Best 2023 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR for Sale: Stylish, Reliable, and Sporty Sedan
If you're searching for a sleek yet reliable sedan that won't break the bank the 2023 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR might just be the right fit for you. This sedan combines sporty performance with everyday practicality and it's ideal for drivers who want something that looks sharp drives smoothly and comes with a ton of features. Let’s dive into the details about why you should consider the 2023 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR and what you should keep in mind before making the purchase.
Overview of the 2023 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR
The 2023 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR belongs to the mid-size sedan category competing with other popular models like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. But what makes this Altima stand out is its unique combination of performance design and tech. With a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and 188 horsepower under the hood the SR trim offers drivers more sporty driving dynamics than the base model.
- Price range: Typically ranges between $26,000 and $30,000 for a new model depending on your region and specific dealer incentives.
- Fuel efficiency: Up to 28 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway
- Key features: Sport-tuned suspension 19-inch alloy wheels and paddle shifters
Why the SR Trim?
The SR trim is Nissan’s answer to drivers who want more than just a basic sedan. The Altima SR adds a sportier feel both inside and out. It’s equipped with stylish 19-inch alloy wheels and comes with a sport-tuned suspension that makes driving through winding roads or open highways much more fun.
Alex Collantes a long-time automotive enthusiast says “The 2023 Altima 2.5 SR feels like the perfect blend of sporty and practical. It gives me that boost of confidence when I hit the gas but it’s still comfortable enough for daily drives.”
Exterior Design
The Altima’s design has always leaned towards sleek and sophisticated and the 2023 model continues this tradition. The SR trim in particular gets some sporty upgrades that make it look even more aggressive and appealing.
- Signature V-Motion grille: This grille dominates the front of the vehicle giving it a bold appearance that catches attention
- LED headlights: Sharp LED lights on the front not only improve nighttime visibility but also add a modern touch
- 19-inch alloy wheels: These wheels are larger than those on the standard trims making the car look more athletic
One downside to consider is that while the Altima SR has a stylish design some of the plastic materials on the exterior may not feel as high-quality as those found on competitors like the Mazda6. It’s a minor issue but something to keep in mind if premium feel is a top priority for you.
Color Options
The 2023 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR comes in a variety of color choices including:
- Scarlet Ember Tintcoat: A deep rich red
- Super Black: A classic option that complements the sporty design
- Pearl White Tricoat: A sleek elegant white
Each color adds its own personality to the Altima’s sleek exterior. Keep in mind though that some premium colors may cost extra. Be sure to check with your dealership about any additional costs for these specific color options.
Interior Features and Comfort
Inside the 2023 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR drivers will find a modern and comfortable interior. The SR trim adds a few unique touches that set it apart from the lower trims including leather-wrapped steering wheel and paddle shifters. The seats are comfortable for long drives and offer supportive bolstering for a sportier feel.
- 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat: Provides excellent comfort and flexibility to find the perfect driving position
- Zero Gravity seats: Designed to reduce fatigue on long trips
- Sporty stitching: Red contrast stitching on the seats gives the interior a more premium look
The infotainment system is another area where the Altima shines. It comes with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base trims but the SR model upgrades to an 8-inch display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
While the overall interior quality is great there’s one potential drawback—the SR trim doesn’t offer leather seats unless you upgrade to the Premium Package which can bump up the price. If you’re looking for a more luxurious interior experience this might be a point of consideration.
Infotainment System
The Altima’s infotainment system is one of its strong points. Whether you're making hands-free calls or streaming music from your phone the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrations make it easy to stay connected on the go.
Pros of the Infotainment System:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Clear and responsive touchscreen
- Seamless smartphone integration
Cons:
- No wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto: You’ll still need a cable to connect your phone
- Basic sound system on the SR trim: If you're a big audiophile you might find the sound system lacking compared to premium sedans
Performance and Driving Dynamics
When it comes to performance the 2023 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR packs enough punch to satisfy most drivers. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 188 horsepower which is more than enough for daily commuting and weekend drives. The sport-tuned suspension adds an extra layer of fun when taking corners though it’s not as dynamic as something like a Mazda6.
Driving Experience
One of the standout features of the Altima SR is its sport-tuned suspension. While the base Altima offers a smooth comfortable ride the SR model adds a firmer more responsive suspension setup. This means that on twisty roads the Altima SR feels more agile and confident.
Pros of the Altima SR’s Driving Dynamics:
- Responsive handling for a midsize sedan
- Paddle shifters provide a more engaging driving experience
- Great fuel economy for a sportier trim
Cons:
- Ride quality can feel too firm for some drivers particularly on rough roads
- CVT transmission may not feel as engaging as a traditional automatic or manual transmission
Alex Collantes points out "The sport suspension is fun but on bumpy roads you do feel every little bump. It's great when you're in the mood to drive hard but if you're just cruising it might feel a bit harsh."
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is always a big concern when buying a new car and the 2023 Nissan Altima SR delivers in this department. The Altima received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA and it comes with Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard.
Key Safety Features:
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Helps avoid frontal collisions by applying the brakes when necessary
- Lane Departure Warning: Alerts you if you drift out of your lane without signaling
- Blind Spot Monitoring: A great feature for highway driving especially when changing lanes
One downside to note is that adaptive cruise control is not included on the base SR trim. To get this feature you'll need to upgrade to a higher trim level or package. Some competitors like the Honda Accord offer adaptive cruise control as standard so this might be a slight drawback for tech-savvy buyers.
Child Safety and Family-Friendly Features
If you're considering the Altima SR as a family vehicle you’ll be happy to know that it comes with LATCH connectors for child seats and plenty of rear-seat legroom. The SR’s sporty design doesn’t compromise on space which is a big plus for families who need room for kids and cargo.
Pricing and Availability
The 2023 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR is priced between $26,000 and $30,000 depending on your location and the specific options you choose. This makes it competitive with other midsize sedans like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. However prices can fluctuate depending on dealership incentives availability and region-specific fees.
Where to Buy
- Nissan dealerships: This is the most common place to find a new Altima SR
- Certified pre-owned: If you're looking to save some money consider checking out Nissan’s CPO options
- Online car buying platforms: Websites like Carvana and Vroom might have listings for the 2023 Altima SR at competitive prices
Be sure to shop around and check for dealer promotions or holiday sales events to get the best deal possible. Many dealers also offer financing incentives or cashback offers which can further reduce the overall cost.
Competitor Comparison
When shopping for a midsize sedan it's important to consider how the Altima SR stacks up against its main competitors. Here’s a brief comparison:
Nissan Altima 2.5 SR vs Toyota Camry SE
- Performance: The Camry SE offers a bit more horsepower (203 hp vs 188 hp) but the Altima SR has better fuel economy
- Interior: Both vehicles offer similar interior space but the Camry has a slightly more upscale interior feel
- Price: The Altima SR is usually priced lower than the Camry SE
Nissan Altima 2.5 SR vs Honda Accord Sport
- Driving dynamics: The Accord Sport offers a more engaging driving experience thanks to its available turbocharged engine
- Tech features: The Accord comes with more advanced tech like a larger touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay
- Comfort: The Altima SR’s Zero Gravity seats are generally more comfortable for long drives
Final Thoughts
The 2023 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR is a great choice for drivers looking for a sedan that balances style performance and practicality. It offers a sporty driving experience with plenty of tech and safety features to keep you connected and safe on the road. While it’s not without its drawbacks—like the firm ride quality and the lack of standard leather seats—the Altima SR still stands out as one of the best options in the midsize sedan category.
Whether you're commuting daily or taking weekend road trips the Altima 2.5 SR delivers on what it promises—a fun yet reliable ride at a competitive price point. Just remember to weigh the pros and cons and take it for a test drive to see if it fits your personal needs.