2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL

The 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL is a midsize sedan that strikes a strong balance between comfort, style, performance, and fuel economy. It aims to offer a near-premium experience without the premium price, and in many ways it succeeds.

Powertrain & Performance

Under the hood sits a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine that produces around 182 horsepower and approximately 180 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The newer CVT is revised compared to earlier versions, with a wider ratio spread which helps both off-the-line responsiveness and highway cruising. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is in the neighborhood of 7.5-7.7 seconds depending on conditions.

The Altima’s handling and ride feel are refined for its class. Engineers trimmed weight relative to the outgoing generation by using lighter body components and more high-strength steel. The suspension is tuned to provide a composed ride—firm enough that it doesn’t feel disconnected, but sufficiently cushioned for daily driving. There’s relatively low cabin noise, especially at highway speeds, and the steering gives decent feedback, though it’s not sporty in the way a performance sedan would be.


Fuel Economy & Efficiency


One of this model’s strong suits is its fuel efficiency. The 2.5 SL is rated about 27 mpg in city driving and up to 38 mpg on the highway. This makes it among the more efficient non-hybrid midsize sedans of its time. Real world use will vary depending on load, driving style, and environment, but overall, it delivers well in the fuel economy department.


Interior, Comfort & Features


As the SL trim, it comes loaded with more upscale features. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery and heated front seats. The driver’s seat is power-adjustable (eight-way), there’s typically a sunroof, premium audio system (often Bose), and a higher level of interior materials and fit and finish compared to base or mid-level trims. The front seats are generally very comfortable, with plenty of support, and the new design puts more emphasis on ergonomics and comfort for longer drives.

Rear seat room is generous—legroom and headroom are competitive in its class, so three adults can travel in the back though middle-seat comfort is naturally less ideal than the outboard seats. The trunk is adequate, offering space for groceries, luggage, or gear for a weekend trip.


Safety & Technology


The 2013 Altima 2.5 SL offers a number of modern safety and tech features. Depending on options and packages, you’ll find a backup camera, blind spot warnings, lane departure warning, a touch-screen infotainment display, keyless entry/ignition, remote start, and other driver aids. The standard safety suite comprises front, side, and curtain airbags, stability control, ABS, and traction control. Packaging of optional tech depends on which extras the specific vehicle has, but SL tends to be well-equipped.


Pros & Drawbacks


Pros:
Strong fuel economy, especially on the highway
Comfortable, quiet ride with a well-appointed cabin
Good standard features in SL trim (leather, heated seats, premium sound, etc.)
Attractive styling, relatively light yet solid build


Drawbacks:


The CVT, while efficient, doesn’t deliver the same feel as a traditional automatic under all situations; some drivers report it lacks the responsiveness or tactile feel of gear shifts
Power is fine but not thrilling—if you want strong acceleration or sporty handling, the V6 variant will be more satisfying
Certain optional safety/tech features only available with packages, which adds cost depending on what’s included


Overall Impression


The 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL is a very good choice if you want a blend of comfort, efficiency, and decent power without stepping into luxury pricing. It's especially suited for daily commuters, families, or anyone who values highway mileage, a quiet cabin, and a well-rounded feature