2011 Nissan Altima: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2011 Nissan Altima is mostly a carryover after the broader 2010 refresh. Its main change is the addition of the premium four-cylinder 2.5 SL sedan, accompanied by a new Special Edition package for the 2.5 S sedan and other minor package reshuffling.
About the 2011 Nissan Altima
4th-generation Altima sedan (2007-2012) and the related Altima coupe generation launched for 2008; 2011 is a late-cycle year, one year after the 2010 refresh.
Nissan positioned the 2011 Altima as a midsize car with more edge than the typical family sedan. The brochure leans on strong engine choices, responsive handling, everyday convenience features, and the unusual choice of either a sedan or a true two-door coupe. In plain terms, Altima’s core appeal was simple: it offered mainstream midsize practicality, but with a sportier feel and more personality than the softer, comfort-first rivals of the time.
The 2011 lineup spans the straightforward 2.5 sedan, the better-equipped 2.5 S sedan and coupe, and the 2.5 SL sedan with leather-trimmed heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a moonroof. The 3.5 SR is the performance-focused version with a 270-hp V6 and sport-tuned suspension, while the Hybrid pairs a gas-electric powertrain with familiar sedan comfort and controls.
What changed, by category
2011 Nissan Altima specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg | 33 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 27 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 175 hp | 175 hp | 270 hp | 198 hp |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 162 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.3 cu-ft | 8.2–15.3 cu-ft | 15.3 cu-ft | 8.2–15.3 cu-ft | 10.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.8 in | 34.4–35.8 in | 35.8 in | 34.4–35.8 in | 35.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
| Doors | 4 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Anti-Lock Brakes | |||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||
| Cruise Control | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Stability Control | |||||
| Traction Control | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Power Mirrors | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| AM/FM Radio | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | |||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Power Locks | |||||
| Power Steering | |||||
| Power Windows | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Nissan Altima a major update over the 2010 model?
No. The 2011 Altima is largely a carryover from the refreshed 2010 model, with the main differences limited to the added 2.5 SL sedan, a new Special Edition package for the 2.5 S sedan, and minor package reshuffling.
Which trim was added to the 2011 Nissan Altima lineup?
The 2.5 SL sedan was added for 2011. It combines the four-cylinder engine with upscale equipment such as leather-trimmed heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power moonroof.
Did the 2011 Nissan Altima get new engines?
No. The core powertrains carried over: a 175-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6, and the gas-electric 2.5-liter Hybrid system.
Did the 2011 Nissan Altima receive new safety or infotainment equipment?
No lineup-wide safety or infotainment upgrade arrived for 2011. The model kept the safety setup introduced for 2010, while equipment differences mainly came from trim and package changes.
What body styles and powertrain types were offered for the 2011 Nissan Altima?
The 2011 Altima lineup included sedan and coupe body styles, plus a sedan-only Hybrid. Four-cylinder versions handled the mainstream range, while the 3.5 SR used the stronger V6.