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. With a hybrid system based largely on Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, the Altima Hybrid is a midsize sedan that seats five people and gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 33 miles per gallon (mpg), the same as the Toyota Camry Hybrid. It is a full hybrid, offering electric-only operation under certain conditions, idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking.
Environmental Improvement Score
With an 18 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional Altima, the Altima Hybrid falls short of the reduction achieved by many of its peers, including the Toyota Camry Hybrid (21 percent). While the Altima Hybrid was near the top of the non-luxury sedan class when it was first released, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have since surpassed the Altima Hybrid’s performance by achieving global warming reductions of 30 percent or more and EPA estimated fuel economy ratings of 39 mpg and 37 mpg, respectively. The smog-forming emissions performance of the Altima Hybrid is very good, earning it an EPA air pollution score of 9 out of 10. In total, the Altima Hybrid earns an Environmental Score of 5.7.
Scorecard Environmental Improvement Score methodology
Hybrid Value
Nissan is charging $4,215 for the hybrid system in the Altima Hybrid. With an 18 percent reduction in global warming emissions, this puts the Altima Hybrid’s Hybrid Value rating in the “Good” range. In contrast, Toyota is charging about the same premium for its Prius, which achieves a 44 percent reduction in global warming emissions, earning it a “Very Good” Hybrid Value rating. And despite a more expensive hybrid drivetrain ($5,400), the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid also merits a “Good” Hybrid Value rating because of its far superior global warming emissions reduction.
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 about $2,300 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.
|
