“Very comfortable car! Love the backup camera and the zip it has when merging into traffic. The seats are the best!”
2016 Nissan Altima: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
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.
About the 2016 Nissan Altima
5th generation (2013-2018), mid-cycle refresh year
For 2016, Nissan positions the Altima as a roomy midsize sedan that blends strong fuel economy, everyday comfort, and easy-to-use technology. The archive messaging leans on quality materials, useful performance and technology upgrades, the CVT for smooth efficiency, and aerodynamic shaping for reduced drag. In plain terms, this is Nissan’s mainstream family sedan for shoppers who want a comfortable commuter with generous cabin space, strong highway mileage, and available V6 power without moving into a larger or pricier car.
The 2016 Altima ranges from the straightforward 2.5 and practical 2.5 S to the new SR models, which add sportier suspension tuning, paddle shifters, and more aggressive trim. The SL versions focus on comfort with leather, heated front seats, and Bose audio. The 3.5 SL combines those features with a 270-hp V6 and built-in navigation.
What changed, by category
Styling
Nissan redesigned the front and rear to match its newer design theme, revised the interior trim and center-console details, and improved the car’s aerodynamics.
Chassis and lineup
New shocks, rear springs, and bushings gave the suspension a more settled feel. The 2.5 SR joined the lineup, the 3.5 S continued under the 3.5 SR name, and the 3.5 SV was dropped.
Tech
The 2.5 S gained a standard 5-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, USB connection, smartphone app integration, and Siri Eyes Free.
Safety
Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert became standard on the 2.5 SV and both SL trims.
Powertrain and efficiency
The 182-hp four-cylinder and 270-hp V6 carried over. Highway fuel economy for the four-cylinder trims increased from 38 to 39 mpg alongside the aerodynamic updates.
2016 Nissan Altima specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 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 | 27 mpg | 26 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 39 mpg | 39 mpg | 39 mpg | 37 mpg | 39 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft | 180 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 |
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Cruise Control | |||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||
| 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 | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
How different is the 2016 Nissan Altima from the 2015 model?
The 2016 Altima is meaningfully different from the 2015 because it received redesigned front and rear styling, revised cabin details, retuned suspension hardware, and improved aerodynamics. It also gained the 2.5 SR trim and expanded standard technology and safety equipment.
Was the Nissan Altima SR new for 2016?
Yes, the four-cylinder 2.5 SR was new for 2016. The V6-powered 3.5 S was renamed 3.5 SR and received the SR model’s sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, sport seats, 18-inch wheels, and darker exterior details.
Did the 2016 Nissan Altima get new engines?
No, the 2016 Altima kept its existing engines: a 182-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6. The four-cylinder trims did improve their highway fuel-economy rating from 38 to 39 mpg.
What safety features changed on the 2016 Nissan Altima?
Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert became standard on the 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, and 3.5 SL for 2016. These systems warn the driver about vehicles beside the car or crossing behind it while reversing.
Is a 2016 Nissan Altima worth considering over a 2015?
The 2016 is the stronger choice if refreshed styling, more settled suspension tuning, or added standard equipment matters to you. The engines are essentially the same, so the 2015 still offers a similar basic driving experience.
2016 Nissan Altima Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Nissan Altima.
4.2
2016 Nissan Altima
(1,501 reviews)
“Overall happy with my Altima. It has all of the helpful safety features, handles well, accelerates fine and operates quietly on the highway. Only issue I see are some build quality issues, but nothing that detracts from my overall satisfaction with my vehicle.”
“Lots of cheap plastics at places where a driver can reach in a car that cost me above $30,000/-Vague and lifeless steering. Lacks feedback”