Road Test: 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid

Are you seeking to buy a mid-sized hybrid sedan? Let’s road test the 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid and see how it stacks up to its formidable competition in the Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid.

Does the 2010 Nissan Altima beat out its competitors? Yes and no.

On my road test, I found the Altima Hybrid’s exterior styling is superior while the interior design is lackluster. Fortunately, performance is rather exciting although I did find a few driving dynamics lacking.

Come with me on my weeklong road test of a 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid along California’s scenic Orange County coastline:

2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid Exterior

Let’s face it: There are few hybrids in this affordable mid-sized sedan category that could be considered sexy. Yes, sedans like the Nissan Altima, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are more about function than sex appeal or sporty good looks.

Fortunately, the 2010 Nissan Altima shines against its competition in exterior design. Somehow, the wedge-shaped back side works well and distinguishes the Nissan Altima from its less exciting hybrid brethren.

Driving around the shores of Newport Beach, where Maseratis and Mercedes are de riguer transportation, I felt like the 2010 Nissan Altima brings some sporty sex appeal to the mid-sized sedan with its somewhat menacing grille, pointy noise and sweeping side lines.

Again, the Altima’s signature wedge-shaped back side makes this sedan stand out in a lineup of other mid-sized hybrid sedans.

2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid Interior

At first glance, the interior of the 2010 Nissan Altima looks cool enough with its two-toned textured plastics and saddle-stitched leather seats. However, upon careful examination, I found the interior to be rather boring, especially when stacked up to its competition like the super appealing Toyota Camry interior.

The built-in controls on the chrome, plastic and leather steering wheel are certainly handsome. The driver’s cockpit is comfortable enough with plush seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and somewhat sporty gauges.

The dash and central console, however, leave quite a bit to be desired, especially when stacked against the aforementioned Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Ford Fusion.

On the dash, three large round ventilation outlets seem to be sitting where the in-dash screen should be placed. Instead, the 6.3-inch screen sits right below and not in a good position for the eye.

Below the screen, climate control buttons are easily accessible. Overall, there is no real design for center console, which is designed using only one plastic texture and too little chrome. Sorry to say, but it’s a yawner, Nissan.

Fortunately, Nissan built in a huge wooden panel below the climate controls. The panel rises up with one touch, revealing a huge empty space big enough for a small purse, mobile devices and lots of junk. The chrome-covered stick shift is also quite nice as well as the central console’s cup holders, which have space enough for two cups, a mobile device and change (or knick knacks).

What about cargo room? I found the 2010 Nissan Altima’s trunk has enough space to hold enough luggage for a weekend getaway for a family of four or a weeklong road trip for two. Nice, Nissan!

2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid Performance

Performance is where the 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid comes across as a sporty sedan. I road tested the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with Nissan’s advanced electric drive motor-generator, which gets an EPA estimated 35 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. (By the way, the Altima’s 20-gallon fuel tank means the 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid can drive more than 600 miles between fill-ups.)

Like most hybrids, the 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid has a silent push button start. Driven in electric mode, the 2010 Altima is smooth and quiet. When acceleration is needed, however, the gas engine revs quickly, although not too quietly with some groaning and moaning noises reminiscent of other hybrids like the Toyota Prius.

Still, I was impressed with the 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid’s acceleration when changing lanes on the freeway, powering up hills or passing slower traffic.

I was not as impressed, however, with the 2010 Nissan Altima’s regenerative braking. Compared to other vehicles in its segment, the braking was way too mushy upon first deceleration.

All other driving dynamics like steering, handling and suspension are excellent.

2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid Safety

The 2010 Nissan Altima has lots of standard safety features such as Nissan’s advanced air bag system with dual-stage supplemental front air bags, roof-mounted curtain side impact air bags for front and rear seat passengers. The Altima also includes front seat active head restraints, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control and a tire pressure monitoring system.

2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid Trim Levels, Packages & Options

The 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid is available in only one trim level: hybrid. Three equipment package are available: convenience, premium and technology.

The “premium package” includes a Bose audio system with nine speakers, 4.3-inch color display, USB port with iPod connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback, XM satellite radio and rear view monitor.

The “technology package” features a Nissan’s proprietary navigation system with 6.5-inch VGA color touch-screen display, 9.3GB Music Box for music storage and playback, advanced map data including speed limit advisories, Zagat restaurant guide, XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather®, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, DVD player and an RCA input for auxiliary audio/video connectivity.

Need one more reason to check out the 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid? This fuel-efficient hybrid is built right here in America. Thanks, Nissan!

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif. Follow me! @sheryllalexande
Nissan provided a vehicle for this review.