2025 Nissan Altima SR AWD Review: Sporty Styling but Unexciting

The 2025 Nissan Altima SR is a sharp-looking midsize sedan with a very comfortable interior and practical storage. While it delivers in several areas, its overall performance may leave buyers wanting more. The Altima SR, our test model for a week, is a $34,500 all-wheel-drive sedan in a pretty Blue Stone Pearl exterior color. This color is complemented by trendy again 19-inch bronze aluminum-alloy wheels. This muted bronze finish adds a modern, sporty flair to the sedan.

From its sloping hood to its dual exhaust and black chrome accents, the Altima looks sporty, and the more I looked at it, the more I liked it. Under the hood, the Altima SR features a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 178 lb-ft. of torque at 3,600 RPM. This setup is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the engine delivers reliable fuel economy (28 MPG combined), its acceleration feels sluggish compared to rivals like the Toyota Camry or turbocharged competitors. The CVT, a long-standing feature in Nissan vehicles, has its quirks.

The rubber-band effect – a delay in power delivery before the engine winds up – detracts from the driving experience for those seeking spirited performance. Paddle shifters are available for manual control but do little to elevate the overall responsiveness. The Altima handles well in everyday scenarios, with good visibility and an interior layout that makes it easy to access all the controls. However, road vibrations are noticeable, and the powertrain struggles to provide confident passing speeds.

The cockpit design for the Nissan Altima prioritizes the driver with easily accessible controls for windows, cruise control, and infotainment. The mechanical gauges and a digital display provide standard trip and fuel economy data. While the materials and layout are functional, some premium features, like automatic climate control, are notably absent in this SR trim. One disappointment is the use of so many piano black materials in the cabin. This material looks great when it is new but can quickly scratch, get dirty, and just look downright awful in a short time.

The Altima SR includes an infotainment system with a basic touchscreen interface. While it supports Bluetooth connectivity for calls and music, the display suffers from glare and lacks vibrant resolution. Even at night, I thought the screen could be brighter even after adjusting the lighting controls. The rearview camera, though functional, is average in quality. It works, and that’s all I can say about it.

The seats themselves are a highlight, offering exceptional comfort. Nissan has just nailed seat comfort for the last several years, and this Altima continues this trend. While the backseat can fit three adults, headroom is tight, particularly for taller passengers. Storage options include cupholders, USB ports, and back pockets for convenience. The foot trunk space is practical; its 15.4 cubic feet easily accommodate two sets of golf clubs.

For drivers prioritizing comfort and practicality over performance, the Altima delivers. Enthusiasts, however, may find it uninspiring. The 2025 Nissan Altima SR is an attractive, comfortable, and practical midsize sedan. Its standout features include stylish design, excellent seats, and good fuel efficiency. However, its underwhelming powertrain and average tech features may leave some buyers looking at more performance-oriented competitors.