2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
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Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid often surprises test drivers. They show up expecting to grade on a curve, since hybrids often trail traditionally-powered cars in overall performance. But once in the car, they realize that the Altima Hybrid is actually fun to drive. It's not as quick off the line or as fast at top speed as the gasoline-powered Altima, but its shares that car's composure even in tight cornering, and its acceleration approximates that of a four-cylinder car. What some reviewers do criticize is the car's noise level.

• "The 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid is a green car that doesn't compromise driving pleasure. While it certainly wouldn't be thought of as a canyon carver or a track-day candidate, this hybrid manages to retain much of the acceleration and road-holding prowess of the conventional four-cylinder Altima." -- Edmunds
• "Altima -- hybrid or not -- is sportier than Camry. It feels more agile in corners, has a firmer ride, is quicker to scoot when you nail the throttle" -- USA Today
• "In keeping with the brand's sportier vibe, Nissan's engineers gave the Altima hybrid a slightly huskier exhaust note -- though the effect is somewhat akin to having someone in the trunk making motorboat sounds." -- Los Angeles Times
• "Just turn up the nice Bose audio system and pretend you don't hear a thing." -- Autosite

Acceleration and Power

The 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, wedded to an Alternating Current synchronous electric motor with 199 pound-feet of torque and a battery with 40 horsepower. Net horsepower is 198 -- more than a four-cylinder Altima, though less than the V6-powered version. Reviewers say the combination gives the car plenty of power, translated through a Continuously Variable Transmission that doesn't have conventional gears.

The car isn't particularly quick off the line, but power comes on steadily and evenly all the way past highway speed. A few reviewers, however, say the transition between electric and gasoline power is too abrupt and noticeable. The EPA says the Altima Hybrid will travel 35 miles in city driving on one gallon of gas, and 33 on the highway -- but some reviewers don't find those numbers accurate.

• "The Hybrid is generally strong, though the CVT in this application slightly dulls passing response." -- Consumer Guide
• "Acceleration from a standing start is not a rush, but the hybrid powertrain dishes up smooth, consistently increasing power." -- Sacramento Bee
• "In my test drive of an Altima Hybrid, I noticed the easy power of the car. At times, it felt like it had a V6 ... The spunky feel also comes from the fact the Altima Hybrid is a bit lighter weight than the Camry Hybrid so the instantaneous torque of up to 199 lb-ft right at startup is palpable." --  MSN
• "We can't be as complimentary about the hybrid system's integration, as there's noticeable surging at cruising speeds, and more vibration when the engine awakens from 'auto-stop' mode than in the Toyota Prius and Camry hybrid." -- Road and Track
• "In urban driving in electric-only mode, the car displays impressive throttle response at low speeds, and we enjoyed the smooth ride courtesy of the electric motor and the CVT" -- CNET
• "If your big issue is drivetrain smoothness, Altima's not for you. The gasoline engine shakes and shimmies when it automatically starts and begins augmenting the electric motor's power." -- USA Today
• "As they say at the EPA, 'Your mileage may vary.' ... The hybrid's average, which included test-track thrashing, was a dismal 23 mpg. We occasionally go the mpg gauge to nudge over 30 mpg, but not by much." -- Car and Driver

Handling and Braking

The 2009 Nissan Altima is regarded as a sharp handler in all its forms -- hybrid and conventional. The car's electrically-assisted steering pleases most reviewers, which is not an easy feat -- the automotive press is often hard on the new electric steering systems many manufacturers are turning to. But Nissan seems to have found a weighting that most reviewers consider entertaining and responsive. The Altima hybrid's suspension smooths out bumps without over-dampening the ride, and the brakes -- often a sore point with hybrids -- perform well.

• "Steering is notably precise, with ample feedback." -- Edmunds
• "You get the Altima's athletic reflexes, quick steering, and, in this test car, excellent braking (167 feet from 70 mph) -- dynamic distinctions worth having, hybrid or not." -- Car and Driver
• "The Altima also shares Nissan's affection for crisper ride and hand-ling and more-vivid steering." By comparison, "The Camry hybrid drives a little bit like the world's most sophisticated hearse." -- Los Angeles Times
• The suspension "absorbs bumps well while feeling crisp and planted during normal driving situations." -- Autosite
• "The electric steering in the Altima Hybrid is one of the best around. It has good on-center feel, and there's no sense of artificiality, like I've experienced in some other vehicles." -- MSN
• "Unlike other hybrids ... the effect of the Altima Hybrid's regenerative braking is subtle enough to ensure that it does not significantly interfere with the feel of the brakes." -- CNET