Alright, car enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into the 2017 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL interior, shall we? This particular trim level was a real sweet spot for Nissan, offering a blend of comfort, technology, and a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. In this article, we're going to break down everything you need to know about what it was like to spend time inside this mid-size sedan. We're talking about the materials, the tech, the space, and the overall feel. So, buckle up, because we're about to go for a ride!

Interior Design and Materials: Where Comfort Meets Class

First impressions are key, right? And the 2017 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL definitely makes a good one. Stepping inside, you're greeted with a cabin that feels more upscale than the base models. The design is clean and uncluttered, with a focus on ease of use. Nissan did a great job of creating a comfortable and inviting space. The dashboard design is well-laid-out, with all the controls within easy reach. The materials used throughout the interior are a significant step up from previous Altima generations. You'll find soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels, along with high-quality stitching that adds a touch of sophistication.

The seats, oh man, the seats! The leather-appointed seats in the 3.5 SL are a standout feature. They're not just stylish; they're also incredibly comfortable, especially on long journeys. The driver's seat comes with power adjustments, including lumbar support, so you can find the perfect driving position. Heated front seats are standard, which is a real treat on chilly mornings. The rear seats are also roomy, offering plenty of legroom and headroom for passengers. The quality of the leather itself is noticeable; it's supple and feels durable, which is essential for a car that's meant to be driven daily. Nissan also paid attention to the details, like the use of chrome accents around the air vents and on the center console, which elevate the overall aesthetic. These little touches really help to create a premium feel within the Altima's interior. The color palettes available were generally tasteful, with options designed to complement the exterior colors and provide a cohesive look. Overall, the interior design of the 2017 Altima 3.5 SL strikes a great balance between practicality and luxury, making it a comfortable and enjoyable place to spend time.

Dashboard and Center Console: User-Friendly and Functional

Moving on to the dashboard and center console, these elements are crucial in determining the ease of use and overall functionality of the car. Nissan placed a significant emphasis on creating a user-friendly environment. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with all the important controls readily accessible. The center stack houses the infotainment system, climate controls, and various other functions. The controls are well-placed and easy to reach, minimizing distractions while driving.

The infotainment system, typically a touchscreen display, served as the command center for navigation, audio, and connectivity features. It was generally easy to navigate, with a clear and responsive interface. The physical buttons and knobs for climate control made it easy to adjust the temperature and fan speed quickly, without having to fumble through menus on the touchscreen. The center console usually featured a gear selector, cup holders, and a storage compartment for small items. The placement of these features was designed to maximize convenience and accessibility. The materials used on the dashboard and center console, such as soft-touch plastics and metallic accents, also contributed to the premium feel of the interior. The overall design was geared towards minimizing distractions and enhancing the driving experience, making it easy and enjoyable to operate all the car's features. This focus on functionality and user-friendliness is one of the key reasons why the 2017 Altima 3.5 SL's interior was so well-received by owners and critics alike.

Technology and Features: Staying Connected on the Go

Now, let's talk about the tech! The 2017 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL packed a decent punch when it came to technology and features. These features significantly enhanced the driving experience. The infotainment system was the heart of the tech setup, usually featuring a touchscreen display. The size of the screen varied, but it generally provided easy access to navigation, audio, and smartphone integration.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were standard on some trims or available as an option. These features allowed drivers to seamlessly connect their smartphones and access their apps, music, and navigation directly on the car's display. This integration made it easier and safer to stay connected on the go. The audio system in the 3.5 SL was typically a premium setup, often featuring speakers designed to deliver clear and immersive sound. Bluetooth connectivity was, of course, a must-have, allowing for hands-free calling and audio streaming. Additional features included a rearview camera, which made parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much easier. Some models also came with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These systems helped to enhance safety and provide an extra layer of protection on the road. The inclusion of these technologies demonstrated Nissan's commitment to providing a modern and connected driving experience, ensuring that the Altima remained competitive in a crowded market.

Infotainment System and Connectivity: Staying in the Loop

Let's delve deeper into the infotainment system and connectivity options. The 2017 Altima 3.5 SL's infotainment system was designed to keep drivers connected and entertained. The touchscreen display was the central hub for all infotainment functions, providing an intuitive interface for accessing various features.

Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a significant advantage, allowing drivers to mirror their smartphone displays on the car's screen. This allowed seamless access to their favorite apps, music, navigation, and other features. This integration made it easier to stay connected without having to take their eyes off the road. The navigation system, if equipped, provided turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates, which helped drivers to reach their destinations more efficiently. The audio system, often a premium brand, delivered high-quality sound, which enhanced the in-car entertainment experience. Bluetooth connectivity was a standard feature, allowing for hands-free calling and audio streaming from smartphones. The system also typically included USB ports and auxiliary inputs for connecting external devices. The infotainment system’s user interface was generally well-designed, making it easy to navigate and access all the available features. The thoughtful integration of technology features significantly improved the driving experience, which made the Altima a desirable option for tech-savvy drivers.

Space and Comfort: Room to Breathe

Space and comfort are absolutely crucial, especially if you plan on using your car for daily commutes or road trips. The 2017 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL delivered impressively on both fronts. The cabin offered ample space for both front and rear passengers.

Legroom and headroom were generous, ensuring that even taller passengers could travel comfortably. The seats themselves were well-contoured and supportive, offering good levels of comfort for long drives. The 3.5 SL's leather upholstery added to the overall feeling of luxury and comfort. The rear seats could comfortably accommodate three adults. The spaciousness of the cabin makes the Altima a great choice for families or anyone who regularly carries passengers. The design of the interior aimed to maximize the feeling of space, with the placement of the dashboard and other features contributing to an open and airy feel. The trunk space was also generous, providing enough room for luggage, groceries, or other cargo. The Altima’s balance of space and comfort solidified its position as a practical and enjoyable mid-size sedan. The thoughtful design of the interior allowed for maximum comfort and convenience for all occupants, making it a great car for various needs.

Seating and Cargo: Designed for Real-Life Use

Now, let's focus on the seating and cargo aspects, which are vital elements of a comfortable and practical vehicle. The front seats in the 2017 Altima 3.5 SL were designed to provide optimal comfort and support. Power-adjustable driver’s seats, with lumbar support, allowed drivers to find their perfect driving position, minimizing fatigue on long drives. The leather upholstery added a touch of luxury and improved comfort. Heated front seats were a welcome feature, providing extra warmth during colder weather. The rear seats were spacious, which provided ample legroom and headroom for passengers. The seats were designed to provide good support and comfort, making them suitable for long journeys. The rear seats could easily accommodate three adults, making the Altima a great choice for families.

The trunk offered a generous amount of cargo space, which was ideal for luggage, groceries, and other daily necessities. The design of the trunk allowed for easy loading and unloading of items. Some models offered folding rear seats, which increased cargo capacity when needed. The combination of comfortable seating and ample cargo space made the 2017 Altima 3.5 SL highly practical for everyday use, and it also made it great for road trips. Nissan’s attention to detail, in providing comfortable seating and functional cargo space, made the Altima a great choice for a wide variety of drivers.

Overall Impression: A Great Package

So, what's the verdict on the 2017 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL interior? Honestly, it's a winner! Nissan did a solid job of creating a comfortable, tech-savvy, and stylish cabin. The materials are high-quality, the seats are plush, and the tech features keep you connected. It's a car that's easy to live with and a pleasure to drive.

If you're looking for a mid-size sedan that offers a good balance of luxury, practicality, and technology, the 2017 Altima 3.5 SL is definitely worth a look. Sure, it's not a luxury car, but it feels like it punches above its weight class. It's a great choice for someone looking for a comfortable and well-equipped vehicle, which is a perfect daily driver. The overall impression is one of quality and thoughtfulness. Nissan carefully crafted the interior to make sure every aspect of the driving experience was enjoyable. From the comfortable seating to the easy-to-use technology, the 2017 Altima 3.5 SL's interior is a testament to Nissan's commitment to quality. The 2017 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL offered a comprehensive package that made it a strong contender in its class, and its interior design and features played a significant role in its success.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

Let's wrap up with a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2017 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL interior to help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

• Comfortable Seats: The leather-appointed seats offer excellent comfort, especially for long drives.
• Quality Materials: The use of soft-touch materials and premium finishes enhances the overall feel.
• User-Friendly Tech: The infotainment system is generally easy to use and provides seamless smartphone integration.
• Spacious Cabin: Ample legroom and headroom make it comfortable for passengers.
• Advanced Features: Available ADAS features add an extra layer of safety and convenience.

Cons:

• Infotainment System: Although functional, it may not be as responsive or feature-rich as some competitors.
• Design: While well-designed, the interior might be considered a bit conservative by some.

In conclusion, the 2017 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL's interior is a strong point, offering a blend of comfort, technology, and quality that makes it a great choice in the mid-size sedan market. If you are in the market for a comfortable, reliable, and well-equipped vehicle, the 3.5 SL should definitely be on your list. Happy driving, everyone!