The 2014 Nissan Altima S features a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower, paired with an Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). It achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, while offering a midsize cabin, front-wheel drive, and an upgraded array of technology features compared to the base model.
Understanding the technical specifications of a midsize sedan from a specific production year requires examining its powertrain architecture, chassis engineering, interior dimensions, and factory-equipped technology. The 2014 model year represents an established iteration of the fifth-generation Nissan Altima, which debuted for the 2013 model year.
Positioned directly above the entry-level 2.5 trim, the Altima S introduces several convenience upgrades and technical features that alter its daily usability and mechanical profile. By evaluating the precise engineering details, vehicle buyers, maintenance technicians, and automotive enthusiasts can better understand how this platform performs under varied driving conditions.
Powertrain and Mechanical Engineering
At the core of the 2014 Nissan Altima S lies a naturally aspirated, DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine designated internally by Nissan as the QR25DE. This power plant utilizes an aluminum block and cylinder head, featuring continuously variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts (CVTCS) to optimize volumetric efficiency across a wide band of engine speeds.
Engine Specifications and Performance
The 2.5-liter engine displaces precisely 2,488 cubic centimeters, utilizing a square or slightly over-square bore and stroke configuration measuring 89.0 mm by 100.0 mm. With a compression ratio of 10.0:1, the engine delivers its maximum output of 182 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 178 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm.
Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-point electronic sequential port fuel injection system, designed to balance throttle response with stringent tailpipe emissions standards of its era, achieving a Federal Tier 2 Bin 5 / ULEV2 classification.
Transmission and Drivetrain Dynamics
Power from the QR25DE engine is channeled exclusively to the front wheels through Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. Unlike traditional stepped-gear automatic transmissions, the Xtronic CVT utilizes a high-strength steel belt running between variable-width pulleys.
For the 2014 model year, Nissan implemented software tuning updates to the transmission to simulate traditional gear shifts during hard acceleration, reducing the perceived "rubber-band" effect often criticized in earlier CVT iterations. The final drive ratio is optimized to balance highway cruising efficiency with responsive acceleration from a standstill.
| Technical Parameter | Specification Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | QR25DE 2.5L Inline-4 Gas |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder with CVTCS |
| Horsepower | 182 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Fuel Requirement | Regular Unleaded (87 Octane) |
Chassis, Suspension, and Handling Architecture
The structural foundation of the 2014 Altima S relies on a high-rigidity unibody platform designed to minimize chassis flex and mitigate cabin vibration. Suspension geometry plays a critical role in the vehicle's driving dynamics, balancing ride comfort with cornering stability.
Suspension Setup
- Front Suspension: Independent strut-type suspension utilizing coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers, and a 24.2 mm stabilizer bar to reduce body roll during cornering maneuvers.
- Rear Suspension: Multi-link independent rear suspension setup featuring low-friction shock absorbers, coil springs, and an integrated stabilizer bar. This design helps maintain rear wheel alignment and tire contact patches over uneven pavement.
Steering and Braking Systems
The vehicle employs an Electronic Hydraulic Power-Assisted Steering (EHPAS) system, or vehicle-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering, which adjusts steering effort based on vehicle speed. This provides a lighter feel at low parking speeds and a heavier, more stable resistance profile during highway cruising.
Stopping power is delivered by a power-assisted four-wheel disc brake system:
- Front Brakes: 11.5-inch vented rotors clamped by single-piston sliding calipers.
- Rear Brakes: 11.5-inch solid rotors with single-piston calipers.
- Safety Interventions: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, integrated directly with Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).
Exterior Dimensions and Aerodynamics
Exterior styling on the 2014 Altima S was engineered with a strong emphasis on aerodynamics, yielding a low drag coefficient ($C_d$) of approximately 0.29. This sleek profile reduces wind noise at highway speeds and contributes to the vehicle's high fuel efficiency ratings.
Physical Footprint
- Wheelbase: 109.3 inches
- Overall Length: 191.5 inches
- Overall Width: 72.0 inches
- Overall Height: 147.6 inches
- Track Width (Front/Rear): 1585 mm / 1585 mm
- Ground Clearance: 6.9 inches
Factory wheels for the Altima S consist of 16-inch steel wheels equipped with full wheel covers, wrapped in 215/60R16 all-season tires. Headlamp design utilizes halogen projector beams, complemented by manual folding exterior mirrors and chrome exhaust finishers.
Interior Packaging, Comfort, and Technology
The interior cabin of the 2014 Altima S is designed around Nissan's "Zero Gravity" front seats, inspired by aerospace research to reduce muscular fatigue during long drives by supporting the spine in a neutral posture.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
- Total Interior Passenger Volume: 101.9 cubic feet
- Front Head Room / Leg Room: 40.0 inches / 45.0 inches
- Rear Head Room / Leg Room: 37.1 inches / 36.1 inches
- Cargo Volume (Trunk): 15.4 cubic feet
Standard Equipment and S-Trim Upgrades
Stepping up to the "S" trim level from the base Altima adds notable functional enhancements over the entry-level configuration. Standard features include:
- Automatic on/off halogen headlights
- Cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls
- Smart Auto Headlights linked to windshield wiper operation
- Nissan Intelligent Key system with Push Button Ignition
- Power driver’s seat with 6-way manual adjustments (or optional power lumbar)
- Audio system featuring a 5-inch color display, USB connection port, streaming audio via Bluetooth, and auxiliary input jack
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability (subscription required)
Fuel Economy and Environmental Performance
The 2014 Nissan Altima S achieves notable fuel efficiency figures for a midsize sedan of its generation, largely driven by the aerodynamic exterior design, low rolling-resistance tires, and continuous ratio optimization of the Xtronic CVT.
- EPA City Estimate: 27 mpg
- EPA Highway Estimate: 38 mpg
- EPA Combined Estimate: 31 mpg
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.0 US gallons
- Cruising Range: Up to nearly 680 highway miles on a single tank under ideal operating conditions.
Safety Ratings and Occupant Protection
Occupant safety in the 2014 Altima S is supported by a comprehensive passive and active safety infrastructure. The vehicle is constructed with Zone Body construction featuring crumple zones designed to absorb and deflect kinetic energy away from the passenger compartment during a collision.
Safety Equipment
- Dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensors.
- Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags.
- Roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) featuring individual tire pressure display and Easy-Fill Tire Alert, which sounds the vehicle's horn when the correct pressure is reached during inflation.
Independent crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) designated the 2014 Altima sedan as a Top Safety Pick, earning the highest rating of "Good" in moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and rear crash protection evaluations.
Maintenance Schedules and Common Ownership Considerations
Maintaining a 2014 Nissan Altima S requires adherence to factory-recommended service intervals to ensure mechanical longevity, particularly concerning the CVT transmission and engine peripherals.
Routine Maintenance Intervals
- Engine Oil and Filter: Every 3,750 to 7,500 miles depending on driving severity, utilizing genuine Nissan-approved synthetic or synthetic-blend oils meeting API certification standards.
- CVT Fluid Inspection/Replacement: Nissan specifies inspecting the NS-3 CVT fluid condition periodically. While factory service schedules historically marketed the fluid as "fill-for-life" under normal conditions, independent service technicians generally recommend fluid replacement every 60,000 miles to prevent premature belt and pulley wear.
- Spark Plugs: Iridium-tipped spark plugs are factory-installed and typically require replacement at 105,000 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of engine does the 2014 Nissan Altima S have?
The 2014 Nissan Altima S is powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine (QR25DE) that generates 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It features dual overhead cams and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust valves.
Is the 2014 Nissan Altima S fuel efficient?
Yes, it achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, resulting in a combined rating of 31 mpg. This efficiency is aided by its low drag coefficient and the wide gear ratio span of its Xtronic CVT.
Does the 2014 Altima S have Bluetooth capability?
Yes, the Altima S comes standard with Bluetooth hands-free phone system functionality and audio streaming capabilities, integrated into its 5-inch audio display system.
What is the difference between the base Altima and the Altima S?
While both models share the same 2.5L engine and CVT transmission, the Altima S adds convenient features such as the Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button ignition, automatic headlights, a 6-way power driver's seat, cruise control, and a more robust audio system interface.
How much cargo space does the 2014 Altima S offer?
The vehicle provides 15.4 cubic feet of trunk cargo volume, complemented by 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks that allow for the transport of longer items when folded down.
Conclusion and Next Actions
The 2014 Nissan Altima S remains a balanced option in the used midsize sedan market, combining high fuel efficiency, comfortable seating, and practical technology for daily commuting. When evaluating or purchasing this vehicle, prospective owners should verify the service history of the Xtronic CVT transmission, confirm the operational status of the electronic key fobs and infotainment system, and ensure that all factory safety recalls have been properly addressed by an authorized service center.
