2014 Nissan Altima gets Monroney'd

Nissan has released pricing and option packages for its flagship sedan, the Altima. The 2014 Altima has now entered showrooms and is available nationally.

The Altima was totally re-designed for 2013 to great effect, solidifying its place as the second-best-selling sedan in the U.S. and poising itself to take the top spot over the Toyota Camry thanks to additions like Zero Gravity Seating (standard in all trim levels) and improved fuel economy and performance from its two engine options.

For 2014, Nissan has upgraded the Altima's interior options to include its new NissanConnectSM connected car services and apps. This is a global smart phone integration platform that works with both Android and iPhone systems, which gives several options in the car such as Online Search through Google, Facebook integration, and soon iHeartRadio and Pandora Internet Radio. NissanConnectSM with Navigation will include SiriusXM Travel Link® as well, showing weather, fuel prices, movie times, and even stock updates.

More upgraded standard options include revised seat cloth, enhanced noise isolation, and chrome exhaust tips. Upgrade options include three value packages for each model, including the base, S, SV, and SL in both the 2.5 and 3.5 models. Upgrade packages include a Technology Package with the above technology included plus Blind Spot Warning, Moving Object Detection and Lane Departure Warning. A Display Audio package adds a 5-inch color display, RearView Monitor, USB port, SiriusXM Radio, and NissanConnectSM.

The 2.5 models are powered by the tried-and-proven 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 182 horsepower while the 3.5 is propelled by a 3.5-liter V-6 outputting 270 horsepower. Both come standard with the Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission).

The base model 2014 Altima 2.5 begins at $21,860 plus destination. The top package 2.5 SL is priced at $27,760 plus destination. The base 3.5 S model is $26,160 plus destination while the top line model, the Altima 3.5 SL (pictured above) is $30,660 plus destination.