2013 Nissan Altima: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The big news for 2013 is the all-new fifth-generation Altima sedan, with a lighter structure, redesigned cabin, updated four-cylinder engine, revised automatic transmission, and better fuel economy. The Altima Coupe is the exception: it carries over the older design for its final year and is limited to the 2.5 S trim.

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About the 2013 Nissan Altima

Mixed year: 5th-generation Altima sedan, first year (2013-2018), while the Altima Coupe carries over the prior 4th-generation coupe design for its final model year.

Nissan positions the Altima as a midsize family car that feels a little more upscale and a little more engaging to drive than the typical commuter sedan, without giving up fuel economy. The core pitch is strong everyday efficiency, a quiet and better-finished cabin, comfortable front seats, and easy-to-use technology. In 2013 Nissan leans hard on style, highway mileage, and a more premium feel to separate Altima from the mainstream Camry/Accord crowd, while the coupe serves as the sportier niche alternative.

The 2013 sedan lineup ranges from an efficient 182-hp four-cylinder model to a 270-hp V6, with SV trims serving as practical upgrades and SL trims emphasizing comfort. Notable equipment includes a rearview camera and dual-zone climate control on SV models, while SL versions bring leather seating, heated front seats, Bose audio, and a moonroof.

What changed, by category

Structural

The Altima sedan moves to an all-new, lighter body with revised suspension tuning. The Coupe remains on the previous-generation platform.

Styling

Sedan models receive a completely redesigned exterior and a richer new cabin.

Powertrain

Four-cylinder sedans get a redesigned 182-hp 2.5-liter engine and a revised continuously variable automatic transmission. Fuel economy rises to 27 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, up from 23/32 mpg in the comparable base sedan.

Tech

Redesigned sedans gain standard Bluetooth calling and audio streaming plus a new driver-information display. NissanConnect and additional driver-assist technology appear higher in the lineup.

2013 Nissan Altima specs and features by trim

Feature	2013 Nissan Altima2.50 in stock	2013 Nissan Altima2.5 S3 in stock	2013 Nissan Altima3.5 S0 in stock	2013 Nissan Altima2.5 SL2 in stock	2013 Nissan Altima2.5 SV0 in stock	2013 Nissan Altima3.5 SL0 in stock	2013 Nissan Altima3.5 SV0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter	V6, 3.5 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter	V6, 3.5 Liter	V6, 3.5 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, Xtronic CVT	Automatic, Xtronic CVT	Automatic, Xtronic CVT	Automatic, Xtronic CVT	Automatic, Xtronic CVT	Automatic, Xtronic CVT	Automatic, Xtronic CVT
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	27 mpg	23–27 mpg	22 mpg	27 mpg	27 mpg	22 mpg	22 mpg
MPG Highway	38 mpg	32–38 mpg	31 mpg	38 mpg	38 mpg	31 mpg	31 mpg
Horsepower	182 hp	175–182 hp		182 hp	182 hp
Torque	180 lb-ft	180 lb-ft	258 lb-ft	180 lb-ft	180 lb-ft	258 lb-ft	258 lb-ft
Max Towing	1400 lb	1400 lb	1400 lb	1400 lb	1400 lb	1400 lb	1400 lb
Trunk/Cargo	15.4 cu-ft	8.2–15.4 cu-ft	15.4 cu-ft	15.4 cu-ft	15.4 cu-ft	15.4 cu-ft	15.4 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	36.1 in	34.4–36.1 in	36.1 in	36.1 in	36.1 in	36.1 in	36.1 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	2–4	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Blindspot Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
Heated Mirrors
LED Tail Lights
Power Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Rear Air Conditioning
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Remote Start

How the 2014 Nissan Altima compares

The biggest change for 2014 is the end of the Altima coupe, leaving the U.S. lineup sedan-only. Otherwise, the recently redesigned Altima carries over with light technology, package, and trim-equipment updates.

See the full 2014 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2013 Nissan Altima fully redesigned?

Yes, the 2013 Altima sedan is the first year of the fifth generation, with a new body, cabin, structure, and suspension tuning. The Coupe did not receive this redesign and continued on the older platform.

Did the 2013 Altima Coupe get the new sedan design?

No, the 2013 Altima Coupe carries over the previous-generation design for its final model year. Its lineup is reduced to the four-cylinder 2.5 S trim.

How did the four-cylinder 2013 Altima change from 2012?

The redesigned four-cylinder sedan gains a 182-hp 2.5-liter engine and revised automatic transmission. Its fuel economy improves to 27 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, compared with 23/32 mpg for the 2012 base sedan.

Which Altima trims joined the lineup for 2013?

The 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, 3.5 SV, and 3.5 SL trims join the redesigned sedan lineup for 2013. The previous 3.5 SR continues under the 3.5 S name rather than disappearing outright.

What technology was added to the redesigned 2013 Altima sedan?

The redesigned sedan gains standard Bluetooth calling and audio streaming plus a new driver-information display. SV models add useful upgrades such as a rearview camera, USB connectivity, and a 5-inch color audio display.