The Altima has been Nissan’s entry for the midsize sedan market since 1992. It has garnered recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a top safety pick and was named one of the best cars for teen drivers by U.S. News. The latest Nissan Altima model comes in six trim options: the S, SV, SR, SL, SR VC-Turbo, and Platinum. However, reviewers at Car and Driver, Edmunds, Motor Trend, and more auto sites disagree on which trim level is the best. Here’s a breakdown of each trim level and its MSRP from the Nissan Motor Corporation.
Nissan Altima S
2022 Nissan Altima | Nissan Motor Corporation
According to Autotrader, the 2022 Nissan Altima S is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with 188 horsepower and 180 lb-feet of torque. The Altima S interior features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, and hands-free texting. Driver aids include high-beam and hill-start assists, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and driver-alert warning. You can add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert for an additional $475. Drivers also get keyless entry with push-button start, remote start, and cruise control.
According to Nissan, the 2022 Nissan Altima S has a starting MSRP of $24,550.
Nissan Altima SV
The 2022 Altima SV keeps the same powertrain as the Altima S but adds some upgrades. Appearance-wise, the wheels are 17 inches instead of 16, and the headlights are LED projector instead of halogen. More driver assistance features are included. Rear-park assist, lane-tracing assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic rear braking are all standard.
Interior-wise, the Altima SV has an 8-inch touchscreen, 8-way adjustable driver’s seat, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite radio capability. The premium package for $1,800 also gives drivers a few more perks, including a power moonroof and heated front seats.
According to Nissan, the 2022 Nissan Altima SV has a starting MSRP of $25,650.
Nissan Altima SR
The 2022 Nissan Altima SR’s wheels are bumped up to 19 inches. Further upgrades include a sport suspension, paddle shifters, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Midnight Edition for $1,750 more provides unique exterior accents and badging, choice, dark 18-inch wheels, and all-wheel drive.
According to Nissan, the 2022 Nissan Altima SR has a starting MSRP of $26,650.
Nissan Altima SL
The 2022 Altima SL takes the SR and adds a premium package. Inside is a navigation system, 9-speaker Bose audio system, and automatic climate control. Notable feature highlights include ProPilot Assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic climate control, and traffic-sign recognition. The 17-inch wheels return, and you can now enjoy LED fog lights. All-wheel drive can also be added for an additional $1,500.
According to Nissan, the 2022 Nissan Altima SL has a starting MSRP of $30,090.
Nissan Altima SR VC-Turbo
The once-standard 2.5-liter engine is gone with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR VC-Turbo. In its place is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder pumping out 248 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Along with that added power, you get a power moonroof, heated outboard mirrors and front seats, and integrated LED turn signals.
According to Nissan, the 2022 Nissan Altima SR VC-Turbo has a starting MSRP of $31,000.
Nissan Altima Platinum ($34,350)
The 2022 Altima Platinum returns to the 2.0-liter engine, but all-wheel drive is now standard. Drivers can enjoy a surround-view camera, automatic dimming rear-view mirror, memory seats and mirrors, and Homelink – a universal transceiver that you can use to program automatic garage doors and other home interior lights. Additionally, cabin accent lighting is standard, as is a power-adjustable passenger seat.
According to Nissan, the 2022 Nissan Altima Platinum has a starting MSRP of $34,350.
Which Nissan Altima trim is the best?
The six trim levels give plenty of options for prospective buyers. However, reviewers at Car and Driver, Edmunds, and MotorTrend all go different ways with their recommendations for the best Nissan Altima trim level.
Car and Driver reviewers acknowledge that all-wheel drive and the turbocharged engine options make the Altima stand out from competitors like the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. Still, its trim level choice includes neither of those features. The team says the Altima SR is the best choice thanks to its sporty suspension and larger wheels, which make it fun to drive, and the features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as upgraded digital clusters.
Reviewers at Edmunds go a different route and recommend the Altima SV for features that come at a good value. However, if you are willing to spend for the Midnight Edition Package, they recommend the SR as well.
Motor Trend’s review has the most expensive recommendation: the Altima SL, specifically with all-wheel drive. Reviewers point to the combination of safety technology, convenience, and interior to make the choice. Plus, they feel the smaller rims make for better handling.
Keyword: Critics Disagree Which 2022 Nissan Altima Trim Is Best