2023 vs 2024 Nissan Altima: A Positive Change in Mid-Size Sedans?

When you're looking for a reliable mid-size sedan the Nissan Altima is likely on your list of options It’s one of the most popular models in its class balancing affordability performance and practicality. The 2023 and 2024 models of the Altima show Nissan’s efforts to keep their vehicles fresh. But what’s really new and different? And how do these models stack up against each other? We’re going to break down the pros and cons of each to help you decide if it’s worth sticking with the 2023 model or upgrading to the 2024 version

What's New for 2024?

First let’s take a look at what’s actually changed with the 2024 Nissan Altima compared to the 2023 model. Nissan didn’t completely overhaul the Altima for 2024 but they made some key updates that could make a difference for potential buyers.

Here are some notable changes:

• New exterior color options like "Ocean Blue Pearl" for a modern look.
• Updated infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across all trims.
• Enhanced driver assistance tech including improvements to the ProPilot Assist.
• A minor boost in fuel efficiency with the Altima’s already impressive gas mileage numbers.

While these changes might not seem like massive game-changers they add an extra layer of appeal to the 2024 Altima. On the other hand the 2023 Altima already has a lot going for it especially for those who aren’t concerned about having the absolute latest features.

Performance Comparison: 2023 Altima vs 2024 Altima

Powertrain and Engines

Both the 2023 and 2024 Nissan Altima come with two main engine options. You can choose between a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 188 horsepower or the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers up to 248 horsepower.

The 2023 Altima has been praised for its balance between fuel efficiency and decent acceleration especially with the base engine. It gets about 28 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway. Not bad for a daily commuter!

The 2024 Altima offers the same engine choices but Nissan’s engineers have tweaked the performance slightly to improve fuel efficiency by around 1 MPG across the board. For those keeping a close eye on gas prices that small boost could be a deciding factor.

While Alex Collantes, a car enthusiast and long-time Nissan owner, notes "The 2024's performance enhancements are subtle but noticeable especially for highway driving where the engine feels a bit smoother than the 2023." However Alex also mentions that the 2.0L turbo "doesn’t really offer enough to justify the price jump unless you’re a fan of faster take-offs."

Handling and Ride Comfort

One of the key selling points of the Nissan Altima has always been its comfortable ride quality. Both the 2023 and 2024 models feature Nissan’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system available as an option which helps in poor weather conditions like snow or rain. The AWD system is one of the more unique features in this class of car because it’s not as common to see AWD in mid-size sedans.

Both cars also offer a smooth and quiet ride thanks to Nissan’s suspension tuning. However the 2024 Altima does have a slight edge in terms of comfort with small updates made to the suspension for better absorption of road imperfections.

Still if you're coming from the 2023 model you might not feel the difference unless you drive both back-to-back.

Interior and Technology: Has Anything Really Changed?

Interior Comfort and Layout

When you step inside the 2023 and 2024 Altima models you won’t notice much of a difference in terms of overall layout. Both cars have a spacious cabin that can comfortably seat up to five passengers. You’ll still find high-quality materials throughout especially if you go for the higher trims like the SR or Platinum.

The 2023 model has already set the bar with its 8-inch touchscreen display on lower trims and the option for a 9-inch display on higher trims. In both cars you get Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats which are designed to reduce fatigue on long drives.

Tech and Infotainment Systems

This is one area where the 2024 Altima makes clear improvements over the 2023 model. The biggest upgrade? The wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims in the 2024 model. This is a big deal for anyone who doesn’t want to fuss with cables every time they hop in their car.

The 2023 Altima still offers these features but only through wired connections unless you go for the higher trims which might be a slight inconvenience for some drivers. Additionally Nissan has updated the voice control and navigation system in the 2024 model for a more seamless experience.

Drawbacks in Tech?

One downside is that both models’ infotainment systems while functional don’t feel as modern as some competitors in the mid-size sedan market. The menus can be a little clunky and response times are slower compared to newer offerings from Honda or Toyota.

Alex says “The tech in the 2024 Altima does the job but it’s still not as polished as what you find in other brands.” He adds that while the wireless CarPlay is a welcome addition it can occasionally be “glitchy especially on longer drives.”

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

Standard and Available Features

In terms of safety both the 2023 and 2024 Altima are well-equipped. Standard features include:

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

One standout feature available in both models is Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, which provides semi-autonomous driving capability for highway situations like long road trips or heavy traffic. In the 2024 Altima this system has been tweaked to be more responsive and smoother when handling lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control.

Safety Ratings

Both cars come with five-star safety ratings from the NHTSA but it’s important to note that neither car offers as many advanced safety features as some competitors in the same price range like the Honda Accord or the Toyota Camry.

Drawbacks in Safety?

One drawback to both the 2023 and 2024 Altima is that more advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and 360-degree cameras are only available on higher trims. For some buyers this might mean shelling out more money for features that competitors offer as standard.

Pricing and Trims: Where’s the Value?

2023 Altima Pricing

The 2023 Altima comes in five trims: S SV SR SL and Platinum. Prices start at around $25,000 for the base S model and go up to just over $35,000 for the fully-loaded Platinum trim with AWD. This makes it a competitive option against other mid-size sedans with plenty of features even at the lower end of the spectrum.

2024 Altima Pricing

The 2024 Altima follows a similar pricing structure but with a slight bump across trims due to the new features and updates. Expect the base S trim to start at around $26,000 and the top Platinum trim to push closer to $36,000.

For budget-conscious buyers the 2023 model may still hold more value especially if you can snag one at a dealership offering year-end discounts.

Is the Price Difference Justified?

Ultimately whether the price difference between the 2023 and 2024 models is justified comes down to how much you value updated tech. If wireless connectivity and slightly better fuel efficiency are high on your priority list then the 2024 model could be worth the extra cost.

Final Thoughts: Which Altima Should You Choose?

In conclusion both the 2023 and 2024 Nissan Altima offer a lot to love for anyone in the market for a mid-size sedan. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• 2023 Altima Pros: More affordable same great performance practical features good fuel economy
• 2023 Altima Cons: Outdated infotainment without wireless connectivity less refined suspension compared to 2024 model
• 2024 Altima Pros: Improved tech better fuel efficiency more responsive driver assistance features
• 2024 Altima Cons: Slightly higher price some tech glitches

Alex Collantes wraps it up by saying "Both cars are solid choices If you want to save some money and don’t care about the latest tech the 2023 is perfect But if you like having all the bells and whistles the 2024 definitely stands out."

No matter which model you choose the Nissan Altima continues to be a strong contender in the sedan market offering a blend of comfort performance and reliability. The 2023 version is a great option if you’re on a budget but if you can afford the extra features in the 2024 model it’s worth the upgrade for the tech-savvy driver