NOTE: Pricing based on data collected November 2009. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
*Cost of hybridization includes aluminum wheels.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology
Vehicle Summary
Nissan introduced the Altima Hybrid in model year 2007 and it is the only hybrid Nissan offers. It is built in the United States (Tennessee) with a hybrid system based largely on Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. The midsize hybrid seats five people and gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 34 mpg, the same as the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The Altima Hybrid is a limited-release vehicle, only available for sale in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and California. It is a full hybrid, offering electric-only operation under certain conditions, idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking.
Environmental Score
With a 21 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional Altima, the Altima Hybrid falls short of the reduction achieved by the Toyota Camry Hybrid (24 percent). While the Altima Hybrid was near the top of the class for sedans when it was first released, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and its upscale twin, the Mercury Milan Hybrid, have since surpassed the Altima Hybrid’s performance by each achieving a 31 percent drop in global warming emissions and an EPA estimated fuel economy of 39 mpg. The smog-forming emissions performance of the Altima Hybrid is very good, earning it an EPA air pollution score of 9.5. In total, the Altima Hybrid earns an Environmental Score of 6.3.
Scorecard Environmental Score methodology
Hybrid Value
Nissan is charging $4,805 for the hybrid system in the Altima Hybrid. With a 21 percent reduction in global warming emissions, this puts the Altima Hybrid in the “low” range for Hybrid Value. In contrast, Ford is charging about the same premium for its upscale Milan Hybrid which achieves a 31 percent reduction in global warming emissions, earning it a “medium” Hybrid Value rating.
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology
Forced Features
Nissan offers the Altima Hybrid with standard features similar to the conventional mid-level Altima, rather than the base model. As a result, Altima Hybrid buyers are forced to spend $2,075 on extra or upgraded features they may not want, giving the Altima Hybrid a Forced Features rating of “$$.” Nissan could make the Altima Hybrid somewhat more accessible to consumers by eliminating these features. Sample Forced Features include Nissan Intelligent Key™ with push button ignition; six speaker AM/FM/CD audio system; and splash guards. Click to see full list of forced features.
Scorecard forced features methodology
Hybrid Scorecard Home
Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
Visit the Reviews page to see what popular automotive websites think of this hybrid.
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