Hop in, push the starter button and your Nissan Altima Hybrid is ready to go.
It’s as simple as that and not nearly the complicated process that many might expect if they are not educated in the operation of a gas-electric hybrid vehicle.
Unlike the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight, which are designed from the ground up as hybrids, the Altima Hybrid is a standard four-door Altima sedan, outfitted with a hybrid power train.
Nissan says it set out to make the Altima one of the best-performing large front-wheel drive sedans on the market. The hybrid version adds better fuel economy and fewer emissions to produce a more environmentally friendly vehicle.
With few changes from the 2009 model, the 2010 Altima Hybrid is an easy and pleasant vehicle to drive. It has a well-designed, comfortable interior and, for 2010, offers an optional Leather Tech Package ($4,900) that includes a number of features including leather seats, Bose audio system and rear view monitor.
Also new for this model year is a refreshed front fascia and grille, newly styled 16-inch alloy wheels and standard folding mirrors with integrated turn signals.
The Altima Hybrid power train starts with Nissan’s tried and true 2.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine. It is combined with an electric motor, producing a hybrid system power rating of 198 hp, and it can travel an estimated 1,300 km between fill-ups.
The specs
- 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
- Vehicle Type: Four-door sedan
- Price: Starts at $33, 398
- Engine: 2.5-litre DOHC 16-valve in-line four-cylinder engine (158 hp, 162 lb/ft of torque) combined with a 40 hp electric motor
- Fuel Economy: 5.6L/100 km city and 5.9L/100 km highway
