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Nissan Altima Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid ranks 11 out of 21 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 22 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Altima Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Nissan Altima Hybrid offers the sharp handling and spacious interior of the Nissan Altima, and the added fuel efficiency of a hybrid powertrain. It’s available in only eight states, however, and pricey enough to make some question whether the hybrid is really worth the investment.

The Nissan Altima Hybrid combines two very appealing things. One is the crisp handling of the Nissan Altima, widely considered one of the most fun-to-drive family sedans. The other is the fuel efficiency and lighter carbon footprint of a hybrid drivetrain. 

It seems like a combination that’s hard to beat. But the Altima Hybrid has its problems. The biggest of them is its extremely limited availability. The Altima Hybrid is only sold in eight states -- California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont. Buyers can buy one in another state and drive it home -- but not all of us live within a reasonable distance of California or New England.

Price is another concern. The base Altima Hybrid's MSRP is not terribly high, but Nissan’s options are structured into expensive packages, making it hard to equip an Altima moderately well. Buyers are forced to choose between a bare-bones model and an expensive near-luxury edition.  

For 2010, Nissan has added flair to the Altima’s sheetmetal, with a new, more dramatic look. A prominent “power bulge” and deep ridges carved into the sides of the hood give it a bolder look. Inside, the car features a finer grade of materials this year, with richer fabrics and more soft-touch plastics than in last year’s car.

Buyers might want to note that Nissan buys parts of the drivetrain for the Altima Hybrid from the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Reviewers tend to call the Altima more fun to drive, but Toyota’s traditionally higher resale value might help offset the added cost of the hybrid system. The brand new Ford Fusion Hybrid has also won more positive press than the Altima Hybrid has -- and it is available in far more states.

• “Altima Hybrid gives up some drivetrain sophistication in the name of efficiency. Its approximately $5000 price premium over a conventional 4-cylinder model would take a long time to recoup in fuel savings, even with high gas prices” -- Consumer Guide
• "The…Nissan Altima Hybrid is an excellent choice for drivers who want a little fun between point A and point B. Too bad it's only sold in the eight states that have adopted California's emissions standards." -- Edmunds
• "As one would imagine, the Altima (like many Nissan products) is much more involving than the Camry, but it isn't nearly as refined as a Ford Fusion Hybrid." -- Automobile Magazine
• "Nissan's first hybrid is a bit of a trial balloon. A bad business case? Perhaps. But the Altima Hybrid is a pretty decent car." -- Road and Track
• "Anyone with a case of Green Line Fever should include it on the ‘drive-me' list." -- Motor Trend

Altima-Hybrid Performance - 7.9 (Good)

The conventionally-powered Nissan Altima is one of the most athletic cars in the affordable midsize class, and reviewers say its hybrid counterpart does nothing to damage that reputation. The hybrid version is a bit quicker than a four-cylinder Altima, though slower than a V6 model, and has all of the crisp handling of the standard car. Read More

Altima-Hybrid Exterior - 8.7 (Very Good)

Nissan has redesigned the exterior of both the gasoline-powered and hybrid Altimas for 2010.  The new look is more aggressive, with a “power bulge” in the hood and deep ridges running back from the headlights.  Reviewers like the changes.  But the Altima Hybrid is distinguished from the standard car only by a few small hybrid badges. Read More

Altima-Hybrid Interior - 8.5 (Very Good)

The Altima Hybrid’s interior has seen a styling refresh for 2010. Reviewers like the richer fabrics and softer surfaces of the new car. Shoppers should be aware, however, that the base model is missing many common features; electronic enhancements like a navigation system are available, but only in expensive options packages. Read More

Altima-Hybrid Safety - 9.2 (Excellent)

The federal government has awarded the Altima hybrid strong scores in its crash tests. The insurance industry hasn’t conducted separate tests on the Altima hybrid, but has given good scores to the standard Altima, which shares most of its structure and safety equipment. Read More

Altima-Hybrid Reliability - NA

Nissan provides a basic warranty for the first three years or 36,000 miles of Altima Hybrid ownership, as well as separate, longer warranties that cover the hybrid powertrain components and transmission. Read More