There are cars that make your heart race. Then there are cars like the 2025 Nissan Altima.
That’s not a jab—it’s just the truth.
If you’re not looking for performance thrills or cutting-edge innovation, but simply want a dependable midsize sedan that looks good and gets the job done, the Altima continues to hit that sweet spot.
And in a market dominated by tech-heavy hybrids, towering SUVs, and eye-watering price tags, there’s something quietly reassuring about a car that sticks to its lane.
Let’s unpack what the Altima gets right, where it lags, and why it might still be the car for people who don’t want to think too hard about their car.
What’s New in the 2025 Nissan Altima?
To be honest? Not much. That’s either a good thing or a letdown, depending on how you look at it.
The 2025 Altima is largely a carryover model from the previous year.
You still get the same sleek body lines, standard 188-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and available VC-Turbo 2.0-liter (248 hp) on upper trims.
Both are paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT, which prioritizes smoothness over engagement.
The cabin layout remains familiar, with an 8-inch touchscreen on most trims and a 12.3-inch screen on the SL and SR VC-Turbo.
There’s standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite, which gives you essentials like lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring.
No reinvention here. Just refinements.
Is It Fun to Drive? Not Really—But That’s Not the Point
Most people won’t buy the Altima for the drive.
And that’s okay.
Acceleration is acceptable, especially with the VC-Turbo engine, but the CVT continues to hold the car back from being genuinely engaging.
Steering is numb, cornering is fine but not spirited, and even with the sportier SR trim, you never really feel connected to the road.
But if your daily driving consists of commuting, school drop-offs, or cruising down Sheikh Zayed Road or I-75 in peace, this sedan offers a quiet, smooth ride and a decent suspension setup for comfort.
And it’s this predictability—this unshakeable reliability—that Altima owners often rave about in online forums and real-world reviews.
What kind of driver is the Altima best suited for?
It’s perfect for someone who wants a reliable, no-fuss midsize car that looks upscale without the luxury price tag.
You’re not buying this to tear through back roads or impress your car club.
You’re buying it because you want something that just works—and keeps working.
A Look at Interior and Tech
Step inside, and the 2025 Altima continues to do things “well enough.”
You won’t mistake it for a luxury car, but the cabin materials on mid to upper trims are solid.
The layout is intuitive, the seats are comfortable, and there’s plenty of room for front and rear passengers.
For families in the UAE, Canada, or even the U.S., this is a practical car with a rear seat that actually fits teenagers or adults.
The trunk is a respectable 15.4 cubic feet—big enough for grocery runs, strollers, or weekend luggage.
Tech-wise, Nissan has made small but effective improvements.
The SL and SR VC-Turbo models now come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a built-in navigation system.
But don’t expect anything revolutionary.
And maybe that’s the Altima’s biggest “flaw”: it does everything… just fine.
Is the 2025 Altima a good family car?
If you value rear-seat comfort, trunk space, and safety features, yes—it’s very much a family-friendly option.
The quiet ride and fuel economy (27–39 mpg depending on trim and engine) also make it a smart pick for everyday use.
Reliability Is Where the Altima Shines
This is where the Altima earns its stripes.
With a long-standing reputation for durability, the 2025 model continues that trend.
The engines are proven, the transmission is smooth (even if uninspiring), and scheduled maintenance is straightforward and affordable.
Many long-time owners on Reddit and car forums say their Altimas cross 150,000 miles with ease.
There’s something to be said about a car that doesn’t need constant attention to stay on the road.
In the UAE, where heat and road conditions can be harsh, the Altima’s track record for holding up well over time makes it a smart choice for expats and residents who just want a car that’ll get them to work and back without breaking down.
How does the Altima hold up in the UAE’s extreme heat?
Quite well, actually. Owners across Dubai and Abu Dhabi report consistent AC performance and no major issues with engine cooling, even during peak summer.
Safety Without the Flash
All trims come with Nissan Safety Shield 360, and while the Altima isn’t a tech leader, it checks the essential boxes:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Departure Warning
Higher trims add ProPILOT Assist—a semi-autonomous driving aid that helps during highway cruising.
It’s not quite Tesla Autopilot, but it’s useful in stop-and-go traffic.
Is the Altima better than the competition?
It depends. The Toyota Camry offers more driving excitement.
The Honda Accord has a more refined cabin and better hybrid tech.
But the Altima strikes a balance—affordability, reliability, and comfort—without trying to be something it’s not.
Jack Of All, Master of None
If you’re looking for thrills, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
The 2025 Nissan Altima isn’t here to entertain—it’s here to deliver.
And it does that well.
It’s not flashy. It’s not bold. But it’s dependable, sleek, and surprisingly well-equipped for the price.
Whether you’re in Sharjah, San Diego, or Scarborough, it’s a car you’ll rarely think about—and that’s sometimes the highest compliment you can give a car.
There’s beauty in simplicity. And for the everyday driver who just needs a car that shows up every day, the Altima still belongs in the conversation.
