You don't usually expect to get teased when a car is getting no more than a mid-cycle refresh, but that's the tack Nissan is taking with its lightly updated 2010 Nissan Altima. The company released this shot (left side) of the 2010 sedan today but was mum on details.
To help reveal some of the differences, we've cropped a photo of a 2009 Altima sedan the same way. So that's the 2010 model on the left and the 2009 car on the right. Differences in the headlight design, grille and the contours of the hood are apparent.
Additional information has leaked out on the Web. Apparently, the four-cylinder, 2.5 S Altima coupe will upgrade from 16- to 17-inch wheels this year (though the 215/55R17 rubber is still all-season) and pick up stability control as standard. Also, look for a revised Tech package that includes Infiniti line's hard-drive-based navigation system and on-board music storage. A USB input is on the list, though Nissan is reportedly adding streaming Bluetooth as well. Also, there's a trim level called 3.5 SR, which we presume will supersede the existing 3.5 SE.
altimadude00 says:
02:25 PM, 09/18/09
Hopefully they fixed the bloated look of the Altima too. Looks good so far.
zc1 says:
05:04 PM, 09/18/09
I agree. So far, so good.
billt9 says:
05:39 PM, 09/18/09
ya back end was good. front end was dorky.
Good thing they changed the front to look sharper like a sports model.
chopperx says:
06:39 PM, 09/18/09
looks better.. well anything is better than the current car. They totally trashed the front design in the last major update.
slickersdrip says:
07:22 PM, 09/18/09
Exactly, chopperx... the last generation (after the refresh), to me, was a really great looking car--especially in the SE-R guise. This new generation just looks lumpy and unattractive to me.
That said, thank you, Erin, for putting up a picture of the current Altima compared to the facelift... Autoblog just had the new teaser and other than the headlight I kinda shrugged... this points out the actual differences.
dalaw says:
01:46 AM, 09/19/09
The headlights look like they are straight from the Rogue and the overall front end looks like the previous gen Maxima
zoomzoomn says:
05:26 AM, 09/19/09
Hmmm. New bumper facia and hood has new lines. Revised lamps. I like the 6 speed options for those of us who still like to drive! Anything changing on the coupe?
atenza94546 says:
12:42 PM, 09/19/09
This has been the biggest competition to the 2010 Hyundai Sonata. It reasonably priced and its reliable and the CVT with the 2.5 L4 is smooth. Just the interior a bit odd.
RonnieRogue says:
03:11 PM, 09/19/09
I've never liked this car in the time that I've known it. It just isnt as fun to drive as advertised.
jttimberland says:
05:47 PM, 09/19/09
here's a link to a full frontal of the 2010 nissan altima.
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/08/2010-nissan-altima-facelift-spied-at.html
jttimberland says:
05:48 PM, 09/19/09
here's a link to a full frontal of the 2010 nissan altima.
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/08/2010-nissan-altima-facelift-spied-at.html
dg0472 says:
06:07 PM, 09/19/09
Hmmm. Standard ESC means that the Altima will take the "Consumer Reports" Top Pick for Family Sedan away from the Accord for 2010. Wonder what that'll do to sales.
rvictor says:
11:47 PM, 09/20/09
Nissan couldn't design its way out of a box. I don't know of one vehicle I would buy from them on looks alone. Murano, FX, EX, Maxima, Versa, Altima, 370, GT-R, Armada, Titan? FUGLY! Everyone of these are at the bottom of the food chain. They are definatly the "blind" designers.
umiami350z says:
08:36 AM, 09/21/09
The full frontal pic looks pretty good. Also that car appears to have a sportier front bumper than the teaser car. I currently drive an 05 Altima SER and love it. Its the perfect mix of fun, luxury, and practicality for me. My car is getting old though and the closest thing to it that I have found to replace it with is the 2010 mazdaspeed 3. I like everything about the car except that it doesnt have a leather interior, HID headlights, or a moonroof. Is there any chance that the 3.5 SR designation of the new altima will be the equivalent of the 2005 Altima SER?