Navigating Nissan's Sedan Options: From A to V

A red 2024 Nissan Altima SR VC-Turbo is driving on a city street at night.

Whether you're looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle for commuting, picking one up for the newest driver in the family, or simply wanting to enjoy a smooth drive as you wind your way from one destination to the next, it's hard to beat a sedan. This is particularly true when you shop from a brand known for efficiency, reliability, and safety-such as Nissan. Even better, the Nissan lineup offers you a choice of four strong contenders, each with its own advantages.

At Reineke Nissan, we're proud to be local Nissan dealers you can trust to help you in your quest for the perfect vehicle. You'll find we have a large inventory of both new and used Nissan sedans, as well as knowledge about each option to help you choose the best one. This commitment to drivers in our area has been our priority since day one-more than 60 years ago-and it's the reason why many of our customers return when they need to add a vehicle to their family. Keep reading to learn more about each of the Nissan sedan options, then come in and talk to a member of our team.

Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima is in its sixth generation, debuting initially in 1993. It's Nissan's midsize sedan option, sandwiched neatly between the Sentra and the Maxima. In other words, the Altima is the perfect choice if you're looking for something not too small or too large but something just right. There are five trim levels for the 2024 Altima, ranging from the base S trim to the top-tiered SR VC-Turbo. All but the top-tiered option have the same 2.5L four-cylinder engine. This engine promises 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. In addition, each trim level comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

A CVT offers a continuous range of gear ratios, as opposed to typical automatic or manual transmissions that have a set number of gears. This is accomplished by using a pulley system with a flexible belt or chain that can adjust to any position between the pulleys, allowing the engine to run at its most economical RPM at a given speed. CVTs are known for their smooth acceleration, increased fuel efficiency, and simpler design with fewer moving parts, which can lead to lower maintenance costs. How much can you expect your fuel efficiency to increase? When choosing the front-wheel drive 2.5L engine, you can expect 27 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway. When choosing the available all-wheel drive, which is offered on all but the base model, the efficiency drops slightly, but you still get a combined 30 MPG.

Key features of the Altima include Remote Engine Start for all five of the trim levels as well as a long list of driver assistance safety features, including ProPILOT Assist for the top two tiers, which is Nissan's active lane centering system, giving you semi-autonomous freeway cruise control. Essentially, this system uses data from the Intelligent Cruise Control and Steering Assist systems to help make longer drives less stressful for the driver. While both of your hands remain on the steering wheel, you gain support when initiating lane changes. It can also be activated to stop the vehicle and help you maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front of you.

A grey 2024 Nissan Maxima SR is parked next to a white brick wall at a Nissan dealer.

Nissan Maxima

As mentioned, the Maxima is the larger of the sedans, giving you additional leg, head, and shoulder room in addition to a large truck space for cargo. The Maxima might also be considered the sportier of the Nissan sedans, with aggressive exterior styling, smooth lines, and exceptional performance. For instance, when the Maxima's Drive Mode Selector is in Sport, you get up to 300 hp. This is thanks, in part, to the 3.5L V6 under the hood, and while you might think the V6 will impact fuel efficiency, you still get an impressive 30 MPG on the highway. There's also an independent multi-link rear suspension with the sole purpose of providing you with dynamic, smooth, and responsive handling from point A to point B.

The Maxima also maximizes confidence, thanks to amenities like Intelligent Engine Brake, which allows for smooth deceleration when navigating corners or braking, as well as Intelligent Trace Control, which hugs corners for better handling. Finally, there's Active Ride Control. This works with the suspension system to smooth out the drive even further by adjusting engine torque and applying the brakes when needed.

On the inside, you will enjoy a sense of luxury, from the available Memory System that stores data regarding driver seat and steering wheel position to outside mirror settings as well as available climate-controlled front seats. Of course, there's also Nissan's Zero-Gravity Seats with 3D bolsters. These seats are meant to keep you in your place when maneuvering corners and help reduce fatigue while driving. For your rear seat passengers, they will appreciate the available rear heated seats-especially on chilly mornings-and the power rear sunshade when the sun's glare is a bit too much.

Like the Altima, there is a long list of safety features. In fact, the Maxima earned the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick+ when it was last tested in 2022. Like the Altima, you'll enjoy a seamless connection to your favorite apps, navigation, and more, thanks to NissanConnect services.

Nissan Sentra

The Nissan Sentra is smaller than the Maxima and the Altima, but don't let its size fool you. First, it's packed with advanced technology and driver-safety features, including an Intelligent Around View Monitor, which gives you a 360-degree view of the area around your vehicle; Intelligent Cruise Control, which allows you to set it and forget it as you flow with the speed of traffic; and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, which alerts you to a change in that flow.

Regarding the technology side of things, you'll stay connected with NissanConnect and your compatible phone, which will work together to give you access to your favorite apps, directions, and more. You'll also enjoy the ability to remotely access your Sentra when appropriately equipped.

Back to the Sentra's size, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the amount of trunk space you have and that it doesn't impact your rear passengers' legroom. Of course, your cargo space can increase with the push of a button, which is another way the Sentra is "bigger than it seems." With the rear seats folded down, you can haul longer items with ease. Additionally, top-tier levels of the Sentra give you extra amenities like an available moonroof, leather-appointed seats, and a Remote Engine Start System.

As far as fuel efficiency goes, the Sentra offers a combined estimate of 34 MPG. This efficiency can be tracked to the 2.0L I-4 engine, which offers 149 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque. Like the other sedans listed, the Sentra also has an XTRONIC CVT.

A blue 2024 Nissan Vera SR is driving up a highway ramp.

Nissan Versa

Last but not least, there is the Nissan Versa. This sedan is a subcompact option that delivers a smooth, responsive ride whether you're weaving in and out of traffic on the expressway or zipping through town on your way to your favorite restaurant. You'll find the Versa offered in four trims, with a starting MSRP under $20,000.[a] For that price and the peace of mind that Nissan's reliability brings, it's no wonder the Versa is a popular choice among today's drivers.

The Versa is equipped with the same efficient XTRONIC CVT as the other sedans, except for the S trim. This trim has a standard five-speed manual transmission and an EPA estimated efficiency of 27 MPG in town and 35 MPG on the highway. For the other three trims, the CVT delivers an EPA estimate of 32 MPG in town and 40 MPG on the highway.

The Versa is also the least expensive of the Nissan sedan options, with three trims starting under $20,000.[a] However, this lower price tag doesn't mean discounted amenities or space. Like the Sentra, you'll find flexible trunk space with the rear seats folded down and a wide trunk opening for easier access. The Versa also keeps you connected with available NissanConnect services and a seamless connection to compatible phones.

Finally, the Nissan Safety Shield 360 gives you confidence whether you're behind the wheel or the youngest driver in the family has the keys thanks to a long list of driver assistance features, many of which were noted above, including Blind Spot Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection.

Stop By and Check out the Sedan Lineup From Nissan Today

As you can see, Nissan offers a variety of sedan options that keep you safe and connected during the drive. Not only that, but with the XTRONIC CVT, your ride will be smooth from the first mile to the last. You can view our inventory of new and used sedans online or in person at our Reineke Nissan showroom. You can also connect with a member of our friendly and knowledgeable team, whether you talk with us online or in person. Whichever way you contact us, you'll find that we take the time to answer any questions you might have so you can make an informed decision regarding which sedan is the right one for you. If you're ready to add a reliable, fun-to-drive, and efficient sedan to your vehicle lineup, contact our team today.


[a]MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.