Road Test 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid car review: new face, same charge

November 9, 4:18 PMAuto Review ExaminerJohn Matras

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There are three questions people ask about the Nissan Altima Hybrid and for them we have four answers. The questions are, of course, what is it like to drive, how much does it cost, and what gas mileage does it get. Our answers to those questions soon enough but first an answer to the question not asked: yes, the Nissan Altima Hybrid-like the other Nissan Altimas and in fact the other Nissan sedans-had a minor facelift this year.

The facelift was largely that, a new face-a new grille and headlights, a higher domed hood and new taillights. The changes are more extensive inside, and while there are some styling flourishes, more significant are the upgrades to onboard technology.

A new premium audio system includes a 4.3-inch display, USB port with iPod connectivity, Bluetooth hands-free phone compatibility, MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback, XM satellite radio (as usual, subscription is separate), and a review camera. Opt for the hard-drive navigation system for an upgrade to a 6.5-inch VGA color display and 9.3GB Music Box for music storage and playback. (A problem, confessed a Nissan representative, is that electronic technology is advancing faster than the automotive industry can keep up, considering the several year lead time automobile design and engineering requires).

Nice, but what is it like to drive the 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid? Not terribly different than pure-gasoline engined Nissan…and a lot different. Once up and going, the Altima Hybrid responds similarly to a push on the gas pedal. Because the Hybrid and other Altimas are equipped with continuously variable transmissions (eCVT), the revs climb in not direct relation to the change in speed. Mash the pedal with either and the revs rise almost to redline and then climb only slightly as the vehicle speed catches up.
 

Yes, it's more effective and efficient than the conventional stepped-ratio transmission, whether automatic or manual, but it's still likely to be off-putting to those raised on a traditional transmission (though some drivers probably won't feel any difference, depending on their sensitivity to what's going on mechanically with an automobile, and we've talked with some newer drivers who prefer it, so go figure).

Where the Nissan Altima Hybrid feels different is when it comes to a halt, when it pulls away and when it comes to a stop again. As might be expected, if the Altima Hybrid is stopped, so is its engine-at least most of the time. When the "start" button is pressed, the gasoline engine remains off unless the engine is cold engine start, in which case the engine needs to run to bring itself up to operating temperature.

Otherwise the engine isn't running when the car pulls away from rest, the Altima Hybrid moving under electric power alone until speed reaches about ten miles per hour, when the gasoline engine kicks in. With brisker acceleration the engine starts at a lower speed. After that, it's quite like driving any other Nissan Altima sedan, except that the engine will be turning off and starting up when driving in stop and go traffic.

The regenerative braking of the Nissan Altima Hybrid works by driving the electric motor backwards, using it as a generator, as is typical of full hybrid vehicles, but we found the regenerative braking activation to be less transparent than most other hybrids. In fact, it was barely translucent. The extra drag could be felt as the regen braking went into effect, and an electric motor whine was distinctly audible. Those who consider it a reminder of the good things they're doing for Mother Earth won't mind, but other hybrid systems handle the transition more smoothly and less noticeably.

And of course there's the improved gas mileage which we found, driving in traffic over mildly hilly terrain, to be quite good. Using the Nissan Altima Hybrid's onboard computer, we recorded 35.0 mpg at an average speed of 12.2 mph. That's right about what we're promised by the EPA estimate of 35 mpg city. In fact, that's exactly what we're promised. Highway mileage per the EPA is 33 mpg, a product of the gasoline engine's need to operate more or less consistently at speed. Nissan says that combined with the Altima Hybrid's generous twenty gallon fuel tank, the car has a projected driving range greater than 600 miles.

As per the usual hybrid practice, the Nissan Altima Hybrid has a "kw" gauge (kilowatt gauge) next to the speedometer, where the tachometer would go in a conventionally-powered vehicle. It's nice but we're not exactly sure what we're supposed to do with it.

We'd be remiss if we failed to address the obligatory to hybrid car reviews conundrum: is it worth it? The base price of the 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid is $26,780. That compares to $19,900 for the base Altima 2.5 and $21,840 for the better-equipped Altima 2.5 S. It's more still than the V-6-powered Altima 3.5 SR. The latter, of course, isn't in the same market, psychographically, as the Hybrid, and the Altima Hybrid comes with more features standard, further muddying a direct comparison.

However, the payback in mileage is significant if driving is mostly urban. The Nissan Altima 2.5 and Altima 2.5 S have an EPA rating of 23/32 mpg city/highway. Depending on the price of gas, the mileage advantage of the Nissan Altima Hybrid over its more conventional alternates may payback sooner rather than later. Whatever, it matter only for those who live in California or one of the "California emissions" states in the northeast: The 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid will be sold only in California, plus Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and because the people who live there want to, Oregon.

So there you are, all your questions about the 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid answered, plus the one you didn't. You're very welcome. Please come again.