What Nissan Altima Years Have CVT Transmission?

When shopping for a new sedan, the Nissan Altima may be high on your list. This popular midsize sedan is sleek and sophisticated, offering top-notch features and striking good looks. Its affordable price tag and respectable power add to its appeal. Many St. Louis, Missouri, drivers enjoy the smooth-shifting continuously variable transmission (CVT) that pairs exceptionally well with the Altima’s peppy engine. You might wonder which Nissan Altima years have a CVT. Luckily, our AutoCenters Nissan team is here to answer your question and help you choose the best Altima year model and trim for your lifestyle.

What Is a CVT?

A CVT is an automatic transmission that changes gear ratios through a continuous range. Other automatic and manual transmissions have a limit on their gear ranges and move through the gears with hard shifts as you increase or decrease your speed. Because a CVT doesn’t have these hard gear shifts, it’s sometimes called a single-speed or shiftless transmission. For driving, this translates to a constant power delivery regardless of your speed.

The CVT works using a system of pulleys and cones with a V-belt that adjusts the gear ratio. The gears change as the pulleys move the cones farther apart or closer together. A CVT offers several advantages, including improved fuel efficiency and smooth acceleration. One of the downsides is that these types of transmissions can be harder to maintain due to their slightly more complex build.

History of the CVT in the Nissan Altima

As one of the first Nissan vehicles to feature a CVT, the Altima has a long history with this automatic transmission. While Nissan adopted the CVT in 1992, most vehicles didn’t get one until the early 2000s. Adopting the CVT was a big decision for Nissan, resulting in improved fuel economy and a more responsive performance. A CVT offers flexibility when shifting gears since it isn’t restricted by limited gear ratios.

The Nissan Altima first got the CVT in 2007 during its fourth generation. Now in its sixth generation, the sedan still uses the CVT with its 2.5-liter engine. Of course, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing with the CVT, and a few models experienced issues with the transmission. In 2013, the CVT in the Altima had a recall because of equipment failures. However, this transmission has proven efficient, making the Altima fun to drive around Herculaneum and beyond.

Breakdown of Nissan Altima CVT Years

Starting in 2007, the Nissan Altima offered the CVT as an optional upgrade alongside the standard six-speed manual transmission. That year’s model had two engine options, which could both pair with the available CVT. It also came in a hybrid option, featuring the CVT as standard because of its higher efficiency level.

In 2010, the Altima dropped the manual transmission, leaving the CVT as the only option for the sedan. With the fifth-generation models (2013-2015), the CVT got a redesign to improve its functionality, making it more reliable than in previous versions. Now in its sixth generation, you’ll still find the CVT under the hood of the new Altima. This transmission helps brand-new Altima sedans achieve an impressive 27 mpg on city streets and up to 39 mpg on the highway.

Browse New Nissan Altimas for Sale in St. Louis

Current Nissan CVT Models

Modern Nissan Altima models use the Xtronic CVT, which ensures your sedan gets optimal gas mileage and offers the best drive possible. Without the typical gear ratio steps, the CVT can move seamlessly through the gears for better acceleration and responsive handling. Gas mileage is exceptional for Altima models that use a CVT, with newer vehicles offering even better fuel economy than previous versions.

The new Altima features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive provides you with just the right traction on Herculaneum city streets, and the optional limited slip differential helps boost stability and grip on the road. Independent front and rear suspension systems absorb any imperfections in the road, ensuring a relaxing drive.

Here are a few other key features to look forward to if you opt for a brand-new Nissan Altima:

• Illuminated steering-wheel-mounted controls
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Push-button ignition
• Wireless Bluetooth audio streaming and phone connectivity
• Speed-sensitive rack and pinion steering
• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Intelligent forward collision warning

At AutoCenters Nissan in St Louis, you can also find used Altima sedans that come with a CVT. Our inventory changes frequently, but you can check out what’s available on our online inventory page. Because the Altima was pairing the CVT with its engines in 2007, it’s easy to find a model that offers this transmission. Popular years for the Altima are 2011, 2012, and 2015, but you can’t go wrong choosing this sophisticated sedan.

Test-Drive a Nissan Altima at AutoCenters Nissan

Whether you’re looking for an older Altima with a CVT or want the latest version, you can find it at AutoCenters Nissan in St. Louis. Our extensive inventory of new and used Nissan Altimas offers various options, including older models that come with a CVT. We encourage you to contact our friendly, knowledgeable team to learn more about our available Altima models and their features. You can schedule a test-drive of the Altima you love to determine if it meets your driving needs.

Greyscale Photography of Car Engine by Mike Bird is licensed with Pexels License