Nissan Altima Hybrid MPG

By: Tina Hodges
09/04/2009 09:54 AM ET

The Nissan Altima Hybrid is every bit as attractive and fun to drive as the non-hybrid Altima, plus it offers good gas mileage. The Altima hybrid is the most technologically advanced with electronically controlled eCVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), and a 158-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 40-hp electric power motor.

The Nissan hybrid shares some of the sporty character of the conventional Altima, with improved fuel efficiency. The MPG is 33 MPG Hwy and 35 MPG City. Have you ever had a vehicle that could do that? The Nissan Altima Hybrid offers performance, comfort, safety, and is known as an environmentally friendly sedan.

The Nissan Altima is ranked 11 out of 23 affordable mid size cars. This ranking is based on U.S. News Auto ranking analysis of 20 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Altima Hybrid, and their analysis of reliability and safety data. The Altima Hybrid is only available in eight states, which include California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont.

The safety features include anti-lock brakes (ABS), that automatically sense when a tire has stopped rotating under extreme braking. It will modulate the brake pressure to allow the tire to rotate. This in turn will increase the vehicle’s ability to turn while braking. Another safety feature is the stability control. The stability control automatically senses when the vehicle’s handling limits have been exceeded and reduces engine power and/or applies select brakes to help prevent the driver from losing control of the vehicle.

Of course, no car is complete without airbags. This Altima comes with overhead, front, and side airbags. The overhead airbags are used to protect the occupant’s heads in the event of a side collision or rollover. The front-impact airbags for the driver and passenger have been designed to protect the head during a frontal crash and side impact airbags for the front seats have been designed to protect the torso during a side impact collision.

Next, it is equipped with seatbelt pretensions that automatically tighten the seatbelts to place the occupant in the optimal seating position during a collision. What good are seatbelts if they are not working properly. Another great feature is the anti-whiplash head restraints actively react to rear collision forces and cradle the occupants head in an effort to reduce the likelihood of a whiplash injury. This security system in this vehicle is equipped with a means of anticipating and detecting unwanted vehicle intrusion. It is equipped with an ignition disable device that will prevent the engine from starting if the correct original manufacturer key is not used.

The front-wheel drive Altima Hybrid sedan comes with a standard 158 horsepower 2.5-liter engine coupled to an electric motor with a rechargeable battery pack and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination produces the best fuel economy for the car. The Altima Hybrid is well equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with CD, cruise control, power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry. The 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid Safety features include traction and stability control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with panic assist, front and side airbags, with a side curtain airbag for both front and rear passengers.