Two engines were available in the 2002 Nissan Altima: a 2.5-liter inline-four and a 3.5-liter V6.
Engine options in 2002 Altima
The 2002 Altima offered two engine choices to balance efficiency and performance. The base four-cylinder targeted everyday driving, while the V6 delivered stronger acceleration for buyers seeking more power.
Here are the core specifications of each engine option:
- 2.5-liter inline-4 (QR25DE): approximately 165 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque.
- 3.5-liter V6 (VQ35DE): approximately 240 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines could be paired with either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission, depending on trim and market, giving buyers a choice between efficiency and performance.
Technical details by engine
2.5-liter inline-4 details
The 2.5-liter engine used in the 2002 Altima is a four-cylinder design with double overhead camshafts and multipoint fuel injection. It emphasizes efficiency and reliability for daily driving while providing enough power for typical highway merging.
3.5-liter V6 details
The 3.5-liter V6 is part of Nissan's VQ engine family, a DOHC 24-valve design that delivers stronger acceleration and smoother power delivery across the rpm range. It was the preferred option for higher-trim models seeking brisk performance.
Summary
In the 2002 Nissan Altima lineup, buyers could choose between a 2.5-liter inline-four and a 3.5-liter V6. The 2.5L provided efficient, everyday performance, while the 3.5L offered markedly stronger power and acceleration, reflecting Nissan's strategy to accommodate both economical and performance-oriented preferences in that model year.