2010 Nissan Altima gets light updates

The lightly updated 2010 Nissan Altima will start at $20,620 when it goes on sale on Monday.

The biggest changes are visible at first glance, as the Altima is fitted with a restyled grille, hood, bumper and wheel designs.

The base sedan with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT transmission is the entry-level car. The coupe starts at $23,160, and the hybrid stickers for $27,500. All prices include shipping charges.

Inside, Altimas get revised fabrics and finishings. The technology has been boosted with new available audio packages that include nine speakers, a 4.3-inch color display, USB port, Bluetooth and a rearview monitor. Nissan's next-generation hard-drive navigation system is also available, including a 6.5-inch touch-screen color display, 9.3 gigs for music and a restaurant guide.

Additionally, vehicle dynamic control is now standard on all models, and the 3.5 SE trim has been renamed 3.5 SR.

The engine lineup carries over with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder that makes 175 hp and the 3.5-liter V6 rated at 270 hp.

The hybrid makes 198 hp and is estimated to get 35 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Meanwhile, the 2010 Nissan Murano crossover starts at $28,850, the company also announced Wednesday.

By Greg Migliore