Today's News by Jack Nerad for Driving Today

2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid: Incrementally Better

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

With the imminent arrival of electric and plug-in cars, people with a green tinge to their sensibilities might see hybrids as old-tech. But that point of view misses the fact that electric cars still have major limitations based on range, while plug-ins may not give much extra fuel-economy bang for their steeply higher cost.

So when we traveled to the Northwest recently, we thought it might be a good idea to revisit the Nissan Altima hybrid. Yes, Nissan is about to introduce the all-electric Leaf small car, and that model is getting a lot of hype. But for the past several years, the Japanese company, partnered with Renault, has offered a hybrid version of the Altima sedan. That model has been enhanced for 2010. Changes include a revised front end and an available new premium audio system that includes a 4.3-inch color display and rearview monitor and the next-generation Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System. All the changes are welcome, but after a lengthy drive from Seattle to mid–Washington State and back, we’d also welcome a power-operated passenger seat. 

Since the hybrid is an Altima submodel, it looks like Nissan’s midsize sedan -- with only a few clues to its fuel-saving character. Among the differences: a slightly diminished trunk size to accommodate the hybrid system, subtle Hybrid badges and, of course, significantly better fuel economy. One thing we miss is the split-folding rear seat of the conventional Altima sedan, which allows it to hold more cargo.

The hybrid power train combines Nissan’s QR25 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an advanced electric drive motor/generator that increases fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions, enabling it to be rated an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV).

It’s environmentally friendly, as it emits almost no evaporative emissions. The system allows the hybrid to travel using electric power alone, but those all-electric bursts are very short-lived. The plus side is that EPA fuel economy is estimated at 35 mpg/city and 33 mpg/highway. Combine those high marks with Altima’s standard 20-gallon fuel tank and the Altima Hybrid has a projected driving range of more than 600 miles between fill-ups, which we put to advantage on our long drive in the Northwest.

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