2013 Nissan Altima: Mostly meh, but new tech shows promise (photos)

The next Nissan Altima receives minor changes to its exterior and power train, but a new NissanConnect infotainment system shows promise.

Antuan Goodwin

April 5, 2012 9:20 a.m. PT

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2013 Nissan Altima (photos)

We were hoping for something revolutionary from the 2013 Nissan Altima, but it seems that all we got was an evolutionary update to the current generation.

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2013 Nissan Altima (photos)

The Altima's new sheet metal features a bold and bulbous aesthetic.

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Sarah Tew/CNET

2013 Nissan Altima (photos)

Boomerang-shaped headlamps and tail lights remind us of the Altima's larger sibling, the Maxima, while the curvaceous body echoes that of the all-new Versa.

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Sarah Tew/CNET

2013 Nissan Altima (photos)

The C pillar features a more gentle slope than on the current model, stretching farther back toward the rear end. Overall, however, the proportions and silhouette aren't dramatically different from the old Altima.

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Sarah Tew/CNET

2013 Nissan Altima (photos)

Sitting in the bowl-shaped engine bay is one of two engine choices. The first choice is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which gets a seven-horsepower bump to a total of 182 ponies and an mpg bump to 38 highway mpg.

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2013 Nissan Altima (photos)

The optional 3.5-liter V-6 is no more powerful than it is in the current model (270 horsepower). We're assuming that it's just as fuel efficient as well, since Nissan isn't bragging about economy improvements.

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2013 Nissan Altima (photos)

The only transmission available for the 2013 Nissan Altima is the automaker's Xtronic CVT. Usually, we frown at continuously variable transmissions, but Nissan seems to have a handle on the technology.

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Sarah Tew/CNET

2013 Nissan Altima (photos)

In the cabin, the Altima undergone a serious class upgrade with NASA-inspired seats, optional leather trim, and a light and airy feel. Nissan will also debut its new NissanConnect infotainment and navigation system, which uses a Bluetooth-paired smartphone to provide Pandora Internet radio playback, Google POI search, and hands-free text messaging.

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Sarah Tew/CNET

2013 Nissan Altima (photos)

The Altima will also be available with a selection of optional safety features including blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and moving object detection when it launches in July at a starting MSRP of $21,500.