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:

    Manual shift mode (if so equipped)
    When the shift selector is in the Ds (Drive Sport) position, the transmission is ready for the manual shift mode. Shift ranges can be selected manually by moving the shift selector up (+) or down ...

    Windshield wiper and washer switch
    In freezing temperatures the washer solution may freeze on the windshield and obscure your vision which may lead to an accident. Warm windshield with the defroster before you wash the wi ...

    Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system (if so equipped)
    The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain driving conditions, the VDC System helps to perform the following funct ...