The 2023 Nissan Altima’s Clash of Trims
Photo Source: NISSAN
The 2023 Nissan Altima offers a complete line of appealing midsize family sedans. Trims range from the simple and affordable S and SV to near-luxury SL and sporty SR, including a turbocharged choice tossed in for good measure. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is standard on all but the SR VC-Turbo trim, which receives a 248 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is the only transmission option. In addition, all-wheel drive (AWD) is available on three of the five trims. The focus here will be on the SV and SR trims.
The Lower-Tier Trim: SV
For $800 over the base S, the SV adds more enticing features and opens the door to more choices, such as all-wheel drive. Building off the S, the SV adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch driver assist display unit, an 8-way power driver’s seat, and Nissan Intelligent Key with a push-button starter. Intelligent Key includes a proximity key fob that permits the doors to lock or unlock by simply touching a button on the door handle.
SV’s Entertainment Updates
The SV’s infotainment system also sees a notable upgrade by incorporating SiriusXM satellite radio, an 8-inch touchscreen display, and four illuminated USB charge ports. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also standard, allowing the integration of a compatible smartphone. Optional on the SV is the SV Premium Package, which is replete with features. For example, there are heated front seats, a power moonroof, a driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar support, heated side mirrors, a leather-encased steering wheel and shift knob, and an electronic parking brake.
Security
In terms of safety measures, there is Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, adding full-speed-range adaptive cruise control with hold feature, lane centering, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. Active Ride Control reduces pitching on uneven pavement. At the same time, Intelligent Trace Control can detect if the vehicle is veering from its intended course and use gentle braking to bring the car back in line. The SV Premium Package also adds a 12.3-inch color touchscreen and the availability of all-wheel drive.
The Higher-Tier Trim: SR
The SR trim brings the sportiness for which Nissan is known, although the buyer will need to move up to the Altima SR VC-Turbo trim to acquire more power. Building off the SV, the SR adds steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a sport suspension, Intelligent Trace Control, Active Ride Control, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Prioritizing Style
Other SR features include a dark chrome V-Motion grille surround and unique grille insert, exhaust finishers, red stitching on the doors, seats, and dash, Sport Combo seat upholstery, plus simulated carbon fiber trim. Optional on the SR is the SR Premium Package that brings heated front seats, leather-appointed sport seats, a four-way power passenger seat, a driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar support, heated outside mirrors, and a power moonroof. A 12.3-inch color touchscreen also replaces the standard 8-inch screen. Moreover, the SR can be outfitted with all-wheel drive.
Overall Evaluation
The SR trim undoubtedly has a well-executed look to it, perhaps with greater refinement than the SV has to offer. That said, the SV has a significant advantage over the SR in the form of ProPilot Assist. It is a useful safety package that the SR does not provide, no matter which premium package is selected. The amount of content is nearly identical for both, but the SV’s practicality and security ultimately win out against the SR’s sportiness.
If this has piqued your interest about the 2023 Nissan Altima, please come visit Southern Team Nissan of New River Valley, where we have a wide selection of vehicles that can suit your needs. More importantly, we are all about helping you take pride in your shopping experience. Come check out our new vehicle inventory, with our constantly committed sales team to offer you assistance along the way. We are happy to be your dealership home because, above all, we will get you where you need to go.