2016 Nissan Altima: Ultimate Guide for Today Used Car Buyers

Introduction

Looking for a dependable used sedan that still feels modern? The 2016 Nissan Altima might just be the sweet spot. It’s not only stylish but also efficient, spacious, and budget-friendly. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a college student, or someone who just wants a solid daily driver, the 2016 Altima checks a lot of boxes.

Model Year Highlights

2016 was a big year for the Altima. Nissan gave it a mid-cycle refresh, meaning new styling, better tech, and refined performance.

Key upgrades included:

Redesigned front and rear ends
Better fuel efficiency
Available sporty SR trim
Improved interior features

Exterior Overview

Refreshed Styling

Nissan brought in its “Energetic Flow” design language in 2016. That means a V-motion grille, boomerang-shaped headlights, and a more sculpted profile—making it look like a baby Maxima.

Color Palette

Available paint options included:

Super Black
Pearl White
Gun Metallic
Deep Blue Pearl
Cayenne Red

Trim Breakdown

The 2016 Altima came in seven trims:

2.5
2.5 S
2.5 SV
2.5 SL
3.5 SR (new for 2016)
3.5 SL

Each offered a different mix of performance and features.

Interior and Cabin Comfort of 2016 Nissan Altima

Seating and Space

Seating for five, with NASA-inspired “Zero Gravity” seats that reduce fatigue. The rear seats are impressively spacious, even for taller passengers.

Material Quality

Higher trims received leather, while lower trims used durable cloth. Soft-touch surfaces on the dash and doors add a premium feel.

Dashboard Layout and Features

The center stack is simple and user-friendly. Buttons are logically placed, and controls are intuitive—even for first-time drivers.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Screen Sizes and Functions

Basic trims: 5-inch display
Upper trims: 7-inch touchscreen with NissanConnect

Bluetooth and Smartphone Integration

Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming are standard on most trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto weren’t included in 2016 but some features can be accessed through NissanConnect.

Optional Tech Features

Navigation
Voice recognition
Rearview camera (standard on most trims)
6- or 9-speaker Bose audio system on SL trims

Engine and Performance

Engine Options

2.5-liter 4-cylinder (182 hp)
3.5-liter V6 (270 hp)

The 2.5L suits daily driving and fuel savings, while the 3.5L SR is perfect for spirited drivers.

MPG Ratings

2.5L: 27 city / 39 highway MPG
3.5L: 22 city / 32 highway MPG

That’s excellent, even by 2025 standards!

Driving Feel

The SR trim comes with paddle shifters, stiffer suspension, and 18-inch wheels for a sportier ride. Overall, the Altima prioritizes comfort over raw excitement.

Safety Ratings and Features

Standard Features

Advanced Airbag System
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Advanced Safety Tech

Optional or available in higher trims:

Blind Spot Warning
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Forward Collision Warning
Automatic Emergency Braking

Crash Test Results

IIHS Top Safety Pick+
5-star overall rating from NHTSA

Ride Quality and Handling

Suspension Tuning

Soft suspension offers a smooth and quiet ride—perfect for highway cruising.

Steering and Road Feedback

Not overly sporty, but precise and light. Easy to drive and park.

Fuel Economy of 2016 Nissan Altima

Real-World MPG

Many owners report 33–35 MPG combined in daily use with the 2.5L engine.

Eco Features

Active grille shutters
Low rolling resistance tires
Lightweight construction

Reliability and Long-Term Ownership

Known Issues

Some drivers reported:

CVT shuddering or whining
Paint chipping on certain colors
AC system quirks

Maintenance Costs of 2016 Nissan Altima

Generally low. CVT fluid should be changed every 60,000 miles to ensure longevity.

Recommended Service Intervals

Oil change: 5,000–7,000 miles
Transmission fluid: 60,000 miles
Brake pads: 30,000–50,000 miles

Used Market Value in 2025

Pricing Trends

Expect to pay around:

$7,000 to $12,000 depending on mileage and condition

What Affects Resale Value

Maintenance history
Trim level (SL and SR hold value better)
Clean title and accident history

Trim Level Comparison

2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL

2.5 / S: Basic but dependable
SV: Adds tech and convenience
SL: Luxurious with leather and Bose audio

3.5 SR and 3.5 SL

SR: Sporty handling, V6 power
SL: Top-tier luxury and tech

Competitor Comparison

2016 Toyota Camry

More reliable reputation
Less exciting design

2016 Honda Accord

Better driving dynamics
Higher used price tag

2016 Hyundai Sonata

More tech for the price
Slightly less resale value

Who Should Buy the 2016 Altima?

Budget-conscious buyers wanting quality
First-time car owners
Commuters needing high MPG
Families looking for comfort and space

Conclusion

The 2016 Nissan Altima offers one of the best value propositions in today’s used car market. It’s stylish, safe, and efficient—ideal for drivers who want reliability without overpaying. As long as you do your homework (especially around CVT issues), this sedan will treat you right.