Cargo & Towing

The Altima's trunk measures 15.3 cubic feet, which is average for the class, but it shrinks to 13.1 cubic feet with the full-size spare tire that's included with the optional stability system. (Stability features don't work properly with one small tire.)

A 60/40-split folding rear seat is standard, but Nissan's method for releasing the seatbacks is rather unusual. Instead of having a handle at the top of the seatback to release the seats from the cabin, or one near the edge of the trunk opening to release them from the cargo area, there's a strap for either section of the seatback hanging from the top of the trunk that, when pulled, releases the backrests. They work just fine, but you have to reach pretty far into the trunk to pull them.

With proper equipment, both the four-cylinder and V-6 Altima can tow up to 1,000 pounds.

    See also:

    Lockout protection
    To prevent the Intelligent Key from being accidentally locked in the trunk, lockout protection is equipped with the Intelligent Key. When all doors are locked and the trunk lid is closed with t ...

    Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving
    WARNING Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream reduces coordination, delays reaction time and impairs judgement. Driving after drinking alcohol increases ...

    Accelerator downshift — in D position —
    For passing or hill climbing, depress the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmission down into a lower gear, depending on the vehicle speed. ...