2016 Nissan Altima: A Midsize Sedan Striving to Keep Up

In Short

• Refreshed exterior styling with a bold new V-shaped grille and sharper headlight/taillight designs
• Competitive fuel efficiency ratings and peppy acceleration from available 4-cylinder and V6 engines
• Available advanced safety tech like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking
• Disappointing interior quality and outdated infotainment systems compared to class leaders

Introduction

As the competition in the ultra-competitive midsize sedan segment continued to intensify, the 2016 Nissan Altima received a mid-cycle refresh to help keep it relevant. While updates to the exterior styling and newly available features aimed to breathe new life into the aging model, the Altima’s cabin and technology fell behind the curve set by newer rivals.

Under the hood, the Altima continued to offer punchy performance and admirable fuel efficiency. But did the 2016 updates do enough to make the Altima a top choice, or was it outshined by fresher entries from Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, and others?

Key Specifications

Exterior Design and Features

The 2016 Altima’s refreshed front end featured Nissan’s signature V-shaped grille, along with new headlight housings and a revised bumper design. Around the back, the taillights received an edgier look. A new SR trim level turned up the sportiness even further with 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, daytime running lights, and fog lights.

While the updates successfully modernized the Altima’s aesthetic, some critics felt the overall design still lacked the wow factor and premium polish of models like the Mazda6 and Ford Fusion.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Continuing a recurring theme, the Altima’s cabin showed its age compared to newer competitors. The materials quality was merely average, with too many hard plastic surfaces. The front seats drew praise for their “zero gravity” NASA-inspired design, but the available leather upholstery could be stifling in warm weather.

Infotainment was the Altima’s biggest shortcoming on the tech front. The standard 5-inch display looked dated, while the optional 7-inch touchscreen lacked the intuitive operation and advanced smartphone integration of rival systems. Fortunately, noise insulation improvements for 2016 helped reduce road and engine noise intrusion.

Performance

The Altima continued to offer a choice of two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder produced 182 horsepower, providing adequate acceleration for most drivers. The 3.5-liter V6, pumping out a robust 270 horsepower, transformed the Altima into a rev-happy sport sedan capable of 0-60 mph sprints in just 6.2 seconds.

Both engines were paired with Nissan’s Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which drew praise for its responsiveness compared to some rivals. The CVT included simulated gear ratios to reduce the dreaded “rubber band” effect common with CVTs.

Fuel Efficiency

Despite its potent acceleration, the Altima’s fuel efficiency numbers remained competitive. With the 2.5L four-cylinder, the Altima achieved an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined (27 city/39 highway). The 3.5L V6 was still respectable at 26 mpg combined (22 city/32 highway).

No dedicated hybrid model was offered, though Nissan did include an “EcoMode” button to maximize efficiency by smoothing out throttle response.

Safety Ratings and Features

The 2016 Altima continued Nissan’s tradition of strong crash test performance. The NHTSA awarded it a 5-star overall safety rating, with perfect 5-star scores in frontal and side crash tests. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+, earning top “Good” scores in all crashworthiness evaluations.

In addition to the expected airbags and traction/stability control systems, the Altima was available with some of the latest active safety tech. Higher trims offered blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Nissan’s Predictive Forward Collision Warning system, which could automatically apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate a collision.

Driving Experience and Handling

While few would categorize the Altima as a true “driver’s car,” reviews found it to be composed and predictable when driven spiritedly. The SR trim’s sport-tuned suspension added a bit more athleticism, aided by a slick-shifting manual mode with wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

However, the Altima couldn’t quite match the dynamic handling prowess and impeccable poise of class leaders like the Honda Accord and Mazda6. The steering feel was somewhat vague, and the tires relinquished grip sooner than expected on twisty roads. The ride quality was compliant in most scenarios but could become unsettled over rougher surfaces.

Infotainment and Tech

As noted, the Altima’s infotainment systems struggled to keep pace with newer, more advanced rivals’ systems. The base 5-inch display looked aftermarket, while the 7-inch upgraded unit lacked smartphone integration for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Bright spots included available NissanConnect Services, automatic collision notification, emergency assistance, and a stolen vehicle locator. A booming Bose premium audio system was also on the options list.

Reliability and Maintenance

Reliability should be a strong point, with Nissan’s reputation for durable, low-maintenance products. The Altima utilized time-tested components and mechanicals with years of proven dependability in the model line. As with any vehicle, adhering to the recommended maintenance schedule is key for longevity.

Resale and Depreciation

Like most mainstream midsize sedans, the Altima was expected to experience average depreciation. Factors such as the specific trim level, mileage, condition, and the local market would impact resale values. Shoppers may want to consider a Certified Pre-Owned Altima from the factory for added warranty coverage and benefits.

Note: While the 2016 Nissan Altima provided a compelling mix of performance, efficiency, safety tech, and value, it was outclassed by newer competitors in terms of interior refinement and cutting-edge infotainment/connectivity features. Buyers should carefully assess their priorities and possibly consider more recently redesigned models like the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, or Mazda6 if the latest tech and premium cabin appointments are must-haves. For those willing to forego some of the latest bells and whistles in exchange for proven reliability and value, a certified pre-owned 2016 Altima could still satisfy – especially when optioned with desirable packages like the Technology bundle.

Pros and Cons

Is It Still a Viable Choice?

Even after its refresh, the 2016 Nissan Altima felt a half-step behind the curve set by newer midsize sedan competitors. Its combination of potent performance, solid efficiency, and advanced safety features made it a perfectly viable option. But buyers prioritizing the latest tech, premium cabin appointments, and class-leading driving dynamics were likely better served by rivals like the Honda Accord, Mazda6, or Hyundai Sonata.

For value-conscious buyers willing to forego the absolutely latest bells and whistles, a well-equipped 2016 Altima could still satisfy – especially if a certified pre-owned model providing added warranty coverage was available at an attractive price point.

FAQs

• What engine choices were offered on the 2016 Altima?

The Altima came standard with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder producing 182 horsepower. A 3.5-liter V6 with 270 horsepower was an optional upgrade.

• How did the Altima’s fuel economy compare to its rivals?

With EPA estimates of up to 31 mpg combined for the 4-cylinder and 26 mpg combined for the V6, the Altima’s fuel efficiency was highly competitive.

• What advanced safety tech features were available?

Higher Altima trims offered blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

• How did reviewers evaluate the interior quality and infotainment?

The Altima’s interior materials and build quality were criticized as subpar compared to newer rivals. Infotainment systems also lagged with dated displays and interfaces.

• Did the Altima come as a hybrid model?

No, the 2016 Altima lineup did not include a dedicated hybrid variant. An “EcoMode” button aided efficiency by smoothing throttle response.