Why the 2024 Nissan Altima Black is the Best Midsize Sedan Option for Drivers Today
The 2024 Nissan Altima Black Edition has gained considerable attention this year for its sleek design powerful engine options and a good list of modern tech features. Nissan has made significant upgrades to this new model of the Altima while maintaining its reputation as a reliable midsize sedan. Whether you're looking for a smooth daily commuter or a fun-to-drive vehicle with style the 2024 Altima Black Edition has something for everyone.
Let's take a deeper dive into what makes the 2024 Altima Black stand out this year.
What Sets the 2024 Nissan Altima Black Apart?
The 2024 Nissan Altima Black edition isn't just about aesthetic appeal although the blacked-out design is undeniably a head-turner. It's also packed with features that aim to improve the overall driving experience. The combination of high-tech upgrades fuel efficiency and affordability gives it a competitive edge over its rivals like the Honda Accord Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata.
Stylish Exterior Design
The most immediate draw of the 2024 Altima Black Edition is its striking exterior design. Nissan has gone all-in with the black color scheme that extends from the front grille to the wheels and mirrors. The black 19-inch alloy wheels and smoked chrome accents give it a refined bold look that's hard to ignore.
Here are some design highlights:
- A blacked-out V-motion grille
- Sleek LED headlights and fog lights
- Gloss black side mirrors and window trim
- Black rear spoiler that adds a sporty touch
- 19-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels
As Alex Collantes a car enthusiast from the Bay Area puts it "The Altima Black is one of the best-looking midsize sedans out there today. It has that perfect balance between sportiness and elegance."
The drawback however is that the all-black design though beautiful can become a nightmare to maintain as dirt and dust show more easily on a black vehicle. You’ll need to wash it frequently to keep that glossy look intact.
Modern Interior That Blends Comfort and Technology
Step inside the 2024 Altima Black and you'll find an interior that's both spacious and modern. Nissan has made sure the cabin is comfortable and filled with user-friendly technology. Leather-appointed seating surfaces with contrasting stitching create a refined and upscale environment. The layout is practical and designed with both the driver and passengers in mind.
Key interior features include:
- 8-way power driver seat with 2-way lumbar support
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic temperature control
- 9-inch touchscreen display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity
- Bose premium sound system with 9 speakers
While the seats are quite comfortable on short drives some reviewers noted that on longer journeys the back support isn't quite as good as competitors like the Honda Accord. Alex Collantes shared "The seats feel great for city driving but on road trips you might find yourself shifting around more than you'd like."
One possible drawback to note here is the interior materials. Though stylish they do include a fair amount of plastic surfaces which some may find less premium compared to other sedans in this price range.
Powerful Engine Options for a Midsize Sedan
Nissan offers two engine options for the 2024 Altima: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and the more powerful VC-Turbo 2.0-liter engine. The 2.5-liter base engine provides 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque while the VC-Turbo delivers 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.
Here’s a breakdown of performance specs:
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2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
- Horsepower: 188 hp
- Torque: 180 lb-ft
- Fuel Economy: 28 mpg city / 39 mpg highway
-
VC-Turbo 2.0-liter engine
- Horsepower: 248 hp
- Torque: 273 lb-ft
- Fuel Economy: 25 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
The VC-Turbo engine is an excellent choice if you're looking for more power and better performance on the road. It offers a thrilling driving experience that rivals some of the sportier sedans out there.
However a drawback here is that the VC-Turbo engine is only available on the higher trims and comes at a higher price point. Plus it’s slightly less fuel-efficient than the standard engine.
Safety Features That Stand Out
Nissan has made safety a top priority in the 2024 Altima Black. This model is equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360 which includes a host of advanced safety and driver assistance technologies. Some of the key safety features are:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Warning
- Blind Spot Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- High Beam Assist
- Rear Automatic Braking
In addition to these features Nissan offers ProPILOT Assist on higher trims which provides semi-autonomous driving assistance for long highway drives. It's a great feature for those who frequently commute or take long road trips.
Potential downside: While the Nissan Safety Shield 360 comes standard on the base model the ProPILOT Assist and some other more advanced features are only available on the higher trims which might be a bummer if you’re looking for a more affordable option.
Trims and Pricing
The 2024 Nissan Altima Black comes in several trims so you can pick one that fits your budget and needs. Here's a quick look at the different trims:
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S Trim
- Starting price: $25,730
- 2.5L 4-cylinder engine
- Standard Safety Shield 360
-
SV Trim
- Starting price: $26,830
- Additional safety and tech features
-
SR Trim
- Starting price: $28,530
- Available VC-Turbo engine
-
SL Trim
- Starting price: $32,230
- Leather seats Bose audio
-
SR VC-Turbo Trim
- Starting price: $35,580
- VC-Turbo engine semi-autonomous driving tech
One drawback in terms of pricing is that if you want to enjoy the VC-Turbo engine you’ll have to go for the SR VC-Turbo trim which is more expensive. However the standard 2.5-liter engine is still a strong performer for most everyday driving needs.
Fuel Efficiency and Overall Performance
Fuel efficiency has always been one of Altima’s strong points and the 2024 Altima Black edition doesn't disappoint. The standard engine provides 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. Even the more powerful VC-Turbo engine is quite efficient offering 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Alex Collantes commented "For a car with this level of performance it's surprising how good the fuel economy is. I was impressed by how the Altima handles both in the city and on the open road."
However the drawback is that while the car performs well it doesn’t offer the sporty feel that some drivers might expect especially if they opt for the non-turbo engine. The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) sometimes feels less engaging than the traditional automatic transmissions offered by some competitors.
Technology and Infotainment System
The 2024 Nissan Altima Black comes with a comprehensive technology package that enhances both entertainment and driving experience. Its 9-inch touchscreen display is clear and responsive though some users might find the interface a bit outdated compared to what you’d find in the latest Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.
Infotainment Highlights:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on all trims
- Wireless smartphone charging
- 9-speaker Bose premium audio system
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- NissanConnect services with voice recognition
Though the infotainment system is easy to use the interface design isn't as modern or flashy as what you might see in other midsize sedans. This can be a drawback for buyers who prioritize tech aesthetics. Additionally the base model only comes with a 7-inch display which may feel small by today's standards.
How the 2024 Altima Black Stacks Up Against Competitors
When it comes to competition the 2024 Nissan Altima Black faces some serious rivals. Here’s a quick look at how it measures up against other midsize sedans:
- Honda Accord: The Accord offers a more premium interior and better back seat space but the Altima Black is more affordable and has a more aggressive look.
- Toyota Camry: The Camry has a stronger reputation for reliability but the Altima Black’s VC-Turbo engine provides more power.
- Hyundai Sonata: The Sonata offers slightly more advanced technology but the Altima Black stands out with its sleek blacked-out design.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Nissan Altima Black offers a great balance of style performance and technology. Its sleek blacked-out design is sure to turn heads while its engine options provide plenty of power for both city driving and highway cruising. The interior is comfortable and tech-savvy making it a great option for modern drivers.
That being said it’s not without its drawbacks. The all-black exterior while stunning can be a hassle to maintain and some of the advanced features are only available on the higher trims. The VC-Turbo engine is a fantastic option but comes at a steeper price and isn’t the most fuel-efficient. Still for drivers who value style and a powerful driving experience the 2024 Altima Black is hard to beat.
In the words of Alex Collantes "It's a sleek powerful car that's easy to fall in love with. Sure it's got its quirks but overall it's one of the best choices for anyone looking for a reliable midsize sedan with an edge."