On Thursday Nissan released an updated Ultima that is available for dealerships as a 2023 model this fall.
The updated sedan benefits from a refined front fascia, as well as standard LED headlights, a new wheel pattern and a sharp look highlighted by the extra color Gray Sky Pearl and Garnet Pearl Metallic. The SR grade also gets a unique grille with a dark finish that helps it stand out from other grades.
Inside the larger change feature is where the center stack now has a 12.3-inch infotainment screen (previously 8.0 inches) and a more modern design for some controls. A 7.0-inch screen will be available for the instrument cluster. Android Auto, Wireless Apple CarPlay, a wireless charging pad for mobile devices and a WiFi hotspot will also be on offer.
No changes were made to the powertrain section. The 2023 Altima will offer a choice of a 188-hp 2.5-liter inline-4 or a 248-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4. The only transmission is a constantly changing unit, but buyers will be able to choose between front- or all-wheel drive.
The 2023 Altima will be available in eight grades and standard throughout the range is Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite electronic driver aid which includes features such as automatic emergency braking, lane exit warning, and blind spot and rear cross traffic monitoring including pedestrian detection. Higher grades also get traffic sign recognition and an all-around view camera. Nissan’s Pro-Pilot driver-assist feature is designed to control a car in a single lane.
Price information for the 2023 Altima will be announced near the market launch.
Annual Ultima sales in the United States exceeded 250,000 units as of 2017, although last year the figure was only 100,000 units. The Altima was the latest redesign for 2019 and this update is unlikely to change sales trends due to the shift of consumers moving towards SUVs and pickup trucks.