2027 Nissan Altima: Available AWD, Zero Gravity Seats and What High Desert Drivers Should Know

The 2027 Nissan Altima keeps a simple formula: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, an available all-wheel-drive option and a comfort-focused cabin. Nissan’s 2027 press kit describes a streamlined lineup of SV and SR trims. Here are the details that matter for High Desert driving, along with the limits.

• Power: 2.5L four-cylinder rated at 188 hp (182 hp with all-wheel drive)
• Efficiency: EPA estimates of 30 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 28 mpg combined with all-wheel drive
• Space: seats five with 15.4 cu ft of cargo space

Power and Efficiency

The 2027 Altima uses a 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder with direct injection and an Xtronic CVT. Front-wheel-drive models are rated at 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, and all-wheel-drive models at 182 hp and 178 lb-ft. The SR adds paddle shifters with a manual shift mode.

EPA estimates are 26/36/30 mpg city/highway/combined for front-wheel drive and 25/33/28 mpg with all-wheel drive. Those numbers help on long commutes between Victorville, Apple Valley and Hesperia, though actual mileage may vary.

All-Wheel Drive in the High Desert

Front-wheel drive is standard, and Nissan lists Intelligent All-Wheel Drive as available on the SR. Extra traction is useful if your trips include the Cajon Pass or the road up to Big Bear, where weather can change quickly.

All-wheel drive adds capability on slick or loose surfaces, but the Altima is a sedan. It is not meant for trails like Stoddard Wells or Johnson Valley, and it carries a slightly lower fuel economy estimate than the front-wheel-drive version.

Two Trims, Two Personalities

Nissan describes a streamlined lineup for 2027: the SV in front-wheel drive, and the SR in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The SV rides on 17-inch machined alloy wheels. The SR moves to 19-inch wheels and adds a dark chrome V-motion grille, gloss black trim, sport exhaust tips and two-tone paint options with a Super Black roof.

Nissan’s release does not say which of these items changed from the 2026 model year, so treat this as a snapshot of how the 2027 Altima is equipped rather than a list of new features.

Comfort, Space and Cargo

Nissan says the Zero Gravity front seats are designed to provide “weightless-like comfort, helping make long drives less taxing.” Heated front seats and leather-appointed seats are listed as optional on the SV, and the SV has an 8-way power driver’s seat.

The Altima seats five. Cargo space is listed at 15.4 cu ft, and the 60/40 split fold-down rear seat helps when you need to carry longer items.

Technology and Safety

The SV has an 8-inch display, with a 12.3-inch display optional. The SR has the 12.3-inch display as standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a wireless charging pad. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the SV.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard and includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Automatic Braking. Rear Door Alert is also standard; Nissan notes it does not detect people or cargo.

ProPILOT Assist is available only on the SV through the SV Premium Package. Nissan states that it cannot prevent collisions, operates only when lane markings are detected, and does not function in all weather, traffic and road conditions.

Where It Fits, and Where Another Vehicle Might

The Altima is a good fit if you drive a lot of highway miles, want a quiet and comfortable sedan, and do not need the ride height or cargo volume of an SUV. It makes sense for commuters heading toward Hesperia or beyond.

If you regularly carry bulky gear, need a towing rating or want a higher seating position, look at an SUV or truck instead. The Altima’s press kit does not list a towing capacity, and a sedan’s ground clearance suits pavement and maintained roads.

Common Questions

Does the 2027 Nissan Altima come with all-wheel drive?

Front-wheel drive is standard. Nissan lists Intelligent All-Wheel Drive as available on the SR.

How much horsepower does the 2027 Nissan Altima have?

The 2.5-liter direct-injection four-cylinder is rated at 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque with front-wheel drive, and 182 hp and 178 lb-ft with all-wheel drive. It is paired with an Xtronic CVT.

What is the fuel economy of the 2027 Nissan Altima?

The EPA estimates are 26/36/30 mpg city/highway/combined for the SV and SR with front-wheel drive, and 25/33/28 mpg for the SR with all-wheel drive. Actual mileage may vary.

How much cargo space does the 2027 Altima have?

Nissan lists 15.4 cu ft of cargo space, plus a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat.

Does the 2027 Altima have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the SV, and wireless versions are standard on the SR. The SV has an 8-inch display and the SR has a 12.3-inch display.

Is ProPILOT Assist available on every 2027 Altima?

No. Nissan’s press kit lists ProPILOT Assist as available only on the SV through the SV Premium Package. Nissan states that it cannot prevent collisions and does not function in all weather, traffic and road conditions.

See the Altima in Person

Want to sit in the Altima and try the seats for yourself? Check current Altima inventory or browse all new cars. Valley Hi Nissan is at 15722 Valley Park Ln, Victorville, CA 92394. Call (760) 241-1700. Sales hours are Monday through Saturday 9 AM to 9 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 9 PM.