Exciting Review: 2023 Nissan Altima SR 0-60 Performance and More

The 2023 Nissan Altima SR has captured the attention of many drivers for its stylish design performance capabilities and affordability. It's a midsize sedan that promises a thrilling drive and advanced features but today we're focusing on its acceleration from 0 to 60 mph and how it stacks up against competitors. In this review we’ll dive deep into the performance of the Nissan Altima SR its standout features and the areas where it could improve. We’ll also explore the opinions of real drivers like Alex Collantes to give you a well-rounded understanding of the Altima SR.

Introduction: What’s Special About the 2023 Nissan Altima SR?

The Nissan Altima has long been a staple in the midsize sedan category. It’s known for reliability comfort and affordability making it a top choice for families and daily commuters. But the SR trim of the 2023 Altima adds something a little extra – sportiness. Nissan aims to deliver a car that not only meets the practical needs of drivers but also provides an exciting driving experience.

The 2023 Altima SR comes equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-four engine as standard. It also offers an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine on higher trims which boosts performance significantly. For those who crave a little more thrill on the road the SR trim brings sporty styling with features like 19-inch alloy wheels a sport-tuned suspension and a bold front grille.

Key Performance Specs

Before we dive into the specifics of the 0-60 time it’s essential to understand the overall performance capabilities of the 2023 Altima SR. Here’s a quick overview of the engine and transmission:

Engine:

• 2.5-liter Inline-4
• 188 hp at 6000 rpm
• 180 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm

Transmission:

• Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)

Drivetrain:

• Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) as standard
• Optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Estimated Fuel Economy:

• 27 MPG City
• 37 MPG Highway

These specs suggest that the Altima SR strikes a balance between performance and efficiency but the big question is how fast it goes from 0 to 60 mph and how it feels while doing it.

2023 Nissan Altima SR 0-60 mph: Real-World Testing

Testing the Acceleration

When it comes to 0-60 mph acceleration the Nissan Altima SR isn't necessarily designed to compete with high-performance sports cars. However for a midsize sedan it performs admirably. During real-world tests the Altima SR with the standard 2.5-liter engine achieved a 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.4 seconds.

This time places the Altima SR in the middle of its class – faster than some competitors like the Toyota Camry SE but slightly slower than the Honda Accord Sport. While it may not blow your mind with speed it provides enough power for most driving situations whether merging onto highways or passing slower vehicles.

The Driving Experience

But numbers only tell part of the story. Behind the wheel the Altima SR feels lively and responsive thanks to its sport-tuned suspension and CVT transmission. The steering is well-weighted providing good feedback from the road. The car maintains stability even at higher speeds giving drivers confidence when pushing it to its limits.

However one potential drawback is the lack of a more powerful engine option for the SR trim. Nissan reserves the VC-Turbo engine for higher trims which means if you want more power you'll need to upgrade or look elsewhere. But for the average driver looking for a blend of sporty handling and everyday usability the SR's performance is more than adequate.

What Drivers Like Alex Collantes Have to Say

We spoke with Alex Collantes a long-time Nissan fan who recently test-drove the 2023 Altima SR. Alex said "I’ve driven a lot of sedans in this class and I have to say the Altima SR feels sportier than I expected. It doesn’t have that raw power of a turbocharged engine but it’s plenty quick for daily driving. Plus the suspension gives it a nice tight feel in the corners. It’s a car that feels good to drive even if you’re not breaking speed records."

The Interior and Technology: What’s Inside?

Cabin Comfort and Space

The 2023 Altima SR boasts a well-appointed cabin that strikes a balance between comfort and style. The seats are supportive and covered in premium sport cloth upholstery with optional leather accents. There’s ample space for both front and rear passengers making it suitable for long trips or daily commutes.

One of the standout features is the Zero Gravity front seats which are designed to reduce fatigue during long drives. While they may not be as luxurious as those found in high-end models they offer more comfort than many of the Altima’s competitors.

Tech Features

The Altima SR is equipped with a 7-inch digital driver display and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the screen is responsive and easy to use it lacks the high-resolution display seen in some rivals. That said most drivers will find it perfectly adequate for navigation music and smartphone integration.

Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist is also available on the SR trim offering semi-autonomous driving features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. However these features are more of a convenience than a necessity and may not be worth the extra cost for all buyers.

Drawbacks Inside the Cabin

Despite the generally positive interior there are a few areas where the Altima SR falls short. For instance the plastics used in some parts of the cabin feel a bit cheap compared to the soft-touch materials found in competitors like the Mazda6. Additionally road noise can be an issue especially at higher speeds though it’s not deal-breaking for most drivers.

Handling and Ride Quality: On the Road

The 2023 Nissan Altima SR is equipped with a sport-tuned suspension that gives it a more dynamic feel compared to the standard trims. The ride is firmer but not uncomfortable making it an excellent choice for those who want a balance of comfort and fun-to-drive characteristics.

When taking tight corners the Altima SR feels stable and controlled though there’s still some body roll – a common issue for vehicles in this class. The 19-inch wheels do help with grip but they also contribute to a slightly rougher ride over uneven pavement.

Potential Drawbacks

One area where the Altima SR struggles is in braking feel. While the brakes are effective the pedal feels a bit soft which may not inspire confidence during more aggressive driving. It’s not a significant issue but something worth noting for those who prioritize performance.

Competitors Comparison: How the Altima SR Stacks Up

Let’s take a moment to compare the 2023 Nissan Altima SR to some of its key rivals in the midsize sedan category:

2023 Toyota Camry SE

• 0-60 mph: 7.6 seconds
• Horsepower: 203 hp
• Fuel Economy: 28 city / 39 highway

The Toyota Camry SE offers slightly better fuel economy but its acceleration is a bit slower than the Altima SR. However the Camry’s interior materials and reliability reputation are stronger.

2023 Honda Accord Sport

• 0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds
• Horsepower: 192 hp (1.5T) or 252 hp (2.0T)
• Fuel Economy: 30 city / 38 highway

The Honda Accord Sport outperforms the Altima SR in terms of acceleration especially with the optional 2.0T engine. It also offers a more refined interior but at a higher price point.

2023 Mazda6 Sport

• 0-60 mph: 7.2 seconds
• Horsepower: 187 hp
• Fuel Economy: 26 city / 35 highway

The Mazda6 Sport is a close competitor offering similar performance to the Altima SR. However the Mazda6 is known for its more premium interior design and sharp handling though it sacrifices a bit of rear passenger space.

Safety Features: Keeping You Protected

The 2023 Altima SR doesn’t just focus on performance it’s also packed with safety features. Standard safety tech includes:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Lane Departure Warning

Additionally the IIHS awarded the 2023 Altima with a Top Safety Pick+ rating which is a testament to its overall safety in crash tests.

Possible Safety Concerns

While the Altima SR is equipped with plenty of safety features some drivers have noted that the lane-keeping assist can feel a bit intrusive pulling the steering wheel too forcefully at times. This might take some getting used to but it’s a minor issue in an otherwise well-equipped car.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2023 Nissan Altima SR Worth It?

The 2023 Nissan Altima SR offers an enticing package for drivers looking for a midsize sedan with sporty touches. It strikes a good balance between performance comfort and technology making it a well-rounded choice in a competitive segment.

That said the Altima SR is not without its drawbacks. The lack of a turbocharged engine option for this trim may turn off performance enthusiasts and the interior materials could be more upscale. However these are relatively minor issues considering the overall value the Altima SR provides.

Pros:

• Sporty exterior design
• Responsive handling
• Comfortable ride quality
• Advanced safety features

Cons:

• No turbocharged engine option on the SR trim
• Interior materials could be more refined
• Braking feel might be too soft for some

In the end if you’re seeking a sedan that delivers a fun driving experience without breaking the bank the 2023 Nissan Altima SR is certainly worth a test drive. As Alex Collantes put it “The Altima SR gives you that sporty vibe without the hefty price tag. It’s the perfect mix of fun and practicality.”

Note: Specifications and features are subject to change so always check with your local dealership for the most up-to-date information.