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For the benefit of the US DOE and US EPA, Oak Ridge National Laboratory manages this website.
In This Article...
The 2012 Nissan Altima can no longer rely on the hybrid to increase its typical fuel economy.
Despite using continuously variable gearboxes, the Nissan Altima’s fuel efficiency is now only average for the class after losing its hybrid variant.
The most effective variants have a four-cylinder engine. The Altima with the smaller engine and the CVT achieves an EPA-rated 23/32 mpg in both coupe and sedan body types. The four-cylinder Altima with a six-speed manual transmission tests at a marginally lower 23/31 mpg in the coupe.
When upgrading to the V-6 models, the Altimas with CVTs also consume less fuel. The CVT is rated at 20/27 mpg for sedans and coupes, while the Coupe with the six-speed manual is rated at 18/27 mpg.
Overall, the Altima’s fuel economy ratings are reasonable for the class, but they fall short of those of some mid-size vehicles, such as the most recent iterations of the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, both of which score 35 mpg on the interstate.
Nissan Altima 2012: Is It Still A Good Deal?
Currently, Nissan dealers all around the United States are getting ready for the 2013 Altima to be on sale.
Dealers are likely to be providing some excellent discounts on the retiring 2012 Altima, which was the second best-selling vehicle in the United States in 2016.
But should you hold off till the 2013 or grab a deal on the 2012 model instead?
Nissan has worked hard to increase the Altima family’s gas mileage for the 2013 model year.
The average gas mileage across the entire range is 3 to 4 mpg higher than it was in 2012, with even the top-of-the-line 3.5-liter V-6 outperforming it.
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder model, however, achieves an amazing 27 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined, outperforming the 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined from the previous year.
These numbers make the 2013 Altima the most fuel-efficient mid-size gasoline vehicle you can purchase, but there isn’t much of a difference between it and the previous generation when it comes to petrol prices.
In reality, the 2012 Altima will only cost you $200 more per year to travel 15,000 miles than the 2013 Altima at the current cost of gas.
It’s important to keep in mind that the difference is most likely far smaller than the discount you’re going to receive when purchasing a 2012 Altima from a dealer anxious to make room for the 2013.
The 2013 Nissan Altima comes standard with Bluetooth handsfree and music streaming, like the majority of new vehicles on the market today. All trim levels come included with steering wheel audio controls, MP3 compatibility, and auxiliary connections.
These items were available in the 2012 Nissan Altima, however they were only included in a $490 value package. Any leftover 2012 Altimas on dealer lots, which are no longer manufactured by Nissan, may or may not include this package.
Along with the introduction of its new Easy Fill Tire Alert warning system, a more sophisticated tire pressure monitoring system that now provides tire-inflation coaching, the Altima lineup for 2013 has also gained additional features including auto-off lighting.
We believe the 2012 Nissan Altima is still a terrific deal even though the 2013 Nissan Altima is a little wider and longer, gets better gas mileage, and has a few more on-board amenities.
The 2012 Altima is still a very capable family car with identical 0-60 mph timings, virtually the same amount of torque, and only 7 horsepower less than its replacement.
The best part is that it is $1,000 less expensive than the 2013 model just from the advertised price of $20,550 plus $780 for destination.
Additionally, Nissan is also giving up to $1,500 in cashback along with zero percent APR financing for 36 months on new 2012 Altima purchases through the end of July, so we believe you’ll want to take one for a spin.
However, there is still opportunity for some extra haggling at your nearby dealer even with Nissan’s special incentives.
Keep in mind that your dealer would rather to sell you a 2012 Altima at a steep discount than have it sit on the lot for days.
The 2012 Nissan Altima has been averaging 22.77 MPG with its turbocharged 248hp 2.0L I4 engine, 7-speed shiftable CVT transmission, and front-wheel drive (miles per gallon).
In this report, the 2012 Nissan Altimas were primarily driven in urban areas (about 90 percent of the miles driven). The remaining miles were in heavy traffic and on the highway, which had an average speed of 40 miles per hour (5%) and were both in the suburbs (0%). (0 percent).
Additionally, the average 2012 Nissan Altima used in this investigation was driven lightly on flat terrain with no usage of the AC.
How fuel-efficient is a 2012 Nissan Altima?
The Nissan Altima has established a market for itself as one of the more popular mid-size family vehicles during the past ten years. Although it doesn’t quite have the same volume of sales as the Toyota Camry or the Honda Accord, the Altima is a reliable, solid seller in a field saturated with excellent sedans and coupes, with a brand-new model entering the market every year.
As it approaches the halfway point of its life cycle, the Altima’s distinctive profile is one of its advantages. We think the two-door coupe and four-door sedan are two of the most attractive mid-sizers. Its profile is straightforward, with only a few well-rendered features highlighting its athletic attitude. The two-door has some of the same proportions and rules as a faux Infiniti G37, which is as near as you can go. Even though some of the plastics look a touch more drab than the ones in the Accord or the Sonata, both versions feature an uncluttered cabin that is simple to read and steer.
The four-cylinder engines in the Altima are good, competitive starting places for acceleration and fuel efficiency, and Nissan still provides a manual transmission for the decreasing number of customers in this class who prefer to shift it themselves. Normally, we’d pick an automatic for vehicles like these, but the Altima sports a CVT instead of a stepped-gear transmission. Although it is more responsive than previous Nissan transmissions and those we’ve tested from other manufacturers, the CVT tends to accentuate engine noise from both the powerful, 270-hp V-6 and the four-cylinder engine, and it struggles to match the quick ratio changes of a decent automatic. Even so, the V-6 Altima is remarkably quick and handles better than most of its rivals, albeit with a slightly bumpier ride in the shorter-wheelbase coupe.
The Altima’s interior doesn’t use any gimmicks, so it always looks new. Its raw interior size is comparable to that of the new VW Passat and the current Honda Accord, although it is larger than the Fusion. Tall drivers will need to adopt a lean-back driving stance if they choose the sunroof since there may not be enough space in the two-door in most directions and there may not be enough rear headroom in the sedan.
Pushbutton start is standard on every Altima, whether you want it or not, along with air conditioning, power windows, locks, and mirrors, and intermittent wipers. Power driver’s seat and woodgrain trim are standard on SR versions. Moonroofs, GPS systems, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and leather seats are among the available extras. These options increase the more popular Altima’s level of luxury to that of an Infiniti and raise its starting price above $32,000. For the best value, stick with the simply designed, well-handling models that lack many opulent extras.
Does the Nissan Altima use little fuel?
Depending on the vehicle, a new 2012 Nissan Altima transmission might cost more than $3,500. In contrast, transmission services like fluid changes and a transmission fluid cleanse are far less expensive, occasionally costing less than $150.
Is the 2012 Nissan Altima a trustworthy vehicle?
- Is the CVT in Nissan Reliable? Nissan gearboxes’ biggest opponent used to be fractured radiators, but it now seems that the transmissions are their own greatest enemy.
- Sunroof explodes and rattles. Owners of Nissan, beware!
- Locked steering wheel.
- Gas spills and EVAP clogs
The lifespan of a 2012 Nissan Altima is unknown.
Fuel efficiency The Altima with the smaller engine and the CVT achieves an EPA-rated 23/32 mpg in both coupe and sedan body types. A somewhat worse 23/31 mpg is recorded by the four-cylinder Altima coupe with a six-speed manual transmission.
What issues are there with 2012 Nissan Altimas?
A 2012 Nissan Altima will last roughly 200,000 miles with good maintenance, which is a little less than other midsize vehicles. Around 100,000 miles into a vehicle’s lifespan, the transmission can fail, which can mechanically destroy some automobiles.
How much does a 2012 Nissan Altima transmission replacement cost?
The problems typically arise before 100,000 miles. Transmission issues can appear in some models, including the 2015 Altima, as early as 40,000 miles. Normally, owners would have no choice but to spend about $3,000 replacing the complete gearbox system.
What type of oil can I use in a 2012 Nissan Altima?
Six airbags, including curtain airbags for both rows, an electronic stability system, all-disc antilock brakes with brake assist, front-wheel drive, and traction control are standard on the Altima. There’s a backup camera accessible.
A 2012 Nissan Altima transmission may be recalled.
But how efficient is the Nissan Altima in terms of fuel use? The Nissan Altima’s fuel economy is expected to be 28 city mpg and 39 highway mpg, which may pleasantly surprise you.
Is there a backup camera on the 2012 Nissan Altima?
Although Nissan has never announced a recall for the Altima’s transmission, the publication of technical service bulletins and a lawsuit brought against Nissan indicate that this is a common issue with this generation of Altimas.
How many miles before Nissans start experiencing issues?
The Nissan Altima has a lifespan of between 250,00 and 300,000 miles, which, when multiplied by the yearly mileage of the average driver, translates to 15 to 20 years. Nissan Altimas frequently have a lifespan of over 300,000 miles, depending on factors like maintenance and driving technique.
Has a 2012 Nissan Altima has a timing chain or belt?
Research & Rankings. Based on its rating in the 2012 Affordable Midsize Cars category, the 2012 Nissan Altima is ranked third. Based on our review of 111 pieces of research and data items from many sources, the Nissan Altima currently has a score of 8.7 out of 10.
How frequently should a Nissan Altima timing belt be replaced?
Bluetooth(r) Is Available in Every Nissan Model! It’s fairly easy to pair your compatible iPhone(r) or Android phone with your Nissan.
What is the lifespan of an Altima transmission?
The Altima’s continuously variable gearbox is where the majority of its issues lie (CVT). Owners complain about a shuddering or jerking sensation when accelerating as well as a delayed throttle response. even experienced transmission failure on some models.
Is the Nissan Altima transmission under recall?
Driving in the snow is a breeze with the Nissan Altima. Front-wheel drive is standard on lower model levels and is recommended to rear-wheel drive for winter driving. All-wheel drive is available on higher trim levels for an even better driving experience in the snow.
What is the cost of changing a timing belt?
Although timing belts are important, they don’t necessarily need to be replaced on a regular basis unless specifically advised to do so in your Nissan owner’s handbook. Between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, some automakers advise changing the timing belt, while others don’t. Many timing belts available now can last 100,000 miles or more before they need to be replaced.