New 2022 Nissan Altima Platinum
New 2022 Nissan Altima Platinum – in the redesign, the Nissan Altima remains relatively the same, unless Nissan shuffles around its trim level. For 2022, Nissan will probably drop a 2.0-liter variable compression turbo engine that is stronger than the Platinum model.
The SR model is now on top of the SV in the lineup, making orders of S, SV, SR, SL, and Platinum to match other Nissan sedans. The basic price of the Altima 2022 may not be much different from the previous version which was $25,225 for the S model, and the range reached $35,025 for Platinum.
New 2022 Nissan Altima Platinum
The Nissan Altima 2022 is not the most alluring or attractive family sedan, but it is competent and available with some unconventional options. The latter includes an all-wheel drive and the only variable compression turbocharged engine. Unfortunately, Nissan does not allow them to be paired together.
Instead, the VC-Turbo is reserved for single models that are tuned for sporty intent, and we found it surprisingly athletic. Although the Altima is not as attractive or attractive as the Honda Accord or Mazda 6, it has very comfortable accommodations and a list of popular driver assists and features.
Standard four-cylinder engines and gearless transmissions do not make an inspiring powertrain, but the combo is subjugated and fuel-efficient. The fact of the matter is Altima 2022 is good but not great.
What’s New for 2022 Altima?
The Altima 2022 lineup saw some small changes. The 2.0-liter variable-compression-turbo engine is no longer available on top-of-the-line Platinum models. In contrast, the VC-Turbo is only an option on the sporty SR, which also skips over the previous mid-level SV in a move that reworks the Altima trim hierarchy.
Although this lowered the SV’s initial price by $2740, it also removed some of the more interesting standard features. Nissan offsets this with a new $1800 SV Premium package that includes adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, lane guard assistance, leather, and steering wheel shift knobs, ProPilot Assist, and sunroof.
Nissan Altima Models
The basic front-wheel-drive Model S, powered by a slow 188-hp 2.5-liter inline-four and constantly varied automatic transmission (CVT), also received a new driver assistance package, which includes blind-spot monitoring, rear traffic warning, rear automatic emergency braking, and rear sonar.
Sv, SR, and SL, which are also equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-four, can all be done with a front-drive or all wheels. SV starts at $26,325 ($27,725 with AWD), SR at $27,125 ($28,525 with AWD), and SL at $30,915 ($32,315 with AWD).
Nissan Altima Rivals
Unlike rivals such as the Accord and Toyota Camry, the Altima offers features that both do not: an all-wheel drive and a unique VC-Turbo engine. Although the benefits of the latter are difficult to quantify, the $1400 all-wheel-drive system may attract sedan buyers living in Snowbelt. We’ll skip that option and choose the SR trim level.
Along with sports-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels that make this family sedan more fun to drive, the SR has a number of desirable features that include an eight-way power driver’s seat, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, an improved digital measuring cluster, a leather-clad steering wheel, and more. We’ll also spring for a Premium plan that adds heated mirrors, heated front seats, and a sunroof.
2022 Nissan Altima Engine
The Altima has a 2.5-liter 188-hp four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces up to 248 horsepower with premium fuel and also uses CVT. While Nissan is touting innovative variable compression technology, only a 2.5-liter engine can have an all-wheel drive.
The standard four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive have predicted, albeit superbly, acceleration. The engine grew noisier the harder we pressed the gas pedal, but the four-cylinder Camry we tested was just as hard sometimes.
The VC-Turbo engine makes the Altima much faster. Despite its unconventional turbocharged engine and unusual all-wheel drive, Nissan is nowhere as pleasant to drive as the Mazda 6 or almost any Accord. The Altima SR received a sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels that made it more entertaining on crooked roads.
However, this improvement also reduces the quality of travel found in regular Altima models. The steering system is exactly the standard family-sedan and does not add to the effort to mimic the feel of the steering wheel. The Altima brake pedal has linear feedback and quick response to inputs.
2022 Nissan Altima Performances
Altima doesn’t offer fuel-efficient hybrid or plug-in-hybrid models like many of its rivals, but its two gasoline engines have high EPA fuel economy ratings and better real-world results. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has an estimated up to 28 mpg city and 39 highways.
However, the more expensive model is rated as low as 25 mpg city and 35 highway. The EPA estimates that the all-wheel-drive model could gain up to 26 mpg city and 36 highways. VC-Turbo engine at 25 mpg city and 34 highway.
On our 75 mph highway fuel economy route — part of our extensive testing regimen — the all-wheel-drive Altima reaches a stunning 41 mpg, while the VC-Turbo version records an impressive 37 mpg. The most fuel-efficient Accord and Camry (nonhybrid) get 38 mpg and 45 mpg respectively.
2022 Nissan Altima Platinum Interior
Inside, the Altima cabin provides a live dashboard with user-friendly switchgear. Interior materials vary between trim levels, but they are all significant improvements compared to previous generation Altima. Our SV test vehicles have attractive appointments and hard plastics that attract little attention.
Flat-brewed steering wheels and fake carbon fiber are a bit much here, especially since there is no paddle shifter or drive mode to choose from on the SV. However, a soft armrest makes cruising and sitting in traffic more tolerable. The front seat accommodates different body types, but we felt that the lumbar support was too aggressive.
The large rear seats are very comfortable with considerable legroom. We matched six carry-on bags in the Altima luggage and a total of 17 bags with folded rear seats. These numbers match the Camry we tested, but both lack 19 Accord bags.
Unfortunately, the rear seat of the Nissan is not folded completely flat and must be removed using a handle in the trunk, which is troublesome. The Altima has decent storage in the front seat, with a narrow door pocket though inside and a handy tray at the front of the center console.
Nissan Altima Features
Every Altima—except the basic model—has a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. The infotainment interface has a main menu that can be customized but otherwise some personalization options.
While the sound system has knobs that are useful for volume and tuning, the touch screen we tested responded slowly to the input. Along with optional built-in navigation, the Altima infotainment system can be upgraded with Wi-Fi hotspots, as well as nine-speaker Bose stereos.
2022 Nissan Altima Safety
Altima 2022 was rated a five-star collision test by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the latter evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was named the Top Safety Pick.
Although each Altima has advanced collision warning and automatic emergency braking, the SV and higher versions have standard blind-spot monitoring, high beam assistance, rear traffic warnings, and more. The Nissan Altima will also offer a semi-autonomous drive mode called ProPilot Assist.
2022 Nissan Altima Platinum Release Date and Price
We recently had the Altima Platinum in our long-term fleet, and that trim used to be available with front-drive and all wheels and a choice of Nissan’s more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder production engine or VC Turbo 2.0-liter, which is the world’s first variable compression production engine.
For 2022, Platinum is only available with 2.5-liter and all-wheel drive and starts at $35,025. The SR is now the only option if you want a 2.0-liter 236-hp VC Turbo, and starts at $31,575 with front-wheel drive.
The Nissan Altima 2022 will probably be available at dealers in the U.S. next year.
Nissan Altima Platinum Review and Test Drive
