2014 Nissan Altima: What's Changed

Friday, July 26, 2013

2014 Nissan Altima: What's Changed

Most significant changes: New technology, sport and audio option packages, as well as available interior and exterior upgrades; coupe axed
Price change: Pricing not yet announced
On sale: Early August
Which should you buy, 2013 or 2014? Stick with the 2013. It's difficult to say without pricing info, but we're content with the 2013 model's technology suite and doubt most buyers will choose navigation anyway.

A redesigned, fifth-generation Nissan Altima debuted for the 2013 model year; the sedan returns for 2014 with a host of new packages, options and interior and tech upgrades. The Altima will come in 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, 3.5 S, 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL trim levels. Powertrains carryover with a 182-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an EPA-estimated 27/38 mpg city/highway on the 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV and 2.5 SL, while 3.5 models get a 270-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, good for 22/31 mpg; all models are mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Among the new option packages is the Technology Package, which replaces the 2013's Navigation Package on the 2.5 SV and 3.5 SV and includes the NissanConnect multimedia system. The new Sport Value Package, available on the 2.5 S, comes with 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, remote start and trunk lid spoiler. The new Display Audio Package, which will be available on the 2.5 S and 3.5 S, includes a 5.0-inch color display, backup camera, USB port, satellite radio (standard on the 3.5 S and requiring a subscription) and NissanConnect.

Exterior upgrades include available 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; the new Gun Metallic paint, which replaces Metallic Slate among Altima's eight color offerings; and chrome exhaust finishers on the 2.5 trim. On the tech front, improved navigation capabilities include smartphone integration for iPhone and Android, weather info, revised button labels and SiriusXM Travel Link, which now offers fuel prices, movie times, stock updates and sports scores. Inside, driver and front-passenger visor illumination and extensions — previously part of the Convenience Package — are now standard on the 2.5 S, 2.5 SV and 3.5 S trims, while rear-passenger air-conditioning vents (previously standard on SV trims) have been added to the Convenience Package.

Nissan has not yet announced pricing for the 2014 Altima, which hits dealerships in early August. The Altima coupe has been discontinued for 2014.

from KickingTires http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/