The 2023 Nissan Altima SR FWD is a mid-size sedan that combines style, performance, and advanced technology. It is part of the sixth generation of the Altima, which has been a staple in Nissan’s lineup for over 30 years. The 2023 model year introduces several updates to enhance its appeal in a competitive market.
Design and Comfort
The exterior of the Altima SR features a refreshed design with a more aggressive stance thanks to its updated V-Motion grille, which includes black chrome accents exclusive to the SR trim. The sharp, birds-nest-style 19-inch wheels add to its sporty appearance. The overall look is complemented by new LED headlights and taillights that improve visibility and aesthetics during nighttime driving.
Inside, the Altima SR offers a spacious cabin that comfortably seats five passengers. The interior design incorporates both hard plastics and soft-touch materials, providing a balance between durability and comfort. Notably, the front seats are designed with Nissan’s “Zero Gravity” technology, offering eight-way power adjustability and heating functionality for enhanced comfort on long drives. However, some reviewers noted that certain lower dashboard materials feel somewhat cheap compared to competitors.
Technology Features
One of the standout features of the 2023 Altima SR is its new 12.3-inch touchscreen display, which comes standard on this trim level. This infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, allowing for seamless integration with smartphones. The interface is user-friendly, featuring customizable tiles for easy access to navigation and audio controls.
Additionally, the vehicle includes a 7-inch driver display that provides essential information such as fuel economy and driving directions. Wireless phone charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot are also available on this trim level, enhancing convenience for tech-savvy users.
Performance
Under the hood, the Altima SR FWD is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produces up to 236 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque when using regular fuel. This engine utilizes variable compression technology, which optimizes performance based on driving conditions—providing power when needed while maintaining fuel efficiency at lighter loads. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) enhances smooth acceleration but has been noted for occasional turbo lag off the line.
The suspension has been tuned specifically for the SR model to provide better handling dynamics compared to other trims; however, it still does not classify as a full-performance sedan due to noticeable body roll during tight cornering.
Safety Ratings
Safety is another strong point for the 2023 Nissan Altima SR FWD. It comes equipped with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of advanced safety features as standard. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The vehicle has received high safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning an overall five-star rating from NHTSA and being designated as a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS.
