The 2012 Nissan Altima sedan returns with three trims on the menu: two with a 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder (the 2.5 and 2.5 S) and one with a 3.5-liter V6 (the 3.5 SR). Regardless of engine, all trims continue to use an Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), with the V6 adding a sport mode with adaptive shift control. While both engines offered a smooth and comfortable ride last year, with even the I4 offering adequate power for highway passing, the CVT seemed more successful when in combination with the V6, adding smooth shifting and a higher fun quotient. The 2.5-liter engine generates 175 hp at 5,600 rpm and 180 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm and delivers fuel economy estimates of 23 mpg city/32 highway. However, the larger V6 falters in its fuel economy numbers with 20/27, although the trade-off is increased power, with 270 hp at 6,000 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. While all trims provide an independent front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension with standard front and rear stabilizer bars, the 3.5 SR offers a sport-tuned version with stiffer springs and heftier front and rear stabilizer bars.

The front-wheel-drive midsize sedan offers little new in 2012 (the sixth year of its fourth-generation design). A new Value Package (with features such as Bluetooth for hands-free phone, auto on/off headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls, HomeLink universal remote and auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass) is available for the 2.5 S. Last year’s Special Edition package has been carried over, also for the 2.5 S trim, adding 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, foglights and a rear spoiler, among other extras. One color change rounds out the list of “enhancements” for this year (Dark Slate replaces Metallic Slate in the exterior color palate).

The Altima Sedan continues to offer its standard safety features consistently across trims, including standard power-assisted vented disc brakes in the front and solid discs in the rear, combined with standard antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Nissan’s Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) includes dual-stage supplemental front airbags, as well as front seat-mounted side impact airbags and roof-mounted curtain side impact airbags covering the outboard occupants in the front and rear. All the 5-seat Altima sedan trims continue to provide standard vehicle dynamic control with traction control. The 2011 Altima sedan performed fairly well in the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s tests, with an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars. The sedan also scored 4 stars in front and rollover crash tests and a perfect 5 stars for the side-impact test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested the 2011 Altima, which earned the highest score (Good) for front offset and side crash tests, but the second highest—Acceptable—rating for roof strength tests (a measure of the amount of protection provided in a rollover crash).

Inside the cabin, the 2.5 trim comes with a 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat covered in velour cloth. The almost identical 2011 Altima sedan earned praise for the front seats’ comfort and visibility. The rear, however, has limited headroom for taller passengers, and, when the front seats are pushed back, rear legroom is noticeably cramped. The rear seats fold with a 60/40 split to expand the trunk’s standard 15.3 -cubic-foot cargo capacity. While the trunk’s low liftover makes loading large items easier, the trunk’s hinge shape may detract from the actual available storage space for bulky cargo. As with all trims, the 2.5 also comes with push-button ignition, power windows and door locks, and remote keyless entry. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel includes controls for cruise. Other features include speed-sensitive intermittent windshield wipers and a multi-functional trip computer. Although the 2.5 comes with 4 speakers and audio prewiring, there is no standard audio system for the entry-level trim.

The 2.5 S adds several features to the 2.5’s lineup, including the ability to upgrade through several options packages. An audio system with 6 speakers, auxiliary audio jack and AM/FM/CD are now standard fare, as is Nissan’s Intelligent Key system, which allows owners to lock or unlock the car or start the engine without taking the fob out of a pocket or purse. The 3.5 SR continues where the 2.5 S leaves off, with an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, extendable sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood-tone (rather than metallic) interior trim and steering-wheel-mounted controls for audio. This year also brings standard Bluetooth capability for hands-free phone use to the 3.5 SR, and this feature is included in the 2.5 S's available Convenience Package.

Trims can also be customized, either through standalone options (such as foglights or a rear decklid spoiler for the 2.5 S) or through various options packages. Packages for the 2.5 S and 3.5 SR can add features such as a power moonroof, upgraded audio (which includes a Bose 9-speaker system with a USB port, XM satellite radio, a 4.3-inch color display for rear-view monitoring, MP3/WMA CD-ROM compatibility and speed-sensitive auto volume), leather seats, HID xenon headlights, Bluetooth streaming audio and a Nissan hard-drive-based navigation system with a 6.5-inch color monitor and steering-wheel-mounted controls. Although numerous luxury and technology features can be added with the options packages, they can quickly increase the price, since many packages require the purchase of additional packages.

Last year’s Nissan Altima sedan tried to run with the big boys of the class: the Ford Fusion, Mazda6 and Toyota Camry. Unfortunately, while it's a midsize sedan definitely worth a look, the Altima’s interior space and performance did not quite measure up to those competitors. However, with only minimal changes for 2012, the Altima sedan should continue to offer a good middle-of-the-pack option for a family car. Even its I4 will provide enough power for daily driving, and most should find the sedan a comfortable ride. However, with a cramped rear seat for adults and options primarily available through expensive packages, buyers will want to take a look, but may end up buying elsewhere.