2016 Nissan Altima

Rating overview
Evaluation criteria	Rating
Small overlap front: driver-side
Small overlap front: passenger-side
Moderate overlap front: original test
Side: original test
Roof strength
Head restraints & seats

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Headlights (varies by trim/option)
Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle
Optional system	Superior

Evaluation criteria	Rating
LATCH ease of use

Small overlap front: driver-side

Rating applies to 2016-18 models

Tested vehicle: 2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4-door

The Nissan Altima was redesigned for the 2013 model year. Beginning with 2016 models, the front-end structure was strengthened and the junction of the door sill, hinge pillar, and footwell was reinforced to improve occupant protection in small overlap frontal crashes.

Evaluation criteria	Rating

Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Action shot taken during the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test.

The dummy's position in relation to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained well.

The frontal and side curtain airbags worked well together to keep the head from coming close to any stiff structure or outside objects that could cause injury.

The driver's space was maintained well, and risk of injuries to the dummy's legs and feet was low.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEN1542
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm)	6
Footrest (cm)	6
Left toepan (cm)	3
Brake pedal (cm)	1
Parking brake (cm)	11
Rocker panel lateral average (cm)	2
Upper occupant compartment
Steering column	0
Upper hinge pillar max (cm)	1
Upper dash (cm)	3
Lower instrument panel (cm)	3

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEN1542
Head
HIC-15	98
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.0
Extension bending moment (Nm)	9
Maximum Nij	0.18
Chest maximum compression (mm)	19
Femur (kN)
Left	0.4
Right	0.0
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	1
Right	0
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.64
Right	0.43
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	2.7
Right	0.0
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	90
Right	46

About the small overlap front test

Small overlap front: passenger-side

Rating applies to 2016-18 models

Tested vehicle: 2017 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4-door

The Nissan Altima was redesigned for the 2013 model year. Beginning with 2016 models, the front-end structure was strengthened and the junction of the door sill, hinge pillar, and footwell was reinforced to improve occupant protection in small overlap frontal crashes.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Action shot taken during the passenger-side small overlap frontal crash test.

The dummy's position in relation to the door frame and dashboard after the crash test indicates that the passenger’s survival space was maintained well.

The frontal and side curtain airbags worked well together to keep the passenger dummy’s head from coming close to any stiff structure or outside objects that could cause injury.

Forces on the right lower leg were high enough to indicate a significant risk of injury.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEP1701
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm)	18
Footrest (cm)	13
Right toepan (cm)	7
Center toepan (cm)	5
Rocker panel lateral average (cm)	2
Upper occupant compartment
Center dash (cm)	5
Upper hinge pillar max (cm)	2
Upper dash (cm)	7
Right lower dash (cm)	9

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEP1701
Head
HIC-15	35
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.7
Extension bending moment (Nm)	21
Maximum Nij	0.18
Chest maximum compression (mm)	22
Femur (kN)
Left	0.7
Right	1.0
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	0
Right	2
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.52
Right	1.18
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	2.9
Right	3.2
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	58
Right	90

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEP1701
Head
HIC-15	33
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.6
Extension bending moment (Nm)	12
Maximum Nij	0.14
Chest maximum compression (mm)	29
Femur (kN)
Left	0.2
Right	0.1
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	0
Right	0
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.24
Right	0.28
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	0.6
Right	0.1
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	39
Right	27

About the small overlap front test

Moderate overlap front: original test

Rating applies to 2013-18 models

Tested vehicle: 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4-door

The Nissan Altima was redesigned for the 2013 model year. Two moderate overlap frontal tests of the Altima were conducted, one by the Institute and the other by Nissan. Ratings are based on both tests.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Leg/foot, left
Leg/foot, right
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Action shot taken during the Institute's moderate overlap frontal crash test.

The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained well (Institute test car shown).

Dummy movement was well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head hit only the head restraint in each test, as indicated by smeared greasepaint in the Institute's test.

Intrusion into the driver's space was minimal in both tests, and all leg and foot injury measures were low.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1206	CEF1208
Footwell intrusion
Footrest (cm)	5	6
Left (cm)	7	8
Center (cm)	7	7
Right (cm)	11	9
Brake pedal (cm)	10	12
Instrument panel rearward movement
Left (cm)	1	2
Right (cm)	3	3
Steering column movement
Upward (cm)	-7	-8
Rearward (cm)	-1	-1
A-pillar rearward movement (cm)	0	0

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1206	CEF1208
Head
HIC-15	158	148
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.2	1.0
Extension bending moment (Nm)	15	19
Maximum Nij	0.24	0.23
Chest maximum compression (mm)	28	29
Legs
Femur force - left (kN)	0.1	0.2
Femur force - right (kN)	0.2	0.4
Knee displacement - left (mm)	0	1
Knee displacement - right (mm)	1	0
Maximum tibia index - left	0.28	0.26
Maximum tibia index - right	0.38	0.52
Tibia axial force - left (kN)	0.9	1.3
Tibia axial force - right (kN)	1.3	1.0
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	42	53
Right	68	65

About the original moderate overlap front test

Side: original test

Rating applies to 2013-18 models

Tested vehicle: 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV 4-door with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbags

The Nissan Altima was redesigned for the 2013 model year. Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Nissan.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis/leg
Driver head protection
Rear passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis/leg
Rear passenger head protection

Technical measurements for this test

Test ID	VTS1209
B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm)	-12.5
Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline.

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1209
Head HIC-15	292
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.3
Compression (kN)	0.4
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	29
Lateral force (kN)	1.3
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	32
Average deflection (mm)	30
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	3.60
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.52
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	1.4
Acetabulum force (kN)	2.6
Combined force (kN)	3.8
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	1.3
L-M moment (Nm)	58
A-P moment (Nm)	204

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1209
Head HIC-15	159
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.3
Compression (kN)	0.6
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	37
Lateral force (kN)	1.4
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	39
Average deflection (mm)	29
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	3.40
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.71
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	0.4
Acetabulum force (kN)	1.5
Combined force (kN)	1.7
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	1.4
L-M moment (Nm)	28
A-P moment (Nm)	160

About the original side crash test

Roof strength

Rating applies to 2013-18 models

Tested vehicle: 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4-door

Overall evaluation
Curb weight	3,115 lbs
Peak force	16,485 lbs
Strength-to-weight ratio	5.29

About the roof strength test

Head restraints & seats

Seat type: Power cloth seats

Overall evaluation
Dynamic rating
Seat/head restraint geometry

Technical measurements for this test

Seat type	Power cloth seats
Geometry
Backset (mm)	2
Distance below top of head (mm)	38
Seat design parameters
Pass/fail	Pass
Max T1 acceleration (g)	13.1
Head contact time (ms)	49
Force rating	1
Neck forces
Max neck shear force (N)	0
Max neck tension (N)	266

About the head restraint & seat test
Currently, IIHS tests apply only to front seats.

Headlights

Ratings are given for 3 different headlight variations available on this vehicle.

Trim level(s)

2.5 SR trim equipped with LED Appearance package; built after January 2016
2.5 SL trim equipped with Technology package; built after January 2016
3.5 SR trim; built after January 2016
3.5 SL trim; built after January 2016

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	LED projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and fair on the left side. On curves, visibility was good on the gradual right curve, fair on the sharp right and sharp left curves, and inadequate on the gradual left curve.

The low beams created some glare.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was fair on both right curves and inadequate on both left curves.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	2.5 SR trim equipped with LED Appearance package 2.5 SL trim equipped with Technology package 3.5 SR trim 3.5 SL trim
Low-beam headlight type	LED projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating Applies to 2016-17 models built after January 2016

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	104.7 m	3.7%
Straightaway left edge	51.8 m	3.7%
250m radius right curve, right edge	65.1 m	None
250m radius left curve, left edge	49.9 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	53.2 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	48.7 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	153.6 m
Straightaway left edge	113.8 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	71.2 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	59.3 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	55.7 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	52.3 m

Trim level(s)

All trims; built before February 2016

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was fair on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was fair on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	All trims
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating Applies to 2016-18 models built before February 2016

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	81.0 m	None
Straightaway left edge	23.4 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	43.1 m	None
250m radius left curve, left edge	31.5 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	34.2 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	27.3 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	141.6 m
Straightaway left edge	108.8 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	51.7 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	47.8 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	40.1 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	36.8 m

Trim level(s)

2.5 trim; built after January 2016
2.5S trim; built after January 2016
2.5 SR trim; built after January 2016
2.5 SV trim; built after January 2016
2.5 SL trim; built after January 2016

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was fair on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was fair on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	2.5 trim 2.5S trim 2.5 SR trim 2.5 SV trim 2.5 SL trim
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating Applies to 2016-18 models built after January 2016

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	81.0 m	None
Straightaway left edge	23.4 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	43.1 m	None
250m radius left curve, left edge	31.5 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	34.2 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	27.3 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	141.6 m
Straightaway left edge	108.8 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	51.7 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	47.8 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	40.1 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	36.8 m

About the headlight evaluation

Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle

System details

Optional Forward Emergency Braking

Package name

Optional Technology Package

Overall evaluation

Applies to 2016-17 models

Superior

with optional equipment

This system meets the requirements for forward collision warning.
In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 25 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 10 mph.

About the original front crash prevention test

Child seat anchors

Rating applies to 2016-18 models

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	S
Seat type	cloth

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor only.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	S
Seat type	cloth

Rating icon	Rating
G	Good
A	Acceptable
M	Marginal
P	Poor
	Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
thether anchor symbol	Tether anchor
lower anchor symbol	Lower anchors
shared lower achors symbol	Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
	No hardware available

Details by seating position

Position	Rating
1
1	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors
2
2	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	none available
3
3	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors

Technical measurements for this test

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	20
Clearance angle (degrees)	85
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	30
Clearance angle (degrees)	76
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
No lower latch for this seat position
Lower anchor B
No lower latch for this seat position
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	43
Clearance angle (degrees)	73
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	19
Clearance angle (degrees)	79
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Rating applies to 2016-18 models

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	SL
Seat type	leather

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor only.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	SL
Seat type	leather

Rating icon	Rating
G	Good
A	Acceptable
M	Marginal
P	Poor
	Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
thether anchor symbol	Tether anchor
lower anchor symbol	Lower anchors
shared lower achors symbol	Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
	No hardware available

Details by seating position

Position	Rating
1
1	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors
2
2	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	none available
3
3	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors

Technical measurements for this test

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	26
Clearance angle (degrees)	82
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	35
Clearance angle (degrees)	83
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
No lower latch for this seat position
Lower anchor B
No lower latch for this seat position
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	37
Clearance angle (degrees)	70
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	25
Clearance angle (degrees)	79
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

About the child seat anchor evaluation

2016 Nissan Altima

midsize car / 4-door sedan

Crashworthiness

Crash avoidance & mitigation

Seat belts & child restraints

Other available safety features

Small overlap front: driver-side

Small overlap front: passenger-side

Moderate overlap front: original test

Side: original test

Roof strength

Head restraints & seats

Headlights

Trim level(s)

Trim level(s)

Trim level(s)

Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle

System details

Package name

Overall evaluation

Child seat anchors