The Altima Hybrid is Nissan’s first Hybrid car. It is available in only 10 U.S. States (California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont). It is also available in Canada. Like its non-hybrid versions, the Altima Hybrid enjoys power with the utility of a sports vehicle. It is a medium-sized car fitted with hybrid technology. Its hybrid technology is licensed from Toyota so it has similar workings as the Toyota Camry with only slight changes made by the Nissan team in its hybrid design.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Hybrid Sedan | Base Price: $26,800.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gallons (75.7 liters) | Miles Per Gallon: 33 city / 33 hwy |
| Length: 190.7 in. (484 cm) | Width: 70.7 in. (179.5 cm) |
| Height: 58 in. (147 cm) | Wheel Base: 109.3 in. (277.6 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3180 lbs (1442 kg) | Ground Clearance: 5.4 in. (13.7 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 10.1cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 16-valve DOHC 4 cylinder | Displacement: 2.5 liter |
| Horsepower: 158 HP | Max RPM: 5200-6000 RPM |
| Torque: 162 lb-ft @ 2800-4800 rpm | Transmission: e-CVT |
Engine & Performance
The Nissan Altima Hybrid is fitted with a QR25 2.5 L four-cylinder 158 horsepower engine and an electric motor that adds 40 more horsepower for a total of 198 horsepower. The Altima Hybrid uses its regenerative braking technology to recharge its batteries so you don’t need to plug it in and recharge it. This regenerative braking technology converts the kinetic energy produced in braking and stores this energy in its Nickel Metal Hydride batteries. The Altima Hybrid’s electric mode powers the vehicle from ignition to start up, occasionally providing boost when higher loads are required. In between start up and cruise control, the vehicle’s gasoline-powered engine powers the car. For a hybrid, it handles pretty well and also gives a powerful ride.
Interior & Exterior
The Altima Hybrid is stylish and attractive-looking compared to some of its hybrid counterparts. It is also sportier and sharper-looking. It has the same basic configuration of a non-hybrid Altima: 4.84 m long, 1.79 m wide and 1.4 m tall with a wheelbase of 2.67 m.
On the inside, the Altima Hybrid is aesthetically well designed. However, it suffers from lack of space and expensive add-ons. It lacks trunk space since the battery takes up most of the space for this. Compounding the matter, the rear seats don’t fold down as it does in gasoline-powered Altimas. Just like its non-hybrid versions, adding optional features to the car is quite expensive since you can’t just pick and match features you want. You have to buy whole packages. Interior styling and upholstery is basically the same with non-hybrid Altimas. It also offers the same add-ons it offers for Altima sedans and coupes: Bose audio system, navigational system, Bluetooth and USB capability, XM radio satellite, telescopic steering wheels, power doors and locks, smart key and remote keyless entry.
Safety & Reliability
Safety features is the same as the gasoline-powered Altima. It is equipped with dual front air bags together with roof mounted side impact air bags, seatbelt occupant classification sensor, traction and vehicle dynamic control system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Just like its non-hybrid version, the Nissan Altima Hybrid scores 5-4 stars in vehicle crash testing.
Comparisons
When compared with other hybrid cars, the Nissan Altima Hybrid’s fuel economy starts to pale in comparison. For example, compared to its 35/33 mpg fuel efficiency in highway/traffic conditions, Toyota Prius (MSRP $22,120; 51 city / 48 hwy) has 51/48 mpg difference while Ford Fusion (MSRP $28,600; 41 city / 36 hwy) has a 41/36 mpg.
The Altima Hybrid is more responsive than a Toyota Camry though its suspension system is not as smooth. For better comfort and performance, you might want to take a look at Ford Fusion, while for fuel efficiency; the Prius wins the contest hands down.
Pros
- Sporty handling
- Excellent Steering
- Interior is aesthetically well-designed
- The most attractive looking among hybrid cars
Cons
- Limited availability (only available in 10 states and Canada)
- Add-ons are only offered in expensive packages
- Small cabin space
- Low cargo capacity
Overall Rating
73 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid is a solid hybrid family sedan that also happens to be relatively sporty to drive. But it’s overshadowed by newer and more widely available competitors.”Edmunds
