Redesign that came with 2016 Altima will be carried over, and the 2018 Nissan Altima comes with no significant changes. The Altima is a family sedan which has been sold by Nissan for a very long time. The current generation has been released back in 2012 and redesigned for 2016 and since then it managed to become one of their better selling models thanks to its nice interior, very good acquisition price and rather powerful engines for its class.
However, the car lacked a few features even on the top end models, and its design is less than ideal. In order to solve these issues, Nissan released a mild update a year ago with the 2016MY and they are preparing to offer an almost identical vehicle with the 2018 Nissan Altima model. This time around, though, this redesigned model is an alternative to other popular vehicles in the segment and can compete with cars such as the Mazda 6 or the all-new Malibu.
Release Date
The platform the new model employs is a decent upgrade and is based on a new modular front-wheel drive platform that is shared with European cars from Renault and Mercedes. This new platform will use lighter materials, and it will be cheaper to manufacture as well, so it should allow Nissan to direct quite a bit of money to other areas of development for future models such as the interior or the rather unappealing look of the current model. The release of the car will most likely happen in the second half of 2016 or little bit earlier during summer when it will be available for sale.
Engine
Engine wise, the new 2018 Nissan Altima, could get more efficient engines than that currently available, if this happens, it will most likely use forced induction units. In the US, the old 2.5-liter inline 4 engine might get competition with 1.6-liter turbocharged unit shared with Renault and Mercedes. This could easily provide up to 180 horsepower and over 180 lb-ft of torque which is similar power output as the base 2.5 liter I4. With smaller turbo unit we would get better fuel economy so it could reach 30/41 mpg representing a nice improvement. Performances would be slightly better for sure, but we do not know what would be the price compared to standard 2.5 liter I4 powered model.
The top of the range 3.5 liter V6, on the other hand, might get replaced by a new 3 liter twin-turbocharged V6 that will pump out 350+ horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque or more likely by a smaller 2.0 liter inline four offering from 270 to 280 hp. With high power output, we think that 3.0-liter twin-turbo will not come to 2018 Nissan Altima but still we could hear this engine mentioned in rumors. Both of these should benefit from an upgraded CVT gearbox that will drive the front wheels while for the first time, an all-wheel drive system might become available. In Europe on the other hand, the car may get an even smaller engine than the US version, most likely a 0.9 liter turbocharged inline 3 with up to 110 horsepower.
Coupe
Design wise, while the current model is still quite fresh, we would like to see further improvements. It is clear that Maxima was the main source of inspiration but still, it isn’t really able to offer the same appeal mostly due to its odd proportions. The new car is expected to rock a similar design scheme after recent redesign but this time around we hope to see coupe model delivered that will follow the look of the Maxima as well as to use some of its design cues such as the very aggressive headlights and its large grille.
Also, the new 2018 Nissan Altima continues the trend that 2016 version set and is slightly larger than previous generations. One of the upgrades that might be offered is the bigger wheels as an option and as a result, we would be getting a better overall look. Inside the cabin this generation comes with more space for the passengers plus a larger trunk and besides that, it should be the trend setter for Nissan’s future models regarding look and feel. We have received nicer materials from it, on the dashboard, seats, and door covers, and it is the first car to receive Nissan’s upcoming infotainment and navigation unit.
2018 Nissan Altima Price
With no significant changes over the refreshed 2016 version, it should not cost all that much over the price of the currently offered version. The base model of 2018 Nissan Altima could be offered for about $22,500 while the top of the line model price should stay at about $32,000 before you add some of the optional equipment that will further increase the price. If we take a look at those models with a higher price, we can notice that they do offer more than decent amount of equipment making it competitive and comparable with strongest rivals in the segment.
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