Apart from the new Fusion, this is one of my favorite hybrids to drive, largely because it doesn't smack of being anything but a normal Altima. As my colleagues have noted, this means you're buying a car that's attractive, comfortable, and somewhat engaging over a long series of switchbacks. In my mind, the hybrid powertrain is but icing on an already tasty cake.
Although its hybrid system is licensed directly from Toyota, it appeased me moreso than the powertrain in the Camry Hybrid. Rusty's right, the transition between gasoline and electric power is a bit coarse, but Nissan's engineers understood that when drivers want power, they want power. Goose the throttle in the Altima Hybrid, and the I-4 and electric motor work in pair to deliver a formidable wall of torque to move the sedan up to highway speeds. That simply doesn't happen in the Toyota, which feels quite sedate in comparison.
Surprisingly, the Altima is also easier to keep in EV mode around town than the Camry. Slow starts and feathering the accelerator pedal can keep the car running off electricity up to 30 mph, but I found there's a better strategy: use the gasoline motor to accelerate up to 25 mph (this reduces the amount of road rage you'll witness), lift-off the gas pedal to shut the engine off, and gingerly accelerate. My approach may be a bit convoluted, but I regularly saw the Nissan silently reach speeds of 37-40 mph.
Evan McCausland, Web Producer ...next page >>