Nissan Altima 2018 - a business class sedan, which became the last representative of the fifth generation of the model before restyling in 2019. This car occupies an intermediate position between budget Sentra and bonuses Maxima, offering a balanced combination of comfort, dynamics and reliability. In 2018 Altima received minor exterior updates, improved sound insulation and an expanded list of options, which made it more attractive compared to competitors like Toyota Camry And Honda Accord.

The main trump cards of the model are the proven 2.5-liter engine QR25DE (182 hp), CVT Xtronic CVT with manual mode and a spacious interior with high-quality finishing materials. However, Altima 2018 There are also weak points: not the most economical fuel consumption in the city, the tendency of the variator to overheat during aggressive driving and the high cost of original spare parts. In this article we will look at all the nuances - from technical characteristics to hidden problems that dealers are silent about.

2018 Nissan Altima Specifications

Under the hood Altima 2018 two engines available: basic 2.5 liter QR25DE (182 hp) and optional 3.5 liter VQ35DE (270 hp). The first unit is combined exclusively with a CVT Xtronic CVT, while the second could be equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission (in some markets). In Russia and the CIS, most copies were equipped with the 2.5-liter version - it is enough for confident acceleration to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds (with CVT), while the maximum speed is limited to 210 km/h.

Transmission Xtronic CVT in Altima 2018 received updated software compared to previous years, which reduced the effect of “rubber” overclocking. However, the variator remains the most vulnerable component of the model - especially when operating in traffic jams or when towing a trailer. Independent front suspension (McPherson), at the rear is a multi-link, which provides good handling, but the stiffness of the shock absorbers on rough roads leaves much to be desired.

Parameter 2.5L QR25DE 3.5L VQ35DE (optional)
Engine capacity 2.5 l 3.5 l
Power 182 hp at 6000 rpm 270 hp at 6400 rpm
Torque 233 Nm at 4000 rpm 358 Nm at 4400 rpm
Transmission Xtronic CVT 6-automatic transmission / CVT (depending on the market)
Acceleration 0–100 km/h 8.2 s 6.1 s

Among the key features of the chassis are electric power steering with variable force (the higher the speed, the “heavier” the steering wheel), a braking system with ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear (on basic versions) or all-round disc brakes (on top trim levels). Ground clearance is 150 mm, which allows you to confidently overcome city speed bumps, but the car is not intended for off-road use.

📊 Which 2018 Altima engine would you prefer?
  • 2.5L (182 hp)
  • 3.5L (270 hp)
  • It doesn’t matter, the main thing is the equipment
  • I don't know

Options and prices on the secondary market

In 2018 Nissan Altima offered in four main trim levels: 2.5 S, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL And 3.5 SL (with V6). Versions are more common on the Russian market SV And SL — they were equipped with LED headlights, leather interior, NissanConnect with 5-inch screen (in SL - 7-inch), rear view camera and heated all seats. Top 3.5 SL additionally received adaptive cruise control, a blind spot warning system and an audio system Bose with 9 speakers.

Cost Altima 2018 on the secondary market in 2026 varies from 1.2 to 1.8 million rubles depending on mileage, configuration and condition. Here are the approximate prices:

  • 🔹 2.5 S (basic) - 1.2–1.4 million rubles. (mileage 80–120 thousand km)
  • 🔹 2.5 SV — 1.4–1.6 million rubles. (mileage 60–100 thousand km)
  • 🔹 2.5 SL — 1.5–1.75 million rubles. (mileage up to 80 thousand km)
  • 🔹 3.5 SL (V6) — 1.6–1.8 million rubles. (rarely found, mileage up to 70 thousand km)
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Altima 2018 with a mileage of over 100 thousand km, be sure to check the condition of the variator - its service life rarely exceeds 150–180 thousand km with aggressive driving. The cost of replacing a variator in an official service reaches 300–350 thousand rubles., and the contract unit will cost 120–150 thousand rubles..

Among the “goodies” that are worth paying attention to during inspection:

  • 🔋 Availability keyless entry and engine start buttons (available in SV and above).
  • 🎵 Audio system Bose — in the top versions the sound is much better than the standard one.
  • 🌡️ Heated steering wheel is an option that is found only in SL.
  • 🚗 System ProPILOT Assist (adaptive cruise + lane keeping) - a rarity on the Russian market.
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Before buying, check the car's history through services like AVIN or Carfax. Pay special attention to the facts of an accident - even minor impacts can affect the geometry of the body and the operation of electronic systems.

Typical problems and weaknesses

Despite the reliability of the engine QR25DE, y Altima 2018 There are several “diseases” that a potential buyer should be aware of:

  1. Xtronic CVT - the main headache of owners. With a mileage of over 100 thousand km, jerks during acceleration, delays when switching modes and overheating may occur. The reason is wear of the belt and bearings. Solution: change the oil in the variator every 60 thousand km (the official limit is 90 thousand km, but this is risky).
  2. Oil leaks - often found in the area of the valve cover and crankshaft oil seal. Signs: oil stains under the car, smell of burnt oil. Eliminated by replacing gaskets and seals.
  3. Electronics — malfunctions of the multimedia system NissanConnect, especially after updates. Sometimes the rear view camera glitches (the image disappears or is distorted).
  4. Suspension — knocking in the front suspension on uneven surfaces (wear of stabilizer struts or bushings), as well as leakage of shock absorbers after 80–100 thousand km.

Another common problem is exhaust system corrosion. The pipes and muffler begin to rust after only 3–4 years of operation in Russian winter conditions. Replacing the original muffler costs 40–60 thousand rubles., so many owners install analogues from Bosal or Walker.

⚠️ Attention: If during a test drive you notice that the engine Altima 2018 “troits” at idle, this may indicate a malfunction of the ignition coils or clogged injectors. Diagnostics will cost 3–5 thousand rubles., and replacing coils - in 15–20 thousand rubles. per set.
How to check a variator before buying?

1. Start the engine and let it warm up to operating temperature.

2. Set the selector to mode D and gently press the gas - acceleration should be smooth, without jerking.

3. Stop on an incline and release the brake pedal: if the car rolls back, this is normal (the CVT does not have “fixed” gears).

4. Listen to the operation of the variator while driving: extraneous noise (hum, grinding) is a cause for concern.

5. Check the color and smell of the oil in the variator (through the dipstick) - if it is dark or smells like burning, the unit requires maintenance.

Comparison with competitors: which is better?

Nissan Altima 2018 competes with Toyota Camry (XV50), Honda Accord (9th generation), Mazda6 (GH) and Hyundai Sonata (YF). Let's compare the key parameters:

Parameter Nissan Altima 2018 Toyota Camry XV50 Honda Accord 9
Engine (base) 2.5L (182 hp) 2.5L (181 hp) 2.4L (188 hp)
Transmission CVT 6-automatic CVT / 6-automatic transmission
Fuel consumption (city) 10.5–11.5 l/100 km 9.5–10.5 l/100 km 9.0–10.0 l/100 km
Resale price (2026) 1.2–1.8 million rub. 1.3–2.0 million rub. 1.1–1.6 million rub.
Main plus Spacious interior, comfort Reliability, low consumption Handling, dynamics

How does the Altima win?

  • 🚗 More spacious interior (especially in width) compared to Camry And Accord.
  • 🎨 More modern interior design (in SL configuration).
  • 💺 Soft and comfortable seats with good lateral support.

Where does it lose?

  • 🔧 Less reliable variator compared to an automatic transmission Toyota.
  • 💰 Higher fuel consumption in the city.
  • 🛠️ More expensive maintenance (especially electronics and transmission).
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If reliability and low cost of ownership are important to you, choose Toyota Camry. If the priority is comfort and space - Nissan Altima would be the best option. Suitable for lovers of dynamic driving Honda Accord with a 2.4-liter engine.

Maintenance and running costs

Cost of ownership Nissan Altima 2018 higher than Japanese competitors, but lower than European sedans. Here are the main expense items:

  • 🛢️ Changing the engine oil - every 10 thousand km (semi-synthetic 5W-30). Cost: 3–5 thousand rubles. with work.
  • 🔧 Changing the oil in the variator - every 60 thousand km (original liquid NS-3). Cost: 8–12 thousand rubles..
  • 🔥 Spark plugs - every 100 thousand km (original NGK IFR6T11). Set cost: 4–6 thousand rubles..
  • 👟 Brake pads - the front ones serve 30–40 thousand km, rear - 50–60 thousand km. Replacement cost: 10–15 thousand rubles. (front + back).

Among the “hidden” costs:

  • 🔋 Battery — the original one lasts 3–4 years, replacement costs 12–15 thousand rubles..
  • 🎵 Replacing speakers (if the system fails Bose) - from 20 thousand rubles. for one.
  • 🔑 Keys — a lost keychain will cost 25–30 thousand rubles. (with programming).

To reduce costs, many owners switch to non-original spare parts (for example, CVT oil Idemitsu CVTF instead of Nissan NS-3), but this is risky - incompatible fluid can accelerate wear of the variator.

Check the oil level in the engine and variator

Inspect brake pads and discs for wear

Diagnose electronics (errors on the dashboard)

Check tire pressure (recommended: 2.2 bar front, 2.0 rear)

Clean the air filter (replace every 30 thousand km) -->

Owner reviews: pros and cons

Based on reviews from forums (Drive2, Drom.ru) and social networks, we can highlight the following opinions about Altima 2018:

Pros (most often mentioned):

  • 👍 Comfortable salon — soft seats, good sound insulation (compared to previous generations).
  • 👍 Dynamics of a 2.5-liter engine — enough for overtaking, no “failures” at medium speeds.
  • 👍 Engine reliability — with timely maintenance, the mileage to capital exceeds 300 thousand km.
  • 👍 Appearance — aggressive front design (especially in black or dark blue).

Cons (most criticized points):

  • 👎 CVT - the main complaint. Many owners complain of jerking after 80–100 thousand km.
  • 👎 Fuel consumption — in the city it rarely goes lower 11 l/100 km.
  • 👎 Suspension — hard, does not “swallow” potholes well. Shock absorbers often leak after 80 thousand km.
  • 👎 Spare parts price - original parts are more expensive than Toyota or Honda.

Interesting fact: many owners note that Altima 2018 behaves better on the highway than in the city. At speeds over 100 km/h The CVT operates smoother, and the sound insulation reduces the level of external noise to acceptable levels.

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If you are planning to buy Altima 2018 with mileage, pay attention to the cars included SL — they were equipped with more reliable brake discs (ventilated at the rear) and a better audio system.

How to extend the life of your 2018 Nissan Altima?

To Altima 2018 served for a long time and without serious breakdowns, follow these recommendations:

  1. Change the CVT oil regularly - every 60 thousand km, even if the dealer says it's "for life." Use only original fluid Nissan NS-3 or its analogues (Idemitsu CVTF, Mobil CVT).
  2. Avoid sudden starts and towing — variator Xtronic does not like high loads. When towing a trailer weighing more than 500 kg the risk of transmission overheating increases significantly.
  3. Monitor the cooling system - check the antifreeze level every 20 thousand km and change it every 100 thousand km. Overheating of the engine leads to deformation of the cylinder head.
  4. Check your electronics — especially the operation of the oxygen sensors and throttle valve. Their malfunction leads to increased fuel consumption.
  5. Wash your car in winter — salt and reagents quickly corrode the paintwork and exhaust system elements.

Another important point - fuel quality. Engine QR25DE sensitive to octane number: refuel only AI-95 or AI-98 at verified gas stations. Usage AI-92 can lead to detonation and accelerated wear of the piston group.

⚠️ Attention: If the icon on the dashboard lights up «Check Engine» with error code P0171 or P0174, this indicates a lean fuel mixture. A common cause is air leaks through cracked pipes or a faulty valve. PCV.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2018 Nissan Altima

❓ How much oil should I pour into a 2.5L engine?

To the engine QR25DE required 4.8 liters oil (with filter replacement). Recommended viscosity: 5W-30 (For example, Nissan Strong Save X 5W-30 or Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30).

❓ Is it possible to install non-original spare parts?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • 🔧 Brake pads - analogues from Brembo or TRW.
  • 🔋 Battery - you can choose Bosch S5 or Varta Blue Dynamic (capacity no less 60 Ah).
  • 🛢️ Oil in the variator - only original NS-3 or certified analogues (Idemitsu CVTF).

It is better to avoid cheap Chinese spare parts (for example, wheel bearings or shock absorbers).

❓ What is the real fuel consumption?

According to owner reviews:

  • 🏙️ City — 11–13 l/100 km (depending on driving style).
  • 🛣️ Route (90–110 km/h) — 6.5–7.5 l/100 km.
  • 🔄 Mixed cycle — 8.5–9.5 l/100 km.

Consumption increases by 1–2 liters in winter and when using the variator in mode Sport.

❓ Which tires are better to install?

Recommended sizes:

  • 🔘 Basic — 215/60 R16.
  • 🔘 Top configurations — 235/45 R18.

Suitable for winter:

  • 🏔️ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 (soft, good grip).
  • ❄️ Michelin X-Ice North 4 (durable, low noise).

In summer many people choose Continental ContiPremiumContact 5 or Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3.

❓ Should you buy the 2018 Altima today?

Yes, if:

  • 👍 You need a spacious and comfortable sedan with a reliable engine.
  • 👍 Are you ready to spend 15–20 thousand rubles. per year for maintenance.
  • 👍 You don’t need a “sporty” character - Altima designed for a smooth ride.

No if:

  • 👎 You plan to drive off-road or tow heavy trailers.
  • 👎 The minimum cost of ownership is important to you (it’s better to look Toyota Camry).
  • 👎 You are not ready to monitor the condition of the variator.