2024 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR Interior: A Surprising Blend of Comfort and Sport

The 2024 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR is making waves in the midsize sedan market. This model isn't just about a sporty exterior or a turbocharged engine. It's also about delivering a refined and well-thought-out interior that caters to the daily driver who wants a mix of comfort, technology, and practicality. This review dives into every corner of the Altima 2.5 SR’s interior, highlighting what’s great, what could be better, and why this sedan should be on your radar if you're looking for a vehicle that combines sporty vibes with a comfortable cabin.

Comfort and Seating: Tailored for Long Drives

The 2024 Altima SR offers seating that is surprisingly comfortable for a car that presents itself as sporty. With SR-specific seats that have unique stitching and materials, it gives off a premium feel even though it’s positioned as more of an affordable midsize sedan.

Material Quality

The seats in the Altima 2.5 SR are wrapped in sport cloth with leather-like trim. It’s a thoughtful mix because, while real leather isn't available at this trim level, the materials used still feel upscale. The contrast stitching adds a subtle design element that makes the interior feel unique compared to the base Altima. Nissan has done a good job here to make the SR version stand out from its more budget-friendly counterparts.

• Front Seats: The front seats are 8-way power adjustable for the driver and offer manual adjustments for the passenger. There’s adequate lumbar support, making the seats comfortable for long drives. The bolstering is slightly firmer on the SR trim to maintain the car’s sporty character, but they aren’t as aggressive as those you’d find in dedicated performance cars.

• Rear Seats: The rear seats offer a surprising amount of room. For a midsize sedan, the legroom is generous even for taller passengers. The rear seats don't feel cramped, which is great for families or ridesharing drivers. However, the rear seats lack any advanced recline feature, which could make long journeys a little less comfortable for passengers. Also, while the seats are well-padded, they are not heated, which some competitors offer at similar price points.

Ride Comfort

Alex Collantes, a Nissan enthusiast and owner of a 2023 Altima, had this to say: "The ride in the 2024 Altima SR is incredibly smooth for a sportier model. I drove it for hours during a test drive and barely felt any discomfort. It absorbs bumps in the road like a champ. However, it’s not a luxury ride like the Maxima, but for the price point, it’s hard to beat."

While the Altima SR’s suspension is slightly sport-tuned, it still absorbs bumps quite well. The multi-link rear suspension provides a well-balanced ride, keeping things composed even on uneven surfaces. However, keep in mind that if you’re looking for a plush, cloud-like driving experience, the SR’s sportier suspension tuning might feel a little stiff at times. But again, for the segment it’s aimed at, this balance between comfort and sport is commendable.

Technology and Infotainment: Staying Connected

Nissan has equipped the 2024 Altima 2.5 SR with a tech package that hits all the marks in today's market. Whether you're using it for daily commutes or long road trips, the infotainment system and tech features will keep you connected and entertained.

NissanConnect System

The NissanConnect infotainment system is user-friendly and has become a key selling point for the Altima. The 8-inch touchscreen is responsive, and the graphics are sharp enough for a midsize sedan. The interface is intuitive, so you won’t need to fiddle around too much to find your favorite apps or settings.

• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard in the 2024 Altima SR, which is expected but still very much appreciated. They work wirelessly, allowing you to connect your smartphone without the need for any extra cables.

• Bluetooth Connectivity: The Bluetooth connection is reliable and quick to pair, which is crucial for hands-free phone use and streaming music. Voice commands are responsive, though they occasionally need a second attempt to catch what you're saying.

Sound System

The standard 6-speaker sound system in the SR trim is adequate but might leave audiophiles wanting more. It's not going to give you that deep, rich bass or super crisp treble you’d get in some of the higher-end systems. While the sound is clear, it lacks the punch that other vehicles at this price point offer with their upgraded sound systems.

• Optional Bose Premium Audio: If you care about sound quality, it's worth noting that Nissan offers an optional 9-speaker Bose premium audio system in the higher trims. Unfortunately, this isn't available for the SR model, which could be a drawback for some buyers who prioritize sound quality in their rides.

Digital Displays

The 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display sits between the gauges, providing essential information like navigation directions, speed, and fuel efficiency. The SR trim features an exclusive red accent that gives it a sporty feel, and it’s easy to navigate the menus using the steering wheel controls.

Cargo and Storage: Room to Spare

Storage space is often a deal-breaker for midsize sedan buyers, and fortunately, the 2024 Altima SR doesn’t disappoint here.

Trunk Space

The trunk offers 15.4 cubic feet of space, which is pretty much standard for the midsize sedan class. The trunk opening is wide, making it easy to load larger items, and there are 60/40 split-folding rear seats that add flexibility for hauling longer objects. While the space is generous, some rivals like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry offer slightly more cargo capacity.

In-Cabin Storage

Within the cabin, there are plenty of storage options:

• Center Console: The center console is deep and offers ample space for storing your phone, sunglasses, or snacks for a road trip.
• Door Pockets: The door pockets are wide enough to hold water bottles and other smaller items.
• Cupholders: Two well-sized cupholders sit in the center console. In the back, there are two more cupholders embedded in the fold-down armrest for rear passengers.

Design and Aesthetic: Sleek Yet Sporty

The interior design of the 2024 Altima SR is where Nissan’s attention to detail really shines. The SR trim adds a sportier flair to the overall minimalist interior design of the Altima.

Dashboard Layout

The dashboard is laid out logically, with all the essential controls within arm's reach. The matte black accents and metallic trim pieces around the vents and center stack give the interior a clean, modern look. The steering wheel is flat-bottomed, which enhances the sporty vibe but also makes ingress and egress slightly easier for the driver.

Ambient Lighting

While the SR model doesn't come with ambient lighting options, the orange-lit gauges and soft LED lights throughout the cabin are a subtle touch that works well with the Altima’s sport-focused design. However, some competitors in this space are starting to offer more customizable ambient lighting even in their sportier trims, which Nissan may want to consider in future updates.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Confidence Behind the Wheel

Safety is one of Nissan’s strong suits, and the 2024 Altima SR is no exception. The car is equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes several advanced driver-assistance features.

Key Safety Features

• Automatic Emergency Braking: This system works to avoid or mitigate collisions by applying the brakes if a frontal collision is imminent.
• Blind Spot Warning: Alerts the driver when there is a vehicle in their blind spot, a must-have feature for anyone who spends a lot of time in city traffic or on the highway.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Great for reversing out of parking spaces, as it alerts you to approaching vehicles or pedestrians.

Drawbacks in Safety Tech

While the safety package is robust, adaptive cruise control is only available on higher trims. It's a bit disappointing that the SR model, which positions itself as a more premium offering within the Altima lineup, doesn't come standard with this feature. Some drivers may find this a drawback, especially given that many of Nissan’s competitors include adaptive cruise control in their sportier trims.

Climate Control and Convenience Features

The dual-zone automatic climate control comes standard in the 2024 Altima SR, which is a welcome feature. The system works quickly and maintains a comfortable cabin temperature without requiring constant adjustments.

Heated Seats

Unfortunately, the SR trim lacks heated front seats, which is a significant omission, especially in colder climates. In this price range, many competitors offer heated front seats as a standard feature on sport trims.

Remote Start

Nissan's Intelligent Climate Control and remote start system come standard on the SR model. This allows drivers to start the car and warm up (or cool down) the cabin before getting in. For commuters dealing with extreme temperatures, this feature will be a godsend.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2024 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR?

The 2024 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR offers an attractive balance of sportiness, comfort, and practicality. The interior might not boast the most luxurious materials or the most advanced features, but for its price point, it hits a sweet spot for drivers who want a sporty ride without sacrificing day-to-day comfort.

Pros:

• Sporty design and feel without being over-the-top
• Comfortable seats with good lumbar support
• User-friendly infotainment system with wireless smartphone integration
• Spacious rear seating for passengers
• Ample cargo space for a midsize sedan

Cons:

• No heated seats or premium sound system in the SR trim
• Sport-tuned suspension may feel a bit too firm for those seeking a plush ride
• Adaptive cruise control and some advanced safety features only available on higher trims

In conclusion the 2024 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR offers a lot for the price tag but leaves a little room for improvement especially in the comfort and tech departments. It’s a great choice for drivers who want sporty vibes with everyday practicality.