2015 Nissan Altima: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2015 Nissan Altima gets a light round of trim-level updates rather than a redesign. The biggest change is that the 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL gain standard navigation, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and moving-object detection.

Shop 17 in stock at Carvana

About the 2015 Nissan Altima

5th generation (L33), introduced for 2013; 2015 is the pre-refresh third model year.

The Altima is Nissan’s midsize sedan for drivers who want an everyday commuter that feels a little more premium than a basic family car. Nissan’s own messaging leans on strong fuel economy, comfortable Zero Gravity front seats, easy-to-use driver information tech, and a choice between an efficient four-cylinder or a stronger V6. Its core appeal is a roomy, comfortable sedan that mixes long-trip comfort with better-than-expected acceleration and mpg.

The 2015 Altima lineup runs from the efficiency-focused 2.5 models to 270-hp V6 trims with stronger acceleration. The 2.5 SV balances everyday features such as dual-zone climate control and a power driver’s seat, while the 2.5 SL adds leather, Bose audio, and heated front seats. At the top, the 3.5 SL combines V6 power with navigation, a 7-inch touchscreen, and the fullest set of driver-assistance features.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

Engine and automatic-transmission efficiency updates improve the V6 models’ highway rating from 31 to 32 mpg and raise their combined rating by 1 mpg. Four-cylinder output is unchanged.

Styling

Altimas with the beige interior switch to black carpeting, and the 2.5 SV gains standard fog lights. There is no exterior redesign.

Safety

Blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and moving-object detection become standard on the 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL. These features remain optional on the 2.5 SV and 2.5 SL.

Tech and comfort

Navigation and mobile-app connectivity become standard on the 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL. SV trims gain an 8-way power driver’s seat, SL trims add a 4-way power front-passenger seat, and remote-start-equipped SV and SL trims gain automatic climate adjustment. The 2.5 S power driver’s seat changes from standard to optional.

2015 Nissan Altima specs and features by trim

Feature	2015 Nissan Altima2.52 in stock	2015 Nissan Altima2.5 S11 in stock	2015 Nissan Altima3.5 S1 in stock	2015 Nissan Altima2.5 SL2 in stock	2015 Nissan Altima2.5 SV3 in stock	2015 Nissan Altima3.5 SL1 in stock	2015 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	27 mpg	22 mpg	27 mpg	27 mpg	22 mpg	22 mpg
MPG Highway	38 mpg	38 mpg	32 mpg	38 mpg	38 mpg	32 mpg	32 mpg
Horsepower	182 hp	182 hp	270 hp	182 hp	182 hp	270 hp	270 hp
Torque	180 lb-ft	180 lb-ft	251 lb-ft	180 lb-ft	180 lb-ft	251 lb-ft	251 lb-ft
Max Towing	1400 lb	1400 lb	1400 lb	1400 lb	1400 lb	1400 lb	1400 lb
Trunk/Cargo	15.4 cu-ft	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	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	4	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Blindspot Sensors
Cruise Control
Front & Rear Parking 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
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
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 2016 Nissan Altima compares

The biggest change for the 2016 Nissan Altima is a substantial mid-cycle refresh, led by redesigned front and rear styling. Nissan also revised the cabin and suspension, introduced the 2.5 SR, and expanded standard safety and infotainment features.

See the full 2016 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2015 Nissan Altima redesigned?

No. The 2015 Altima is the third model year of the fifth-generation design introduced for 2013, with targeted equipment and efficiency updates rather than a full redesign.

What is the biggest difference between the 2015 and 2014 Nissan Altima?

The biggest difference is that the 2015 Altima 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL make navigation and several driver-assistance features standard. Those features include blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and moving-object detection.

Does the 2015 Nissan Altima get better fuel economy than the 2014 model?

Yes, but only the V6 models improve. Their highway rating rises from 31 to 32 mpg, and their combined rating increases by 1 mpg; the four-cylinder models do not receive a powertrain-output change.

Which 2015 Nissan Altima trims received seat upgrades?

The SV trims gain an 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, while the SL trims add a 4-way power front-passenger seat. On the 2.5 S, the power driver’s seat changes from standard to optional.

Is the 2015 Nissan Altima meaningfully different from the 2014 model?

It is meaningfully different mainly in the upper trims. The 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL add standard navigation and safety aids, the V6 becomes slightly more efficient, and SV and SL trims receive seat and climate-control upgrades; otherwise, the basic design carries over.

2015 Nissan Altima Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2015 Nissan Altima.

4.2

2015 Nissan Altima

(2,875 reviews)

5 stars (1,206)

4 stars (1,213)

3 stars (376)

2 stars (64)

1 star (16)

“Not having a hand brake is sometimes irritating. Actually, there is one, but you have to use it with your foot.”

FFFarhad F.
2015 Nissan Altima 2.5 S Sedan

“I named my brown Nissan Altima [Name] Brown. She has bold sunflower seat covers.”

CCCeleste C.
2015 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV Sedan (4-cyl)

No rating

“The 2015 Altima I purchased was a good buy for me. It handles very well, cruise control is wonderful & I especially love the sunroof. It handles curves well & has excellent acceleration from standing still to passing on a 2 lane road. Did I mention heated seats & steering wheel? Nice extras if you can get them, but a great car just the same!”

CTCraig T.
2015 Nissan Altima 3.5 S (6-Cyl)

Sources

nissanusa.com — Vehicles / Altima Archive / 2015