2024 Nissan Altima Configurations: Trims, Engines, and Features Explained
The 2024 Nissan Altima comes in multiple configurations — trim levels, engine options, and drivetrain choices — that meaningfully affect price, performance, and features. Understanding how those layers stack together helps you evaluate what you're actually comparing when you shop.
How Nissan Structures the Altima Lineup
Like most mainstream sedans, the Altima is sold in trim levels — tiered versions of the same model that progressively add features and, in some cases, change the available powertrain. For 2024, Nissan offers the Altima in five trim levels:
- S
- SR
- SV
- SL
- Platinum
Each tier builds on the one below it, though some features are exclusive to specific trims or available only as packages on certain configurations.
The Two Engine Options
One of the most important configuration decisions with the 2024 Altima is the engine. Two are available:
| Engine | Displacement | Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cylinder | 2.5 liters | ~188 hp / 180 lb-ft torque | Standard on all trims |
| 2.0L VC-Turbo 4-cylinder | 2.0 liters | ~248 hp / 273 lb-ft torque | Available on select trims |
The VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) engine is Nissan's variable compression ratio technology — it adjusts the engine's compression ratio dynamically to balance power and efficiency. This is available on SR, SV, and Platinum trims (availability can vary by model year and market; confirm with a dealer or the Nissan configurator for your region).
Both engines pair with a CVT (continuously variable transmission), which delivers smooth acceleration but has a different driving feel than a traditional stepped automatic.
Drivetrain: FWD vs. AWD
Most Altima trims are available with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard. All-wheel drive (AWD) is offered on the 2.5L engine configurations — not the VC-Turbo — across multiple trim levels.
This is a meaningful distinction:
- If you want the turbocharged engine, you'll be in a FWD-only configuration
- If you prioritize AWD for winter driving or traction, you're limited to the naturally aspirated 2.5L
Neither choice is universally better. Your climate, driving conditions, and priorities determine which trade-off makes more sense.
What Changes Across Trim Levels
S (Base Trim)
The entry point. Includes standard safety technology through Nissan Safety Shield 360 — automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot warning, and lane departure warning are standard across all trims. The S adds basics like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 8-inch infotainment display, and cloth seating.
SR
Sport-oriented styling — blacked-out exterior trim, sport-tuned suspension, and 19-inch wheels on some configurations. The SR is one of the trims where the VC-Turbo engine becomes available as an option.
SV
More comfort-focused than the SR. Adds features like a larger 8-inch or available 9-inch infotainment display (depending on packages), heated front seats, and a proximity key with push-button start. The SV also offers AWD with the 2.5L engine.
SL
Steps up to leather-appointed seating, a Bose audio system, heated rear seats, and additional driver assistance features including ProPilot Assist — Nissan's hands-on highway driving assist system that combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering.
Platinum ⚙️
The top configuration. Adds a head-up display, quilted leather seating surfaces, a 9-inch touchscreen if not already included, and additional premium finishes. The VC-Turbo is typically available here as well.
Feature Packages and Add-Ons
Trim levels are the foundation, but individual configurations can be further shaped by option packages that dealers order or that Nissan offers through its build configurator. Common additions include:
- Premium Package (on mid-range trims): bundles features like the Bose audio system or larger screen
- Technology Package: may include ProPilot Assist on trims below SL
- Appearance packages: exterior accents, alternate wheel designs
The actual packages available — and their pricing — vary by trim and sometimes by region. What's bundled versus separate changes from model year to model year.
What the Specs Don't Tell You
The Altima's official EPA fuel economy estimates for 2024 run roughly 28–29 city / 39 mpg highway for FWD 2.5L configurations and slightly lower for AWD. The VC-Turbo's figures are different and depend on how aggressively it's driven. These are EPA estimates, not guarantees — real-world figures vary based on driving habits, climate, and load.
MSRP pricing spans a wide range from the base S to a fully equipped Platinum with the VC-Turbo. But transaction prices — what buyers actually pay — depend on dealer inventory, regional demand, incentives, and negotiation. Sticker price and purchase price are rarely the same number.
The Variables That Shape Your Decision 🔍
Two people can both be shopping for a 2024 Altima and arrive at completely different configurations based on:
- Climate — AWD matters more in snowy regions; FWD with the turbo may be the priority elsewhere
- Highway vs. city driving — CVT efficiency advantages show up most in certain driving patterns
- Technology priorities — ProPilot Assist is only standard at higher trims, but may be packaged lower
- Budget ceiling — the gap between a base S and a Platinum VC-Turbo is substantial
- Dealer inventory — not every dealer stocks every trim/engine/drivetrain combination
The specs are public and consistent. How they align with your actual driving life, your region's conditions, and your budget is the part no spec sheet can answer for you.
