In the packed midsize sedan segment, the Nissan Altima has struggled to compete with traditional heavy hitters. It’s not as luxurious as European offerings. It doesn’t present the biggest bang for your buck like those from America. It’s not as refined as other Japanese rivals. And it doesn’t sport the appealing warranty of Korean midsize sedans. The 2023 Nissan Altima sits interestingly, somewhat confusingly, in the middle of flair, performance, and value.

Despite the aforementioned, the Altima is an attractive car inside and out, one that brings a lot to the table. After Edmunds got a hold of a 2023 Nissan Altima, they asserted four reasons why they like the sixth-generation midsize sedan.

Reason #1: Available all-wheel drive (AWD) system

The Altima may not be the sports car some of Nissan’s other sedans have been. However, the Altima has a rare feature in the midsize sedan segment: AWD. Paired with a smooth-shifting continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), it provides excellent driver confidence. AWD is available in the 2023 Nissan Altima’s SV, SR, and SL trim levels.

Reason #2: Easy-to-drive nature

Part of the 2023 Nissan Altima’s competency is how the sedan makes driving easier. With the seemingly invisible CVT and a suspension tuned for comfort, the Altima provides a relaxed means of moving around. Moreover, a huge and easy-to-use infotainment touchscreen allows drivers to spend more time paying attention to the road.

Reason #3: Impressive collection of driver assist systems

Edmunds is impressed with the Altima’s ProPilot Assist system, which includes lane-keep assist and low-speed adaptive cruise control (ACC). Reviewers claim the ACC is driver-friendly, requiring “little correction in traffic.” As well, the Nissan Intelligent Mobility system provides genuinely helpful assist cues. Active Ride Control applies the brakes slightly and adjusts torque to smooth out bumps. Intelligent Trace Control reads the road and can brake each wheel individually for smooth steering through corners. The 2023 Nissan Altima even has an electronic parking brake with an auto hold for help at stoplights.

Reason #4: Favorable fuel economy estimates

The Altima posts respectable fuel economy figures with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder and front-wheel drive (FWD). The EPA estimates 27 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. AWD drops the numbers to 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. However, reviewers coaxed even more out of the AWD Altima, with a stellar 34 mpg combined for the midsize sedan.   

Is the 2023 Nissan Altima reliable?

In previous years, the Nissan Altima failed to offer stellar reliability. However, with the debut of the sixth-generation Altima in 2019, issues have subsided. According to J.D. Power, the Altima has a high predicted reliability score. They rate the 2023 Nissan Altima just below the 2023 Kia Forte and the 2023 Lexus ES. Consumer Reports has similar commentary. While they haven’t tested the newest Altima, the 2022 model year has the highest-rated reliability in two decades.

The 2023 Nissan Altima may fail to excite as much as its looks may warrant, but it’s dependable. It will work as an everyday commuter, long-distance cruiser, or busy family vehicle.