2015 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL Review
text and images by michael a. marrs
Every manufacturer has to make decisions on which segment to be in, and every major player has an entry in the mid-size sedan segment that has become a, if not the, major component of the new car market. This is a segment for consumers that are looking for a comfortable sedan that ranges from basic transportation with a cloth interior and basic convenience features to a full-on leather interior with a multitude of technology features and safety components. It has been two model years since the Nissan Altima last received a major redo, yet the mid-size sedan has become one of the top selling vehicles in the segment. 
This with only two real configurations: a 2.5 or 3.5 series which are based on the engine size. Each of these starting points can found in four trim levels for a wide variety of choices.
The exterior of the Altima has the smooth lines of a classic automobile with some basic sport touches to go along with a little bling here and there. The 2015 Altima sports a Euro influenced grille that is blacked out and wrapped in chrome trim, while the projector headlights flow back into the front fenders. Down the body lines there are color matched side mirrors with turn signals and chrome door handles. There is a tall rear deck that reaches up to the sloping roofline while the chrome exhaust tips exit the rear as the standard 17-inch wheels begin to fill the wheel openings.
There is a 3.5L V6 engine available, with the review vehicle powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that is rated for 182 horsepower as well as 180 pound-feet of torque. The standard transmission on the 2015 model is the Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) giving the Altima a rating of 27 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined.
The 2015 Altima seats five passengers in a variety of premium materials that that include a luxury trim level that still provides an upgraded sport style. The heated front seats are wide NASA inspired designs with a high level of comfort and the rear seats fold down for more cargo space. 
The dash design is clean with a spoke steering wheel that has touch controls for ease of driver access. Along with 12V power outlets, there is a deep storage center console with a padded top and storage in the dash compartment to go along with the door panels. The available NissanConnect app suit system can be controlled via the 5-inch touch screen, and the SL gets a 9-speaker Bose audio system that stands out in the quiet cabin space. There is a Convenience package that includes a sunroof, rear air-conditioning vents for the dual zone climate control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A Technology package has an available 7-inch touchscreen, voice activated controls, a navigation system and safety features including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-departure warning.
The 2015 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL provides passengers with a quiet ride that is firm on the highway which can enhance the driver experience with responsive steering.
Pricing Notes on the 2015 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL
The 2015 Nissan Altima base model starts just above the $23,000 mark, with the Altima 2.5 SL review vehicle has a base MSRP of $28,150. There are $13,800 in additional features added along with the $810 destination charge to bring the final MSRP to $31,060 as tested.
Other vehicles in the segment include but not limited to the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Chevy Malibu, Mazda 6, VW Passat or Hyundai Sonata.
For more information on the 2015 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL visit your local Nissan dealer on online at www.nissanusa.com.
