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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 3.5L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S7) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 22 / 32 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,600 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 347 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $22,467–$25,964 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2017 Nissan Altima is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 6.9/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.0/10, while Performance at 6.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.5/10 for reliability, this sedan trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 8.0/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.4/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $22,467–$25,964, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Nissan Altima sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. At 7.1/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2017 Nissan Altima sits in the middle of the field. Until its technology and reliability and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2017 Nissan Altima ranks #1118 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 15% of the segment. Its 6.9/10 overall score is 0.6 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $22,467 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 19%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the Altima model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.4/10 | $29,293 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.4/10 | $29,293 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.3/10 | $28,440 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.3/10 | $27,586 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.3/10 | $26,733 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.1/10 | $25,880 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.1/10 | $25,027 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.0/10 | $24,174 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.0/10 | $23,320 | Read review → |
| 2017 (this review) | 6.9/10 | $22,467 | |
| 2016 | 7.0/10 | $21,614 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.8/10 | $20,761 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Structure / Emergency / Escape/egress/exit 19/12/2018 · 18V915000 | Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles, previously remedied under recall number 17V-040. The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when the remedy was applied. As a result,… |
|---|---|
| Latches/locks/linkages / Doors / Latch 18/01/2017 · 17V040000 | Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles. The rear door latch/lock cable on the vehicles may have been improperly routed. As a result, lowering a rear window may inadvertently cause that door to unlatch and open. |
| Latches/locks/linkages / Hood / Latch 28/05/2020 · 20V315000 | Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Nissan models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.