The 2010 Nissan Altima offered two engine choices: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6.
In 2010, Nissan provided a more economical four-cylinder option alongside a stronger V6 for buyers who wanted extra performance. Below is a detailed look at what powered the Altima that year and how those engines were typically configured.
Engine options in the 2010 Altima
Below are the two engines that powered the 2010 Altima and the typical setup used with each.
- 2.5-liter inline-4 (QR25DE) — about 179 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque; commonly paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for improved fuel efficiency.
- 3.5-liter V6 (VQ35DE) — about 270 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque; commonly paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission for stronger acceleration.
These engine options meant that buyers could choose a more economical four-cylinder or a more powerful V6, with the corresponding transmission setup designed to balance performance and efficiency.
Performance and specifications
Here is a concise comparison of how the two engines translated into on-road performance and typical gear choices.
- 2.5L I4: 179 hp, 172 lb-ft of torque; CVT automatic; geared toward fuel economy and smooth, quiet operation.
- 3.5L V6: 270 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque; 5-speed automatic; geared toward stronger acceleration and highway passing power.
Note: Exact outputs can vary slightly by trim and optional equipment. In most 2010 Altima trims, the four-cylinder used the CVT, while the V6 equipped models leaned on a traditional automatic for snappier performance.
Transmission notes
Most 2.5-liter Altimas were equipped with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT, prioritizing fuel economy. The 3.5-liter V6 models typically used a 5-speed automatic, offering more immediate response and stronger performance. Manual transmissions were not a common option in the 2010 Altima lineup.
Summary
For the 2010 model year, the Nissan Altima offered two engine choices: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6. The four-cylinder emphasized efficiency with a CVT, producing around 179 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. The V6 delivered about 270 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic for enhanced performance. The result was a lineup that could suit both economical daily driving and more spirited highway acceleration, depending on the buyer’s priorities.