bluetooth®
    Standard Bluetooth®

    Electrical

    130 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
    N/A Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

    Brakes

    Not Available Drum - Rear (Yes or )
    11.500 x 0.350 in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    11.700 x 1.020 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    4-Wheel Brake ABS System
    Pwr Brake Type

Photo & video gallery

2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Nissan Altima

The good & the bad

The good

V-6 power, refinement
Responsive CVT
Good handling, more compliant ride
Front-seat comfort, backseat space

The bad

Four-cylinder drone when accelerating
Inconsistent steering feel
Available text-messaging assistant doesn't work with iPhone
Bland interior styling

Expert 2013 Nissan Altima review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Sara Lacey
Full article
our expert's take


Upon entering the backseat of Nissan’s 2013 Altima for the first time, my daughter exclaimed, “This is just what a limousine is like on the inside! At least, this is what I imagine a limousine is like on the inside!” The role of chauffeur was easily tackled during my week in the Altima.

I don’t always love that part of my job description as a mom to two school-aged kids, but it was, in fact, comfortable and doable in the Altima, despite my initial concerns about its size.

It’s really not that big a leap to imagine the 2013 Nissan Altima as the car of choice for chauffeurs — both professionals and parents. The Altima is a large midsize sedan, and it easily accommodated my family of four and our daily lives.

The redesigned Altima has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder base engine, but my test car had the optional V-6. Little engine, wind or road noises are heard in the cabin. Both engines are paired with continuously variable automatic transmissions, and I’m happy to report there’s not the typical whining from them.

The CVT is quiet and seamless. However, anyone who enjoys a bit of engine noise and the jolt when an automatic transmission shifts gears will not like this. Anyone who enjoys smooth power and a quiet cabin will be impressed.

The 2013 Altima has a starting price of $22,280, including a $780 destination charge. My test car, an Altima 3.5 SV cost $29,425.

EXTERIOR
The 2013 Altima looks leaner but not quite meaner than its 2012 self. The redesigned midsize sedan is sinewy and upscale, thanks to a few chrome details.

As for getting in and out, younger kids will appreciate the lightweight doors and low step-in height. Parents will like that the doors don’t open so wide as to be a hazard to cars parked next to the Altima. What parents may get tired of is ducking down under the low roofline to get young ones buckled into child-safety seats. This lends itself to possible head-bonks and backaches.

As my kids are moving out of their booster seats, I’m realizing that now my concerns shift more to trunk space. Strollers have strolled out of my daily life and in have wandered hockey bags, ski gear, small suitcases, sleeping bags and pillows. Jumbo boxes of diapers have long disappeared and in their place are science fair dioramas. As the growth spurts of two kids kick in, I’m buying more groceries. The Altima’s trunk space accommodated these older-kid necessities, though the hockey stick had to go in the backseat. Incidentally, the rear seats fold 60/40 in case I needed more stick space.

The 2013 Altima has a base 182-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that gets an EPA-estimated 27/38 mpg city/highway. My test car, the Altima 3.5 SV, had the optional 270-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine that gets 22/31 mpg. Both engines use regular gas.

SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Some

INTERIOR
The Altima’s interior is well thought out and hospitable, and it uses a less-is-more approach, resulting in an uncluttered look.

The fabric upholstery looks lush and inviting, and the driver’s seat is comfortable, though lacking in significant seat bolsters. There’s an open cubby with a grippy liner that sits in front of the gearshift and is used for devices or other small objects, so you don’t have to use the cupholders for your lip balm and small pack of tissues. This spot in the Altima has a charger and a USB port located in it.

The Altima also has two independent cupholders instead of the usual rectangular space split by a plastic insert with semicircular flaps. This increased the space between lids on to-go coffee cups and kept the lids from loosening or popping off. Thank you for fixing this minor problem, Nissan.

The center stack is clearly marked, and the multimedia system is easy to use. Now that these systems have been around a while, they seem to be getting more and more refined. There was little redundancy in the Altima’s system; I appreciated that there weren’t five ways to do the same thing.

The backseat has an amazing amount of legroom, and there’s a fold-down armrest that keeps cupholders within easy reach of the younger set.

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

SAFETY
The 2013 Nissan Altima has received the top safety rating of five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It earned five stars out of five in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in a rollover crash test. It hasn’t been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Installing a child-safety seat in the Altima wasn’t as easy as most parents would like. It has two sets of lower Latch anchors, but some of the anchors are in the same area as the seat belt buckles, creating a mash of buckles, belts and connectors. Not fun. The fixed head restraints made installing a forward-facing convertible awkward. Booster seats fit perfectly on the second row’s bench because there was no bolstering to create havoc. For more on safety-seat fit, check out Cars.com’s Car Seat Check.

The 2013 Altima has standard front-wheel drive, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, an electronic stability system with traction control, active front head restraints and six airbags, including side curtains for both rows. An additional standard feature is the Easy-Fill Tire Alert system that will flash the Altima’s hazard lights as you are filling the tires and then gives you a “friendly beep of the horn” when the tire is full. Brilliant.

Blind spot and lane departure warning systems as well as moving object detection when in Reverse are optional.

Get more safety information about the 2013 Nissan Altima here.

2013 Nissan Altima review: Our expert's take
By Sara Lacey


Upon entering the backseat of Nissan’s 2013 Altima for the first time, my daughter exclaimed, “This is just what a limousine is like on the inside! At least, this is what I imagine a limousine is like on the inside!” The role of chauffeur was easily tackled during my week in the Altima.

I don’t always love that part of my job description as a mom to two school-aged kids, but it was, in fact, comfortable and doable in the Altima, despite my initial concerns about its size.

It’s really not that big a leap to imagine the 2013 Nissan Altima as the car of choice for chauffeurs — both professionals and parents. The Altima is a large midsize sedan, and it easily accommodated my family of four and our daily lives.

The redesigned Altima has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder base engine, but my test car had the optional V-6. Little engine, wind or road noises are heard in the cabin. Both engines are paired with continuously variable automatic transmissions, and I’m happy to report there’s not the typical whining from them.

The CVT is quiet and seamless. However, anyone who enjoys a bit of engine noise and the jolt when an automatic transmission shifts gears will not like this. Anyone who enjoys smooth power and a quiet cabin will be impressed.

The 2013 Altima has a starting price of $22,280, including a $780 destination charge. My test car, an Altima 3.5 SV cost $29,425.

EXTERIOR
The 2013 Altima looks leaner but not quite meaner than its 2012 self. The redesigned midsize sedan is sinewy and upscale, thanks to a few chrome details.

As for getting in and out, younger kids will appreciate the lightweight doors and low step-in height. Parents will like that the doors don’t open so wide as to be a hazard to cars parked next to the Altima. What parents may get tired of is ducking down under the low roofline to get young ones buckled into child-safety seats. This lends itself to possible head-bonks and backaches.

As my kids are moving out of their booster seats, I’m realizing that now my concerns shift more to trunk space. Strollers have strolled out of my daily life and in have wandered hockey bags, ski gear, small suitcases, sleeping bags and pillows. Jumbo boxes of diapers have long disappeared and in their place are science fair dioramas. As the growth spurts of two kids kick in, I’m buying more groceries. The Altima’s trunk space accommodated these older-kid necessities, though the hockey stick had to go in the backseat. Incidentally, the rear seats fold 60/40 in case I needed more stick space.

The 2013 Altima has a base 182-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that gets an EPA-estimated 27/38 mpg city/highway. My test car, the Altima 3.5 SV, had the optional 270-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine that gets 22/31 mpg. Both engines use regular gas.

SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Some

INTERIOR
The Altima’s interior is well thought out and hospitable, and it uses a less-is-more approach, resulting in an uncluttered look.

The fabric upholstery looks lush and inviting, and the driver’s seat is comfortable, though lacking in significant seat bolsters. There’s an open cubby with a grippy liner that sits in front of the gearshift and is used for devices or other small objects, so you don’t have to use the cupholders for your lip balm and small pack of tissues. This spot in the Altima has a charger and a USB port located in it.

The Altima also has two independent cupholders instead of the usual rectangular space split by a plastic insert with semicircular flaps. This increased the space between lids on to-go coffee cups and kept the lids from loosening or popping off. Thank you for fixing this minor problem, Nissan.

The center stack is clearly marked, and the multimedia system is easy to use. Now that these systems have been around a while, they seem to be getting more and more refined. There was little redundancy in the Altima’s system; I appreciated that there weren’t five ways to do the same thing.

The backseat has an amazing amount of legroom, and there’s a fold-down armrest that keeps cupholders within easy reach of the younger set.

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

SAFETY
The 2013 Nissan Altima has received the top safety rating of five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It earned five stars out of five in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in a rollover crash test. It hasn’t been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Installing a child-safety seat in the Altima wasn’t as easy as most parents would like. It has two sets of lower Latch anchors, but some of the anchors are in the same area as the seat belt buckles, creating a mash of buckles, belts and connectors. Not fun. The fixed head restraints made installing a forward-facing convertible awkward. Booster seats fit perfectly on the second row’s bench because there was no bolstering to create havoc. For more on safety-seat fit, check out Cars.com’s Car Seat Check.

The 2013 Altima has standard front-wheel drive, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, an electronic stability system with traction control, active front head restraints and six airbags, including side curtains for both rows. An additional standard feature is the Easy-Fill Tire Alert system that will flash the Altima’s hazard lights as you are filling the tires and then gives you a “friendly beep of the horn” when the tire is full. Brilliant.

Blind spot and lane departure warning systems as well as moving object detection when in Reverse are optional.

Get more safety information about the 2013 Nissan Altima here.

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2013 Nissan Altima base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
4/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
4/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
10.3%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
4/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
10.3%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Nissan and non-Nissan vehicles less than 10 years old and less than 100,000 miles. (Nissan vehicles less than 6 years from original new car in-service date must have more than 60,000 to qualify for Certified Select.)
Dealer certification
84-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.3 / 5
Based on 377 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.4
Performance 4.2
Value 4.3
Exterior 4.5
Reliability 4.3

Most recent

I own a 2013 Altima with technology package sport mode

I own a 2013 Altima with technology package sport mode use shifting flippers to shift at red line v6 270hp flat out flies for a Sudan.
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Best car when taken care of

I bought my 2013 Altima Coupe brand new with 11 miles total of me test driving it. I had the car 9 years with no issues and 73,000 miles. My only regret was trading it in on a Jeep which was a nightmare. I miss my Altima and wish I still had it. No issues at all with routine maintenace.
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 4.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
9 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2013 Nissan Altima?

The 2013 Nissan Altima is available in 7 trim levels:

  • 2.5 (1 style)
  • 2.5 S (2 styles)
  • 2.5 SL (2 styles)
  • 2.5 SV (1 style)
  • 3.5 S (1 style)
  • 3.5 SL (1 style)
  • 3.5 SV (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2013 Nissan Altima?

The 2013 Nissan Altima offers up to 27 MPG in city driving and 38 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2013 Nissan Altima?

The 2013 Nissan Altima compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2013 Nissan Altima reliable?

The 2013 Nissan Altima has an average reliability rating of 4.3 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2013 Nissan Altima owners.

Is the 2013 Nissan Altima a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2013 Nissan Altima. 80.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 377 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.4
  • Performance: 4.2
  • Value: 4.3
  • Exterior: 4.5
  • Reliability: 4.3

Nissan Altima history

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