Nissan Altima is offered with a choice of two proven powerplants – the 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter DOHC V6.
The 2.5-liter QR25 engine includes variable valve timing on both exhaust and intake camshafts, helping keep the torque curve flat. Featuring cutting-edge technology such as a thermoplastic resin intake manifold, this engine simultaneously produces more power despite being lighter than the previous engine design. Horsepower is rated at 182 hp (179 CAL*), with torque rated at 180 lb-ft (177 CAL*). The advanced, award-winning VQ35DE 3.5-liter V6 is rated at 270 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are matched with a standard Xtronic transmission.
Fuel economy for the Altima 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is 27 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined. Fuel economy for the 3.5-liter V6 Altima is rated at 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined – increases of one mpg for highway and combined ratings for the 3.5-liter V6 (versus 2014 models). Also contributing to the excellent fuel efficiency are tires with reduced rolling resistance and regenerative alternator that only operates when the vehicle is coasting.
The 2015 Altima offers a refined multi-link rear suspension benchmarked to leading European sports sedans. The design features high lateral suspension stiffness, improved toe angle control (with the addition of connect bushings) and improved camber angle control under load (for increased tire contact with the road when cornering) versus the previous generation Altima. The suspension also utilizes a shock absorber design by ZF SACHS, similar to that used on high-end luxury sedans, to deliver stellar body control and response, while simultaneously delivering a plush, comfortable ride. Altima's front suspension uses an independent front strut design. Stabilizer bars are utilized front and rear.
Altima also features an Active Understeer Control system, which utilizes intelligent control logic and high-response brake actuators to lightly brake the inside front wheels during cornering (as required) to increase yaw-moment. Using the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)/Traction Control System (TCS) as its base, Active Understeer Control is almost undetectable when it operates. It is designed primarily for everyday operation rather than emergency evasive maneuvers.
Responsive steering is provided by an Electronic Hydraulic Power-Assisted Steering (EHPS) system that preserves the feel of hydraulic steering rack while offering the efficiencies of an electric power steering set-up.
The 4-wheel power-assisted disc brake system on the 2015 Altima was engineered utilizing human ergonomic studies to optimize pedal travel and force, to help provide a premium blend of immediate response and confident braking. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) are standard.
A selection of wheels and tires are offered on 2015 Altima 2.5-liter models, including 16-inch steel wheels with full covers and 215/60R16 all-season tires, available 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (Sport Value Package) or 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/55R17 V-rated all-season tires (SV, SL grades). Standard on 3.5-liter V6-equipped models are 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/45R18 V-rated all-season tires.
The 2015 Altima features Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert function for the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). When filling the tires with air, the hazard lamps flash to let the operator know the system is working. When the correct pressure is reached, a beep of the horn provides notification. Unlike many competitive vehicles, Altima includes an individual tire pressure monitoring and readout system that provides the tire pressure at each individual location and automatically adjusts positions when the tires are rotated during service.
The information is integrated into the Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display.
Available from the SV grade or as part of the Sports Value Package (2.5 S) is a factory-installed Remote Engine Start System, which allows the owner to heat or cool the vehicle from the comfort of the home. The Altima must be locked for the remote start to operate (up to 10 minutes). Intelligent Climate Control is added in 2015 to the Remote Engine Start System (except Sport Value Package), which automatically sets HVAC temperatures to ideal heating/defrost or cooling settings (depending on ambient temperatures). When the driver enters the vehicle, the HVAC reverts to the previous customer settings.
The 2015 Altima also offers a long list of standard safety features, including Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted curtain supplemental side-impact air bags for front-and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.
