The 30 MPG combined fuel economy of the 2017 Nissan Altima SR 2.5L won’t break any records, but it’s respectable for a stylish mid-size sedan. Altima SR buyers are likely seeking a comfortable, reliable, and visually appealing car with good acceleration for commuting and errands, while still being budget-friendly. The SR trim appeals to those who appreciate a slightly more aggressive look and a firmer ride without sacrificing too much fuel efficiency. It balances practicality and personality and the mileage reflects that.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates for the 2017 Altima SR 2.5L are 26 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. The city figure is adequate for stop-and-go traffic, especially given the Altima’s responsiveness. Drivers appreciate the Altima’s acceleration in city driving even if it impacts mileage slightly. The highway MPG is impressive, making the Altima SR a comfortable and relatively economical choice for longer road trips. The continuously variable transmission (CVT), denoted AV-S7, is important here, optimizing engine speed for efficiency at cruising speeds, unlike a traditional automatic with fixed gear ratios.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Nissan Altima SR 2.5L at $1,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This isn’t a guarantee as individual driving habits and local fuel costs will influence the amount you spend. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and neglecting vehicle maintenance can easily increase your annual fuel expenditure. The $1,450 figure is a benchmark to compare the Altima SR with other vehicles in its class.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy often varies. Drivers have stated that achieving the 37 MPG highway figure is possible on long, flat stretches of road, especially with cruise control. Expect the combined MPG to be slightly lower than 30 MPG if your driving involves many short trips, frequent acceleration, or hilly terrain. A realistic expectation for mixed driving conditions is likely in the 27-32 MPG range. Consider factors like tire pressure and the age of your car when estimating your fuel economy.

How it compares

The 2017 Altima SR’s fuel economy compares well against its competitors. The Toyota Camry LE with its 2.5L engine achieves a similar 28 MPG combined, while the Honda Accord LX, also with a 2.4L engine, manages 30 MPG combined. A Ford Fusion SE with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine reaches around 27 MPG combined. These small differences matter to budget-conscious buyers who want a car that doesn’t use a lot of gas, especially considering fluctuating fuel prices. For a midsize sedan segment with more fuel efficiency, buyers might consider a hybrid, but will give up the sporty look of the Altima SR. See all Nissan fuel economy data to see where the Altima stands in the Nissan lineup. You can also investigate ALTIMA MPG across all years to see how engine technology has changed.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy in the Altima SR. The CVT is designed to keep the engine in its most efficient range, but abrupt acceleration defeats this purpose. Try to anticipate traffic flow and avoid unnecessary hard starts and stops. A smoother driving style will translate into better mileage.

Regular maintenance, particularly tire inflation, is important for fuel efficiency. Ensure your tires are inflated to the pressure recommended on the doorjamb sticker. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure at least once a month.

Reduce the weight carried in the vehicle whenever possible. Extra cargo adds weight and decreases fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need from the trunk and passenger area. Even small amounts of weight can add up over time.

Minimize the use of accessories that draw power from the engine, such as air conditioning, especially during short trips. While comfort is important, these features place an additional load on the engine, reducing fuel economy. Use the windows when possible, especially at lower speeds.

Consider using cruise control on highways to maintain a consistent speed. This can help prevent unintended acceleration and deceleration, which wastes fuel. Be mindful of traffic conditions and avoid using cruise control in heavy traffic or on hilly terrain where it may decrease efficiency.