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The 2013 Nissan Altima debuts with an all-new design intended to make it more competitive in the affordable sedan class. Overall, the new model exudes a much more upscale persona when compared to the competition. Add in good fuel numbers and a confident engine, and Nissan serves up a recipe that many car shoppers will find appealing. Keep reading to review specs, features and pricing for the 2013 Nissan Altima.
The new exterior design for the 2013 Altima isn't remarkably different from the outgoing model. However, the front-end has been bolstered to give the vehicle a slightly more aggressive silhouette. The vehicle also grows slightly in proportions – 0.8 inches in length and 1.3 inches in width. Despite these size increases, Nissan manages to make the vehicle 79 lbs. lighter and 30 percent more rigid. These improvements hint at Nissan's overall goal of making the Altima an agile and stylish sedan.
Inside, the new Altima is noticeably more luxurious. Higher-grade soft-touch materials have been added throughout, and it's clear that Nissan engineers put more effort into the vehicle's aesthetic styling. Passengers should find plenty of comfort within the vehicle's redesigned seats (although rear head room may be an issue for taller individuals). Trunk space comes in at 15.4 cubic feet, which is average for the class.
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The base Altima now comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that promises 182 horsepower and 180 lb-ft. of torque. Mated with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), Nissan predicts you'll get 27 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. If the EPA confirms these estimates, that would make the Altima the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class.
The 2013 Altima is also available with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that teems with 270 horsepower and 251 lb-ft. of torque. Expected fuel efficiency for this powerplant is set at 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Other changes to the Altima's powertrain include a retuned suspension and steering system. Combined, these improvements help make the Nissan sedan a more nimble vehicle than the already impressive outgoing model.
Review full 2013 Nissan Altima specifications
Standard safety features for the Nissan Altima include antilock disc brakes, stability control and six airbags. Available options include rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring system, lane-departure warning system and cross-traffic alert. The vehicle has yet to be crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Initial asking price for the 2013 Nissan Altima is listed at $21,500. Standard features include 16-inch wheels, keyless entry, keyless ignition, full power accessories, height-adjustable driver's seat, touchscreen display, Bluetooth, four-speaker stereo and CD player.
Beyond the base model, shoppers have the option of choosing from no less than six upgrade trims. Optional equipment that can be found on these trims include automatic headlights, power driver's seat, upgraded stereo system, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote ignition, larger touchscreen display, satellite radio, leather seats and a sunroof.
Find a 2013 Nissan Altima dealer near you