Why the 2024 Nissan Altima SR is a Game-Changer for Midsize Sedans
The 2024 Nissan Altima SR stands out as one of the best choices for midsize sedans in today’s market. Whether you're looking for a reliable daily driver or something with a bit of extra style and performance the Altima SR packs quite a punch. In this review we’re going to take a deep dive into why this model deserves your attention. We’ll look at its strengths potential drawbacks and see where it shines compared to other cars in its class.
What's New in the 2024 Nissan Altima SR?
The 2024 Altima SR keeps much of what made previous models great but brings a few updates that push it to another level. The main upgrades include new exterior styling enhanced tech features and improved safety systems. With a starting price around $28,000 the Altima SR offers excellent value for what you’re getting.
Updated Exterior Styling
One of the first things you’ll notice about the 2024 Altima SR is its refreshed look. Nissan has given it a sportier feel compared to other trims. The blacked-out V-Motion grille LED headlights and 19-inch alloy wheels make it more aggressive. It's got that sleek but bold vibe that draws eyes without being overly flashy.
However if you’re someone who prefers a subtler design some might find the SR trim’s styling a little too much. The sporty accents won’t appeal to everyone but if you love an athletic aesthetic this could be a perfect fit.
Enhanced Tech Features
In terms of tech Nissan stepped up its game with the 2024 Altima SR. You get the NissanConnect infotainment system that now comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It’s intuitive easy to use and the system responds quickly to inputs which is always a bonus.
Driver Assistance and Safety
Safety is a strong suit for the 2024 Altima SR. Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of features includes:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
These features are standard across all Altima models including the SR. Nissan also offers ProPILOT Assist as an available feature which is a semi-autonomous driving system that’s great for highway commutes.
While these safety features are a big win some users may find the ProPILOT Assist system a bit too sensitive. You might notice it beeping or intervening more than you’d like especially in more congested traffic situations.
Performance and Handling
The 2024 Nissan Altima SR is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower. While this may not sound like a huge amount on paper it’s more than enough for most driving scenarios. The SR also comes with sport-tuned suspension which makes it fun to drive especially on twisty roads or highways.
Acceleration and Transmission
The engine is paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) which delivers smooth shifts and decent fuel economy (up to 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway). However some drivers might not love the CVT as much as others. It can feel a bit disconnected under heavy acceleration which is a common critique of CVTs in general.
Alex Collantes an Altima enthusiast shares “I really like how the Altima SR feels around corners. The steering is tight and responsive but yeah the CVT sometimes feels like it’s holding the car back when I’m trying to accelerate quickly.”
SR-Exclusive Performance Upgrades
One of the unique aspects of the SR trim is the paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. These give you a bit more control over the driving experience which can be a lot of fun if you enjoy a more hands-on approach to driving. The Altima SR’s suspension also feels slightly firmer than the base models providing better cornering stability and reducing body roll.
Still if you’re looking for serious power or a high-performance vehicle you might find the 188 horsepower underwhelming. While the Altima SR is sporty compared to other sedans it’s not designed to be a full-fledged sports car.
Interior Comfort and Space
Inside the 2024 Nissan Altima SR you’ll find a driver-focused cockpit with premium materials. The seats are upholstered in sport cloth or available leather with orange stitching adding a nice touch of flair. The zero-gravity front seats—a Nissan signature—are incredibly comfortable making long trips much more bearable.
Rear Seat and Cargo Space
Space-wise the Altima SR offers plenty of legroom and headroom both in the front and the rear. It’s spacious enough for families or anyone who regularly has backseat passengers. The trunk provides a respectable 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space which is average for its class.
However if you’re someone who needs a ton of cargo room you may find the space slightly limiting especially if you’re used to something like a crossover or larger sedan.
Interior Tech and Convenience
In terms of tech the SR trim also offers:
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Remote start
- Optional Bose Premium Audio System (with 9 speakers)
The infotainment system is user-friendly but some might find the standard 8-inch screen a bit small compared to competitors offering 10-inch or larger displays. Still for most users it’s more than adequate.
Ride Quality and Comfort
Despite its sportier suspension tuning the Altima SR manages to maintain a comfortable ride. It’s not too stiff which is a problem with some sportier sedans and it handles rougher roads well. The cabin is fairly quiet though you might hear more road noise than you’d expect when traveling at higher speeds.
Fuel Efficiency
One of the biggest selling points of the 2024 Altima SR is its impressive fuel economy. You can expect to get around 32-35 mpg combined which makes it one of the more fuel-efficient midsize sedans on the market. The balance between fuel economy and performance is one of the Altima SR's standout qualities.
SR VC-Turbo Option
If you’re looking for a little more excitement under the hood the SR VC-Turbo option is worth considering. This 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers 248 horsepower and a significant performance boost. It’s available as an upgrade but expect to pay a bit more for the extra power.
Alex Collantes adds “If you’re after more power I’d definitely recommend checking out the VC-Turbo version. It’s got a lot more kick than the standard SR and it’s still surprisingly fuel-efficient for a turbocharged engine.”
Fuel Economy vs. Competitors
Compared to competitors like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry the Altima SR holds its own in terms of efficiency. However the Camry’s available V6 engine does outshine the Altima in terms of raw power if that’s something you’re after.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2024 Nissan Altima comes in several trims but the SR trim represents a sweet spot between affordability and performance. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing:
- Altima S: $25,500
- Altima SV: $27,000
- Altima SR: $28,000
- Altima SL: $31,000
- Altima SR VC-Turbo: $35,000
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option the base Altima S is a solid choice but you’ll miss out on some of the SR’s sportier features. The SL trim adds more luxury features but for many the SR strikes the perfect balance between price and performance.
Potential Drawbacks of the 2024 Nissan Altima SR
While the Altima SR has plenty of strengths it’s not without its flaws. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- CVT Transmission: Some drivers find the CVT less engaging especially during hard acceleration.
- Limited Power: The base 188-hp engine might not satisfy those looking for a high-performance sedan.
- Interior Noise: At higher speeds there’s noticeable road noise in the cabin.
- Tech Features: The standard 8-inch screen might feel small compared to competitors with larger displays.
Competition Comparison
When comparing the Altima SR to other midsize sedans here’s how it stacks up:
- Honda Accord: Offers a smoother transmission and a more premium feel inside but costs more at higher trims.
- Toyota Camry: Has an available V6 engine which outperforms the Altima SR in terms of power but doesn’t match the Altima’s fuel efficiency.
- Hyundai Sonata: Comparable in price and features but doesn’t have the same sporty design or handling.
Should You Buy the 2024 Nissan Altima SR?
So is the 2024 Nissan Altima SR the right car for you? If you’re looking for a midsize sedan that balances performance comfort and fuel efficiency with a sportier edge then it’s a fantastic option. The SR trim’s sporty styling and suspension make it stand out from the crowd and the standard tech features are impressive for the price.
Alex Collantes sums it up well: “If you want a sedan that looks good drives well and doesn’t kill you at the pump the Altima SR is hard to beat. I’ve been driving mine for months and I love it. It’s not perfect but it does everything I need really well.”
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Nissan Altima SR might not have the most powerful engine or the quietest cabin but its combination of sporty styling responsive handling and excellent fuel economy make it a strong contender in the midsize sedan segment. It’s especially appealing for those who want a little more flair in their daily drive without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re commuting to work or heading out on a weekend road trip the Altima SR offers a blend of performance practicality and style that’s hard to match.