The Altima has been a staple in the Nissan lineup since 1993, and since then, this midsize sedan has become a trusted daily driver, family transporter, and everything in between. It showcases phenomenal ride quality, a refined cabin, and a spacious trunk that’s ideal for those traveling with more, which makes the Altima such a great family sedan.
If you’ve recently seen a Nissan Altima for sale, you may have noticed that something is missing for its latest year on the streets: The VC-Turbo engine option, which had been available on the Altima since 2019. Choosing to remove this industry-changing engine from the lineup was a bold move for Nissan, and if you’re wondering how the 2025 Altima performs, buckle up because we’re going to delve into the details together.
What Is the VC-Turbo?
The VC-Turbo, which was available on the Altima until just last year and is still found on some 2025 Nissan models, is the world’s first production variable compression ratio engine. This engine is designed to adjust its compression ratio to make for both an exciting and efficient experience, improving ride quality like never before. This multi-link system consistently varies its piston positions to match the ride so that drivers are able to enjoy both power and fuel efficiency. What makes this so innovative is the fact that most vehicles prioritize one or the other—power or efficiency—whereas the VC-Turbo is able to optimize both.
This means that the Altima was extremely powerful and remarkably efficient when equipped with the VC-Turbo, which begs the question: Why on Earth would Nissan get rid of it? Many have speculated that Nissan removed this option from the Altima’s powertrain menu because of the high cost to manufacture and low demand. So, what does this leave the Altima with now? Fortunately, this industry favorite still knows how to shake things up on the road, and here’s what the absence of the VC-Turbo looks like for the latest Altimas to take to the streets.
Simplified Engine Options
The first piece of good news is that drivers don’t have to worry about which engine to choose for their 2025 Altima. There’s only one option, which really makes things easy. Despite the fact that there’s no VC-Turbo available for this particular model, the engine that’s offered isn’t too shabby.
All 2025 Altima models come with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This engine is able to make up to 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque in select models, making for a comfortable and enjoyable ride. Let’s face it: It’s safe to say that the drivers who are interested in the Altima aren’t really on the hunt for a speed demon, which makes this engine perfectly capable of taking them to all the places they need to go effortlessly.
Outstanding Efficiency
Another positive aspect of the 2025 Altima’s engine is that it’s highly fuel efficient, which is a win for those regularly commuting to work or shuttling the kiddos to all the stops on their agendas for the day. The 2.5L four-cylinder gets an EPA-estimated 27 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway, compared to the VC-Turbo, which only gets 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.
It’s more efficient than the VC-Turbo, which is another reason why the removal of the VC-Turbo shouldn’t affect the Altima’s demographic much at all. Everyday drivers don’t want to make frequent stops at the gas station; they want a vehicle that offers them optimal efficiency, which is exactly what they can expect from the Altima.
AWD Capabilities
The only engine available in the 2025 Altima’s lineup can also be enjoyed with all-wheel drive, which is something that drivers could not opt for with the VC-Turbo. The available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System monitors the road at all times, adjusting traction to make for the safest, most controlled ride possible. This makes it easy to take on bad weather, poor road conditions, or bumpy terrain with absolute confidence—in a sedan. This is something that’s not very prevalent in the sedan segment, which places the Altima ahead of its class once again.
Dynamic Ride Quality
As mentioned above, the Altima surges forward with pep in its step. It’s no slouch when it comes to jetting off the line, which can be a little pick-me-up for tired parents making yet another trip to the school to drop off a forgotten homework assignment. Not only is it exciting to drive, but it’s also smooth and refined with its CVT, ensuring an effortless ride quality. Taking on the twists and turns of the road is a breeze in the Altima—and when it comes to steering and braking, it’s able to offer unmatched responsiveness and accuracy that continues to make this Nissan staple a bestseller in the industry.
Available In Several Trims
Although drivers only have one engine to choose from, they have a multitude of trims available, which makes it easy to create the ride they desire in the 2025 Altima. From the top-of-the-line SL, which has leather-appointed seats and 19-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels to make the ride even more comfortable, to the entry-level S, which is adorned with desirable styling elements and all the tech you require in your ride, there’s an Altima for every type of driver.
Perhaps most exciting for the 2025 model year is the debut of the SV Special Edition, which features show-stopping elements like a power sliding glass moonroof, 17-inch gloss black aluminum-alloy wheels, and an abundance of tech to influence the drive. As you can see, the Altima continues to make any type of journey more fulfilling, even if, for the first time in six years, only one engine is available.
Still an Industry Icon
The Altima has been the go-to vehicle for daily drivers for decades, and nothing can stop it from appealing to today’s busy travelers. It’s efficient, easy to handle, and incredibly safe, which are all the things drivers look for in their trusted vehicles, especially families. It’s also spacious, with enough room for all occupants and all the gear that’s accompanying them.
The 2025 Altima can be enjoyed with an arsenal of tech to enhance the drive, including an available 12.3-inch touchscreen display, a wireless phone charger, and more optional upgrades. Altima drivers also get to take advantage of voice recognition through available Alexa Built-in to make for one of the most convenient rides possible.
Another element that makes the Altima such a fan favorite is the fact that it’s abundantly safe. Through standard Nissan Safety Shield 360, drivers are protected at every turn, with cutting-edge safety and driver assistance features to elevate security on the road. The Altima is also designed to high standards with a rigid build that offers exceptional safety to all on board.
Embracing the Changes in the 2025 Altima
Change is never easy for anyone, but the Altima’s sole powertrain doesn’t have drivers feeling limited. Instead, it offers a lively, efficient ride that’s filled with confidence and stability, making the Altima even more appealing to those who don’t want to feel overwhelmed by their options yet want to be able to enjoy their ride. It’s also available in a number of different flavors to enhance the experience on the road. The Altima continues to be a leader in the industry, and when it comes to performance, taking away the VC-Turbo won’t hold it back.
