2017 Nissan Altima: A Detailed Review for Used Car Shoppers

Introduction

If you’re hunting for a reliable, comfortable, and stylish midsize sedan in the used car market, the 2017 Nissan Altima is worth your attention. Building on a solid reputation, the 2017 model offers a blend of modern features, efficiency, and comfort. Whether you’re commuting daily or driving the family around town, this car balances practicality with a touch of sportiness.

What’s New in 2017?

The 2017 Altima carried over most features from the 2016 refresh but came with a few notable tweaks:

Enhanced safety tech became more widely available, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard on some trims.
Introduction of a limited edition Midnight Edition package, giving the car a sleeker, blacked-out aesthetic.
Minor updates in infotainment software improved responsiveness.

Exterior Design and Features

The 2017 Altima retained its sharp, modern look from the previous refresh. The V-motion grille, aggressive headlights, and flowing body lines give it a sporty yet elegant stance.

Popular exterior colors included:

Super Black
Brilliant Silver
Gun Metallic
Scarlet Ember
Deep Blue Pearl

Wheels ranged from 16-inch steel wheels on base trims up to 19-inch alloy wheels on the sportier SR trim.

Interior Comfort and Space

Inside, the Altima offers a spacious cabin with seating for five adults. The seats are comfortable, with Zero Gravity front seats designed to reduce fatigue on longer drives. Higher trims feature leather upholstery, heated front seats, and power adjustments.

The cabin layout is clean and driver-friendly, with plenty of legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Base models come with a 5-inch color display, while higher trims feature a 7-inch touchscreen with NissanConnect. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not standard, but NissanConnect offered smartphone integration, navigation, and voice controls.

Sound systems ranged from a basic four-speaker setup to a premium Bose audio system on SL and SR trims, delivering crisp and balanced sound.

Engine Choices and Performance

The 2017 Altima offered two engines:

2.5-liter 4-cylinder producing 179 horsepower, delivering balanced power and excellent fuel economy.
3.5-liter V6 with 270 horsepower for those craving more spirited driving.

Both engines are paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which prioritizes smoothness and efficiency over aggressive acceleration.

Safety Features and Crash Ratings

Safety was a strong point for the 2017 Altima, with features including:

Multiple airbags
Stability control
Anti-lock brakes
Optional driver assistance tech like blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.

The car earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick with good scores in crashworthiness tests.

Handling and Ride Quality

The Altima offers a balanced ride, focusing more on comfort than sporty handling. The suspension soaks up bumps well, making it great for city streets and highways. Steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spots.

The SR trim, with sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters, offers a livelier drive for enthusiasts.

Fuel Efficiency – 2017 Nissan Altima

EPA ratings for the 2.5L engine stand at:

27 mpg city
39 mpg highway

The V6 gets:

22 mpg city
30 mpg highway

Real-world mileage often meets or exceeds these numbers, especially with highway cruising.

Reliability and Maintenance

The 2017 Altima is generally reliable, but some owners reported minor issues such as:

Occasional CVT noise or hesitation
Minor electrical quirks

Routine maintenance is straightforward, with service intervals typical for midsize sedans. CVT fluid changes are crucial to extend transmission life.

Market Value and Pricing in 2025

As of 2025, used 2017 Nissan Altimas typically range between $9,000 and $15,000, depending on mileage, condition, and trim level. Well-maintained vehicles with full service histories command higher prices.

Trim Levels and Packages

S: Base model with essential features
SV: Adds comfort and convenience like upgraded audio and keyless entry
SL: Leather, heated seats, premium audio
SR: Sporty exterior and suspension tuning

The Midnight Edition package adds aggressive black styling elements and unique wheels.

Competitors Overview

Toyota Camry: Known for unmatched reliability, but pricier on the used market.
Honda Accord: Sportier handling and slightly higher resale value.
Hyundai Sonata: More features for the money but less prestigious resale.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Comfortable and spacious interior
Strong fuel economy for the class
Good safety ratings
Sporty SR trim available

Cons:

CVT can feel noisy under hard acceleration
No Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in 2017 models
Interior design is somewhat conservative

Who Should Buy the 2017 Nissan Altima?

Ideal for buyers seeking a comfortable, reliable midsize sedan with good fuel economy and modern safety features, without the premium price tag. It suits families, commuters, and even first-time used car buyers.

Conclusion

The 2017 Nissan Altima remains a solid choice in the used midsize sedan market. Its balance of comfort, efficiency, and safety makes it hard to beat for daily driving needs. With proper maintenance, it can be a dependable ride for years to come.