All About the 2015 Nissan Altima Special Edition

The 2015 Nissan Altima Special Edition has an upgraded exterior and a more functional interior in one of the most reliable mid-size sedans.
Written by Andrea Barrett
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The 2015 Nissan Altima Special Edition trim combined two previous optional packages to offer more features at a lower starting price. Some of the best add-ons include gunmetal alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, remote start, six-way power driver’s seat, and plenty more. 
When it comes to finding an affordable mid-size sedan, there are a few excellent options—but it’s not easy competing against the
Toyota Camry
and the
Honda Accord
. Yet somehow the Nissan Altima does it—and it does it well. With excellent safety ratings, outstanding reliability, a long list of safety features, and a fuel-efficient base engine, there’s little missing from the Altima. But where you may be a little disappointed is its level of fun—it’s a classic “family-style sedan” that doesn’t exactly offer the most thrilling drive.
But when Nissan released the 2015 Nissan Altima Special Edition, it merged two popular packages into one, offering drivers a bit of luxury at an affordable price. If you’re considering buying an Altima Special Edition,
Jerry
, the
car insurance
shopping app, has everything you need to know. We’ll look at the specs, pricing, and how it compares to the regular Altima—we'll even show you the easiest way to lower your
Nissan Altima insurance cost
.
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What is the Nissan Altima Special Edition? 

Several Special Edition packages have been available throughout the Nissan Altima's lifespan. For the 2015 model year, the Special Edition Package (2.5 S) combined the Sport package and Tech package for a lower price than adding them individually. For roughly $1,000, your Altima would be equipped with gunmetal alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, a 5.0-inch color audio display, a USB port with iPod connectivity, Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant, and much more.

2015 Nissan Altima overview

Before diving into all the details on the Altima Special Edition, here’s what you’re getting on the Nissan Altima.
If there’s one way to describe the Nissan Altima, it’s the perfect family sedan. It’s the epitome of functionality, practicality, and safety, all rolled into one. Whether it’s the fuel-efficient four-cylinder or V6 engine, the powerful acceleration, or excellent driving dynamics and handling, the Altima seems to tick all the boxes. 
When it comes to
crash-test scores
, they’re almost perfect across the board. From the outside, Nissan has built the perfect mid-size sedan—and it faces stiff competition from the Accord and Camry.
The Nissan Altima is a lot of things, but it’s not for all drivers. While its continuously variable transmission (CVT) is excellent for improving fuel economy, there can be a loud revving noise during acceleration. But if you can get over a bit of racket, the Altima’s 2.5 L four-cylinder or 3.5 L V6 has pretty zippy acceleration, hitting 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 and 6.2 seconds, respectively. 
Plus, the V6 powertrain in the Altima is one of the most capable in this class, and with a bigger engine, the CVT seems to draw less attention, making the Altima’s well-roundedness stand out. And for a car of its size, 26 mpg combined is a decent fuel economy. It may not rank up with hybrid models but fares well for its powerful engine. 
When you hop inside, the interior of the Altima is simple yet classy. With “zero gravity” front seats and a roster of cool tech features, there are plenty of reasons why the Altima is one of the most rewarding cars to drive. 
Key specs
  • $22,300 starting MSRP
  •  2.5 L four-cylinder or 3.5 L V6
  • 182-hp and 180 lb-ft of torque (2.5 L) and 270-hp and 251 lb-ft of torque (3.5 L)
  • 5-star NHTSA rating 
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick
  • NissanConnect Apps system
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What’s special about the Special Edition?

There are several trim levels to choose from for the 2015 Altima, but if you’re looking for a bargain price with maximum features, you can’t beat the Special Edition. 
The Altima may be a great driver, but there’s nothing especially exciting about the car—its claim to fame is one of the best “family sedans,” which makes you think about one thing: boring. But if you’re in the mood to spice up your Altima, the Special Edition package does just that.
The Special Edition Altima decks out the exterior with features from the Sport package like gunmetal alloy wheels and a rear-mounted spoiler. Inside, you’ll find a tech-heavy interior with six-way power driver's seat, 5.0-inch color audio display, USB port with iPod® connectivity, Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (subscription required and sold separately), and RearView Monitor. Plus, the newly added remote engine start system adds convenience.
All of that can be added to your Altima for less than $1,000 above the base MSRP—a pretty affordable ask for what you’re getting! 

2015 Altima Special Edition vs. Altima 3.5 SL

The Altima Special Edition might have many features that aren’t standard on
lower trim levels
, but if you’re looking for fully loaded, the SL trim is it—and it comes with everything a driver could want. While the MSRP comes in at $28,150, slightly higher than the base model, it’s full power and has a sophistication that other models don’t. The SL comes in either a 2.5 L four-cylinder or 3.5 L V6 engine and features:
  • Xtronic CVT
  • ZF Sachs shocks
  • LED taillights
  • Folding, heated exterior mirrors with LED turn signals
  • Leather upholstery
  • Bose premium sound system
  • Heated front seats and steering wheel
  • Remote engine start
If that wasn’t enough to move you beyond the “family sedan” mark, it also comes with an optional moonroof package and tech package with a 7-inch touchscreen, navigation system, and crash mitigation technology.
But is the SL trim worth the extra cost? Many of the standard features on the SL trim put luxury over functionality and practicality. Heated leather seats and a steering wheel are great during frigid temperatures, but they won’t boost your Altima’s performance. If you’re looking for a more powerful version, upgrading to the larger engine rather than the fully loaded trim might be more suitable. And remember—more upgrades also mean a pricier premium to insure a more valuable vehicle
The bottom line: If you’re more concerned about value than having all the bells and whistles, the SL trim might not be the right choice. But if you want some tech features without breaking the bank, the Special Edition provides them at a much more affordable price

How to find the best Nissan Altima Special Edition insurance

Finding the perfect car can be exhausting. You’re searching through models, trim levels, and optional packages to find exactly what you need. Often, it’s time-consuming and overwhelming. But luckily, there’s one piece of the puzzle that’s quick and painless: shopping for insurance. With a super app like
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As a
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But the best-kept secret? Jerry users save over $800 a year on car insurance! That’s enough to cover a good chunk of your annual car expenses! 
 “Using
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