Sedans are dead. No one wants them anymore. Everyone wants a truck big enough to pull your house off its foundation or an SUV with enough seats for your kid's entire kindergarten class. If you read the news, that's what you might think, but the good old family sedan isn't going anywhere.

If you want proof, just look at the numbers. Last year, the mild-mannered Nissan Altima sold 128,030 units in the US. That's not a small number, but it actually is compared to other sedans. The Toyota Camry, which leads the pack, came in with 290,649 units for 2023.

I recently spent a week in the Nissan Altima driving the turbocharged SR trim. At the end of that week, it was easy to see not only why sedans are still so popular but why the turbocharged Altima is the one to get - even if you don't care about horsepower.

The Complete Package

Sedans aren't generally the flashiest cars on the planet, but they get the job done. The Altima gets the job done quite nicely. It was spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for taller passengers. It also handled nicely, so you won't be gripping the wheel white-knuckled, especially when the pavement is uneven, like what you find in the average construction zone. It's not sporty, but it does have responsive steering that lets you relax rather than tense up behind the wheel.

It was also quiet enough to easily have a conversation with people in the back. It was nice to drive, and credit for that goes largely to the turbocharged engine. It's what took the Altima from bland to delightfully satisfying. It's not about being a gearhead focused on horsepower and nothing but horsepower, but about simply being able to enjoy the drive.

Enjoy The Drive

We buy cars because we need to get somewhere quickly, and that whole horse and buggy thing just doesn't cut it anymore. Cars are very much appliances that help us get through our daily lives, but they can be more. Choosing carefully and driving a car can be something to look forward to and enjoy, even if you view it primarily as an appliance.

The Altima has all the basics no matter the trim you choose, with more and better features as you move up the trim range. Comfort is key in a sedan, so picking a trim with heated seats, adjustable lumbar support, and leather is worth considering. Your biggest decision with the Altima, however, isn't what keeps you comfy, but what makes you happy, and that's under the hood.

A Tale of Two Engines

The bulk of the lineup has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Add all-wheel drive, and those figures drop slightly to 182 and 180, respectively. It gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 32 mpg combined, depending on the configuration, making it a decent commuter car.

On the top trim, that engine changes to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo with 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. That added horsepower sees fuel economy dip to 29 mpg combined, but that small drop is worth it because of how much this engine adds to the experience of driving the Altima.

All Hail The Turbo

The difference in horsepower and torque between these two engines isn't just about being able to beat the other guy off the line. You're probably not racing your Altima. In the real world, it's about feeling confident and relaxed behind the wheel. Especially if you have a long commute, which isn't exactly fun, then having a car that makes the drive effortless is important.

The turbocharged Altima won't make you wonder if you'll get up to speed before that tractor-trailer ends up in your back seat. You won't have to cross your fingers and hope somebody will let you over; instead, you can just mash the gas. Driving a car with enough power to get out of its own way takes the stress out of driving and lets you simply enjoy being behind the wheel.

Power And Torque As A Safety Feature

Driving can be a stressful experience. It often seems like no one is going fast enough and why won't that guy in the truck just move over so you can just drive the speed limit? Driving a car with a responsive engine, with that all-important horsepower and torque, makes it easier to maneuver when traffic is heavy. It makes it easier to pass slower-moving cars, and it makes it less likely that you'll be late for that meeting you thought you had plenty of time to make.

It's not about driving fast but about driving with confidence. The turbocharged engine in the Altima gives you confidence that you can easily pass that slow guy so you get where you want to be on time. It removes a little stress from your day and lets you arrive relaxed. Whether it's the drive to the office or simply getting the kids to soccer practice, a sedan with a responsive engine makes the task more enjoyable.

But above all else, knowing you have the power to get going quickly is a genuine safety feature. When a truck cuts into your lane without seeing you, you can't afford to sit there while an underpowered motor tries to find its get up and go. And when you encounter a dangerous driver not paying attention on the freeway, do you really want to be stuck in their vicinity instead of having the chutzpah to get out of there before you're caught up in the aftermath of their errant concentration?

Making The Commitment Doesn't Have To Be Boring

Sedans don't have a reputation for making people happy. As I said, they're appliances that get the job done, but they can also make getting where you need to go something to look forward to instead of dreading. You can enjoy the ride in your responsible, grown-up car without having to get a budget-busting luxury car. The Altima with the turbocharged engine runs about $36,000 and is loaded with features.

It's easy to get overwhelmed when you're buying a new car. They're generally the second most expensive thing we buy aside from our homes. People also tend to keep their cars for a while, so it's not like you can have buyer's remorse and return it or simply trade it in after a few unpleasant spins around the block. Buying a car is a commitment.

The Nissan Altima with the turbocharged engine makes it a commitment you won't regret. It makes driving less stressful and adds a bit of fun to the daily commute. You don't have to understand multi-port injection, compression ratios, or how the added torque of the turbo improves overall performance.

All you need to understand is how it makes you feel. If you want a sedan that's quiet, comfortable, and has enough power to make the drive something to look forward to rather than dread, then go with the turbocharged Altima. It's everything a regular Altima gives you, but with added peace of mind for every scenario.