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:

    Outside the vehicle
    The maintenance items listed here should be performed from time to time, unless otherwise specified. Doors and engine hood Check that the doors and engine hood operate properly. Also ensure t ...

    2011 Nissan Frontier review
    Full-size trucks are a chore to drive in the city — we know; we've done it — so we wanted to see how Nissan's midsize Frontier would handle an urban environment, as well as a junkyard run to g ...

    Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) position indicator
    The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) position indicator indicates the selector lever position when the ignition switch is in the ON position. ...