2009 Nissan Altima Trims and Specs

Nissan's entry-level Altima 2.5 doesn't skimp on standard features for 2009. Instead, drivers will find a good mix of all the basics, like air conditioning with a microfilter, power windows and door locks, cruise control with illuminated steering-wheel-mounted controls, and velour cloth seat trim, as well as some nice-to-have features, like electroluminescent gauges, a trip computer with outside temperature display, metallic trim, and nine beverage holders. The driver's seat manually adjusts six ways, and the rear seats split 60/40 and fold to provide additional cargo space. On the downside, the '09 Altima 2.5 doesn't come with an audio system in its standard package (it's prewired for one, though). Exterior features include speed-sensitive windshield wipers, power-adjustable exterior mirrors, and dual exhaust pipes with chrome finishers. The Altima 2.5 rides on 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season tires.

A 2.5-liter, double-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine generating 175 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque powers the front-wheel-drive Altima 2.5. The engine features a variable valve timing system, direct ignition, and an electronic drive-by-wire throttle, and connects to a Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) with a manual shift mode. A four-wheel antilock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution comes standard. Safety features include seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the driver and front passenger and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags for all four outboard seating positions.

The 2009 Nissan Altima 2.5 S comes with a number of standard features not included on the base Altima 2.5, including remote keyless entry, a digital clock, an Intelligent Key with push-button ignition, driver- and passenger-side seatback pockets, and a six-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player and an MP3 input jack. Other standard features include velour cloth seat trim, power windows and door locks, air conditioning, cruise control, a trip computer with outside temperature display, and nine beverage holders, as well as a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat. An optional SL package adds such features as leather seats and door trim, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Exterior features for the 2.5 S include speed-sensitive windshield wipers, power-adjustable exterior mirrors, and dual exhaust pipes with chrome finishers. Options include splash guards and foglights. The Altima 2.5 S rides on 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season tires.

The powerplant for the Altima 2.5 S includes a six-speed manual transmission, as opposed to the Altima 2.5 trim's Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). However, drivers can add the CVT transmission as an option. For power, the front-wheel-drive Altima 2.5 S comes equipped with a 2.5-liter, double-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine, which generates 175 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy numbers check in at 23/32 city/highway miles with the manual transmission and 23/31 with the optional CVT transmission. Standard safety features include front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags for both first- and second-row passengers.

The 2009 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE adds a sporty element to the Altima line, thanks to its retuned suspension and performance-oriented features. Under its hood resides a 3.5-liter, double-overhead-cam V6 producing 270 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The low-emissions engine features a variable valve timing system and direct ignition and mates to a six-speed manual transmission, although drivers can add Nissan's Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) as an option. Fuel economy numbers for the V6 drop a bit when compared to the Altima 2.5's four-cylinder engine, checking in at 19/27 city/highway mpg with the manual transmission and 19/26 with the CVT transmission. The Altima 3.5 SE's suspension features stiffer springs, retuned shocks and struts, and thicker stabilizer bars in the front and rear, resulting in a firmer, sportier ride. Traction control and 17-inch wheels with all-season tires come standard.

Interior features include velour cloth seat trim, keyless entry, cruise control, air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a trip computer with outside temperature display, and nine beverage holders. A six-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player and MP3 input jack also comes standard. The driver's seat has eight-way power adjustment, and the rear seats split 60/40 and fold to provide extra cargo space. Depending on the interior color, the 3.5 SE also comes with wood-tone or metallic interior trim. A Premium Package adds leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped shift knob, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, among other features. Exterior features include heated outside mirrors with a timer, automatic on/off headlights, and splashguards, while a Sport Package adds high-intensity xenon headlights, foglights, and a rear spoiler.

The top-of-the-line Nissan Altima 3.5 SL comes with a wide range of standard features, including many items not found on the standard equipment lists of other Altima trims. Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power sliding glass moonroof, for instance, come standard on the 3.5 SL, but are available only with options packages on the other Altima trims. The same applies to such features as leather seats and door trim, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped shift knob, all standard on the 3.5 SL. Other standard features include an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, push-button ignition, keyless remote entry, and cruise control, as well as nine beverage holders. For entertainment, the Altima 3.5 SL receives a nine-speaker Bose audio system with a 6-CD changer, speed-compensating volume, XM satellite radio, and an MP3-player input jack.

Exterior features include high-intensity-discharge xenon headlights, foglights, a rear spoiler, automatic on/off headlights, splash guards, and dual exhaust pipes with chrome tips. A 3.5-liter, double-overhead-cam V6 generating 270 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque powers the front-wheel-drive Altima 3.5 SL. This low-emissions engine, which features a variable valve timing system and direct ignition, links to a six-speed manual transmission or an optional Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). The V6 posts fuel economy numbers of 19/27 city/highway mpg with the manual transmission and 19/26 with the CVT transmission. The 3.5 SL rides on 16-inch wheels with all-season tires and comes with a traction control system, as well as a full range of airbags, including front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags for both first- and second-row passengers.