Hey guys! Are you curious about the 2017 Nissan Altima SR's horsepower and what makes it tick? Well, you've come to the right place! Let's dive deep into the engine specs, performance capabilities, and everything else that makes this car a standout in its class. We're going to break it all down in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you’re not a total car expert.

Engine and Horsepower

The heart of the 2017 Nissan Altima SR is its engine, and it's pretty impressive for a mid-size sedan. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter inline-4, which delivers a solid balance of power and fuel efficiency. But what exactly does that mean in terms of horsepower? The 2017 Altima SR churns out around 179 horsepower. That's enough to give you a zippy and responsive driving experience, whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating city streets.

Now, let's talk about torque, because horsepower isn't the only thing that matters. Torque is what gives you that initial oomph when you hit the gas pedal. The 2.5-liter engine in the Altima SR produces about 177 lb-ft of torque. This combination of horsepower and torque makes the Altima SR feel lively and fun to drive. You'll notice that it accelerates smoothly and has plenty of power for overtaking other cars.

For those who crave even more power, some higher trim levels of the 2017 Altima offer a 3.5-liter V6 engine. However, the SR trim specifically comes with the 2.5-liter inline-4. While the V6 definitely packs more punch, the 2.5-liter is a great choice for daily driving and offers excellent fuel economy, which we’ll get into a bit later. The Altima SR is designed to provide a sporty feel without sacrificing practicality, and the 2.5-liter engine fits that bill perfectly.

Performance and Handling

Okay, so we know the 2017 Nissan Altima SR has a respectable 179 horsepower, but how does that translate to real-world performance? The Altima SR is designed to offer a comfortable yet engaging driving experience. It's not a sports car, but it's definitely more fun to drive than your average family sedan. The SR trim stands for “Sport Rally,” and Nissan has made some tweaks to the suspension and handling to give it a slightly sportier feel.

The suspension on the Altima SR is tuned to be a bit firmer than the base model, which means it handles corners with more confidence and less body roll. The steering is also nicely weighted, providing good feedback from the road. This makes the Altima SR feel more planted and responsive, especially when you're driving on winding roads. It's a car that inspires confidence behind the wheel.

The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) also plays a role in the Altima SR's performance. While some people might not be fans of CVTs, Nissan has done a good job of tuning it to feel responsive and smooth. The CVT helps keep the engine in its optimal power range, which maximizes both performance and fuel efficiency. It simulates gear changes to avoid the droning sound that some CVTs are known for, making for a more pleasant driving experience.

In terms of acceleration, the 2017 Altima SR can go from 0 to 60 mph in around 8 seconds. That's not lightning-fast, but it's respectable for a mid-size sedan. More importantly, the Altima SR feels quick in everyday driving situations. It has plenty of power for merging onto the highway or passing slower traffic. The Altima SR strikes a nice balance between performance and comfort, making it a great choice for daily commutes and weekend road trips.

Fuel Efficiency

Now, let's talk about something that's important to almost everyone: fuel efficiency. The 2017 Nissan Altima SR with its 2.5-liter engine is pretty good on gas, which is a major plus if you're driving a lot. According to EPA estimates, it gets around 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. That's a combined fuel economy of around 31 mpg, which is excellent for a car in this class.

The Altima SR's fuel efficiency is thanks in part to its CVT, which helps keep the engine operating efficiently. The car also has features like active grille shutters, which close at high speeds to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag. These little details add up to make a noticeable difference in fuel economy.

Of course, your actual fuel economy will depend on your driving habits. If you have a heavy foot and like to accelerate quickly, you'll probably get slightly lower numbers than the EPA estimates. But if you drive conservatively and take advantage of the car's fuel-saving features, you might even exceed those numbers. Overall, the Altima SR is a fuel-efficient choice that can save you money at the pump.

Interior and Features

Okay, enough about horsepower and fuel economy. Let's take a look inside the 2017 Nissan Altima SR. The interior is well-designed and offers a comfortable and user-friendly experience. The SR trim comes with some nice upgrades, including sport seats with unique cloth upholstery and blue stitching. These seats are not only stylish but also provide excellent support, which is great for long drives.

The Altima SR also features a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, which add a touch of luxury to the interior. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with easy-to-read gauges and intuitive controls. The center console has a 5-inch touchscreen display that controls the infotainment system. It's not the biggest or most advanced screen out there, but it's functional and easy to use.

In terms of features, the Altima SR comes standard with things like Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and keyless entry. It also has a six-speaker audio system that sounds pretty good. Optional features include a sunroof, navigation system, and blind-spot monitoring. Overall, the Altima SR offers a good mix of comfort, convenience, and technology.

Ride Comfort and Noise Levels

What's it like to actually ride in the 2017 Nissan Altima SR? Well, it's a pretty comfortable experience overall. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and potholes, providing a smooth ride on most road surfaces. The sport-tuned suspension on the SR trim does make it a bit firmer than the base model, but it's not harsh or uncomfortable.

One of the things that stands out about the Altima SR is its quiet cabin. Nissan has done a good job of reducing road noise and wind noise, making it easy to have a conversation or listen to music while you're driving. The engine is also relatively quiet, even when you're accelerating. This makes the Altima SR a relaxing car to drive, especially on long trips.

The seats are also comfortable and supportive, which is important if you're spending a lot of time behind the wheel. The rear seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom, making it a good choice for families. Overall, the Altima SR is a comfortable and refined car that's well-suited for daily driving.

Reliability and Maintenance

Reliability is a big concern for many car buyers, and the 2017 Nissan Altima SR has a pretty good track record in this area. Nissan has a reputation for building reliable cars, and the Altima is no exception. Of course, like any car, the Altima SR can experience problems from time to time, but overall, it's a dependable vehicle.

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your Altima SR running smoothly. Be sure to follow the recommended maintenance schedule in the owner's manual, which includes things like oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks. It's also a good idea to have your car inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic to catch any potential problems before they become major issues.

One potential issue to watch out for is the CVT. While Nissan has made improvements to its CVTs over the years, they can still be prone to problems if they're not properly maintained. Be sure to have the CVT fluid changed according to the recommended schedule, and avoid aggressive driving that can put extra strain on the transmission.

Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the 2017 Nissan Altima SR? Well, it's a solid choice for a mid-size sedan that offers a good balance of performance, fuel efficiency, and comfort. With its 179 horsepower engine, sporty handling, and comfortable interior, the Altima SR is a fun and practical car to drive.

While it may not be the flashiest or most exciting car on the market, the Altima SR is a reliable and well-rounded vehicle that's perfect for daily commutes and family road trips. If you're looking for a mid-size sedan that offers good value for the money, the 2017 Nissan Altima SR is definitely worth considering. Just remember to keep up with the maintenance and take care of that CVT!

Hope this breakdown helps you make a more informed decision. Happy driving, guys!