Overview & Reviews

At the beginning of Prius-mania, Nissan could see itself venturing up a creek without a paddle. Or rather, into a new fuel economy-conscious market without a hybrid. As a quick fix, Nissan swallowed its pride and essentially purchased the rights to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. This marriage resulted in the Nissan Altima Hybrid, a sedan that combined the high-tech, fuel-saving benefits of Toyota's hybrid technology with the Altima's sporty looks and driving dynamics.

It was an impressive combination, and in many ways the Altima Hybrid was the most desirable hybrid sedan on the market during its time. Unfortunately, Nissan only sold it in handful of states, and annual sales numbers were pretty miniscule. As such, the Altima Hybrid will be pretty hard to find as a used car.

Most Recent Nissan Altima Hybrid
The Nissan Altima Hybrid was introduced at the same time as the regular, redesigned Altima for 2007. Unlike its non-hybrid sibling, however, it was discontinued after 2011.

The Altima's hybrid powertrain is essentially identical to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive in both design and function. It combines a modified version of the Altima's 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (which makes 158 horsepower in this application) and an electric motor capable of 40 hp and 199 pound-feet of torque. Both gasoline and electric aspects operate together or one at a time, depending on driving conditions, to optimize fuel economy and power. They combine for 198 hp, with fuel economy estimated at 35 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined -- on par with the contemporary Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Standard equipment was ample, with things like keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control and a power driver seat among its standard features. Options were aplenty including a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, Bluetooth, navigation, a rearview camera and a Bose sound system. Unfortunately, these options were encapsulated in three pricey packages that limited customer choice and made the MSRP rise faster than Bundt cake in a broiler. As such, expect used Nissan Altima Hybrids to come with either a lot of equipment or very little.

The Nissan Altima Hybrid set itself apart from the Toyota and others by being a rare green car that didn't completely suck the life out of driving. While it was no sport sedan, it managed to keep much of the spirited acceleration and road-holding prowess of the gas-powered four-cylinder Altima. At the time, we also gave the car high marks for its precise steering, top-notch interior materials and strong crash safety scores.

During its life, changes were limited to 2010 when Nissan slightly tweaked the exterior styling, upgraded the interior fabric and added an iPod interface to the options list.

User Reviews:

• 

  Great Car - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By nissancrazy - December 9 - 7:10 am

  Bought this car a in July. Averaging about 33 mpg mixed city and highway. Plenty of power, used to have 03 with 4 cylinder and didnt move, complete opposite. Electric to gas transition is barely noticeable. Replaced 06 Acura TL (17 mpg with same driving) and have not regretted it yet.

• 

  Great Car and a Hybrid Too - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By steve11554 - December 8 - 7:36 am

  I have had the hybrid for over a year and so far have not had any problems and the gas mileage is better than advertised if you take advantage of the cars mechanics. In a Long Island to NYC trip I will average 44 mpg and in highway driving at around 60-62 mph I can get 40 mpg (summer time). Accelerating smoothly to 40 mph and then letting the electric motor coast you at 39-40 mph on electric only in afternoon traffic works really well. Putting the cruise control on also improves mileage at highway speeds. But if you need acceleration it is available.

• 

  Comfort to sit and fun to drive - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By akshan - November 10 - 8:00 am

  I traded in my 2005 Toyota Highlander SUV V6 4WD, as its mileage was only 17 to 19. The change is dramatic in relation to gas mileage but not to the level I desired. I get average 33 MPG (2500 miles so far). EV works for few miles, but then if you need a sudden boost, mileage drops down (V6 to I4 is a big change, but not missing in this Altima). Feels like a luxury sedan.

• 

  Well worth it - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Nissan Lover - October 29 - 5:36 pm

  I got a fully loaded version about a mopnth ago. Gas mileage so far is 33.6 MPG, consistent with what they publish. Having the gas engine cut out at low MPH takes some getting used to but the car still has good acceleration (consider it has more HP than the V4 Altima). Also is a very comfortable ride and looks sharp. Not only is it better for the environment, but the cash rebate makes it comparable in $ to a similarly equipped V4 and with the tax credit of $2,350 and the better fuel efficiency, this seems like a much better deal.

• 

  Best of Both Worlds! - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Hospice Nurse - October 19 - 9:00 am

  The Altima Hybrid is just a great car. Love the look, I have the metallic jade green and get positive comments all the time. Im a hospice nurse and spend my days driving to my patients homes, so I make a lot of 5-10 mile trips and spend a lot of time in the car. I can drive it responsibly and get about 35-37 mpg, or drive it aggressively and get 30-32 mpg. Comfort is important to me and it is very quiet and comfortable. In addition to getting great mileage in town, it is a strong highway cruiser. My wife loves driving it on the highway, the acceleration is awesome. We call it the "Green Ghost."

• 

  So Far So Good - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Jeff in Sacramento - October 3 - 5:56 pm

  This is a totally solid and surprisingly sporty hybrid. Mileage is as advertised; I get 32-33 mpg with no change at all of my rather speedy driving habits. We are very pleased with the purchase, esp. considering the tax credit. The smaller trunk is not as bad as we expected - a stroller fits easily, as does my golf bag (esp. if I remove my driver first).

• 

  GREAT Car - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By SO Happy - September 26 - 9:26 am

  Honestly one of the best "eco" cars we looked at. After considering a Prius and a Jetta TDI, we went with the Altima and could not be happier. Although the fuel economy of the prius would have been better, it doesnt have the comfort or size that the Altima has. BOSE audio sounds great and is the best audio system of all the others we looked at. Altima also handles and drives better overall than any other hybrid we looked at. Overall, we could not be happier with the Altima because of its great performance and how fun it is to drive!

• 

  Like it better than Camry Hybrid - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Engineer - September 15 - 5:23 pm

  Have owned a Prius 4 years, wife wanted larger more comfortable hybrid. Drove Camry and Altima. Very close overall, but Altima seemed a little more "user friendly". Liked Altima styling, engine power, displays, controls better. Camry had more cup holders and pockets. Altima seemed to have a more usable trunk, even tho Camry spec listed larger. Love backup camera, sun/moon roof, keyless entry/startup, bluetooth hands free calling. Quiet on highway, excellent handling, acceleration. Got 35 mpg first tank (575 miles), mostly freeway driving. Get the Tech Pkg!

• 

  Sporty Hybrid - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By New Owner - September 9 - 5:26 am

  We purchased this car less than a month ago and so far, the mileage, comfort, drive are as expected. It does have a sporty feel and except for the sudden and slight jolt when switching transmissions, it is fun to drive and wonderful to know you are helping the environment. A surprise: if car hasnt been driven for awhile, the gasoline engine comes on for a min. or two when you least expect it, when you first start car, or when idling at a stop sign or red light. It stays on for a min. or two and if still idling, goes back to EV mode. Thus, not always the quiet experience we were told about. Perhaps it is the cold weather.

• 

  New Owner - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Ralph - August 13 - 4:36 pm

  Very good driving experience so far;1800 miles, with one 600 mile road trip. Car has convenience package with electric driver seat, cloth interior (preferred over leather). Smooth, quiet ride, with easy and responsive handling. Size of car is comfortable for family of four on a short to medium trip, so far. MPG so far; low 29, high 34 mpg.