2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid

  

 

Power: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, 158 horsepower (electric motor adds 40 horsepower)

Mileage estimate: 33-35 mpg                                  

Price: $26,650

Standard features include: tilt/telescoping steering column; keyless ignition/entry; dual-zone automatic climate control; six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack; antilock disc brakes; traction and stability control; power locks, windows, and mirrors;

 Review By Jeffrey Weidel

So what’s wrong with doing a little borrowing? Nothing, if you happen to be the Nissan automotive group, which decided to use some technology from rival Toyota in a licensing agreement when designing the Altima Hybrid.

I’m not exactly sure what benefits Toyota got from the arrangement. But one thing is clear – they produced another rival to go with Honda. The 2009 Altima Hybrid is being hailed by many car experts for its handling, gas-saving capability (33-35 mpg, with a 20-gallon gas tank), comfort, performance, and on top of all that, it looks good.

In fact, the sporty Altima has always had that over both the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord, which also both feature hybrid models. The Camry Hybrid is a great selection in the mid-size class as well, but the Altima does offer more acceleration and gets similar gas mileage.

While hybrids typically have that stodgy appearance, the Altima possesses an eye appeal that has helped make it a strong seller throughout its brand. It’s nice on the inside as well, featuring a roomy front cabin that is made of solid materials and no hard plastic.

Yet it’s not like the Altima has no flaws. One of them is availability. Due to stringent emission standards, the vehicle is only available in nine states, with California being one of them and Oregon another. Although the base price of around $26,650 isn’t too high, upgrades with the Altima are bundled with additional items and the packages become rather expensive, and added another $4,600 to the model I test drove. The Camry comes at a cheaper price overall.

One other complaint with the Hybrid is a smallish backseat that is considerably roomier with the standard Altima sedans.

This is Nissan’s first venture into the gas/electric hybrid world, where the engine shuts down at all stops to save on gas, while the electric motor supplies the acceleration at lower speeds. The gas doesn’t get utilized until the vehicle reaches higher speeds.

The Hybrid engine appears unassuming with a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine with a combined 198 horsepower. But the Altima possesses excellent passing power in freeway situations and never appeared challenged even on hilly grades. It has been clocked from 0-60 in 7.6 seconds, which would probably rank first if there were a NFL-like Hybrid combine.

The ride quality is admirable as well. The Altima holds the road well and provides precise steering that will please all levels of drivers.

2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid

Tags: Auto Reviews

Trackback URI | Comments RSS