Do Nissan Altima Back Seats Fold Down? Is It possible?

The Nissan Altima is a popular midsize sedan known for its comfort, performance, and versatility. One question that often comes up is, Do Nissan Altima Back Seats Fold Down? This feature can be a game-changer for those who require extra cargo space. Let’s delve into the details.

Key Takeaways

• Do Nissan Altima Back Seats Fold Down?: Generally, yes, in most models.
• Types of Folding Mechanisms: 60/40 split, full fold-down.
• Benefits of Fold-Down Seats: Increased cargo space, and versatility.
• How to Fold the Seats: Simple steps to follow.
• Safety Precautions: What to consider for safe folding.

Do Nissan Altima Back Seats Fold Down?

Yes, most Nissan Altima models come with back seats that can fold down. This feature is usually a 60/40 split, allowing you to fold down one section while keeping the other upright. It provides the flexibility to carry both passengers and larger items simultaneously.

How To Fold The Back Seat Down In My Nissan Altima?

Folding down the back seat in your Nissan Altima is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. This feature is particularly useful when you need extra cargo space for transporting larger items. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Clear the Rear Seats

Before you proceed with folding down the seats, make sure that the rear seats are clear of any items or obstructions. This includes removing seat covers, cushions, or any personal belongings that might be in the way.

Step 2: Check the Seat Belts

Ensure that the seat belts are properly retracted and not tangled or twisted. A tangled seat belt can prevent the seat from folding down completely and may even cause damage.

Step 3: Locate the Latch or Lever

In most Nissan models, you’ll find a latch or lever at the top corner of each rear seat. This is usually located near the headrest or along the side of the seat closest to the door.

Step 4: Pull the Latch or Lever

Once you’ve located the latch or lever, give it a firm pull. This will release the lock that holds the seat in its upright position. You should hear a clicking sound, indicating that the seat is now unlocked.

Step 5: Push the Seat Down

After releasing the latch, use your other hand to push the seat down towards the floor. If your Altima has a 60/40-split feature, you can choose to fold down just one section of the seat or both, depending on your needs.

Step 6: Ensure the Seat is Secure

Once the seat is folded down, give it a gentle push to make sure it lies flat and is securely in place. This ensures that the seat won’t accidentally pop back up while you’re driving.

Step 7: Load Your Cargo

With the seats folded down, you can now load your cargo into the expanded space. Make sure to distribute the weight evenly and secure any loose items to prevent them from shifting while driving.

Types of Folding Mechanisms

The Nissan Altima offers different types of folding mechanisms for its back seats, enhancing the car’s versatility and functionality.

Understanding these mechanisms can help you make the most of your vehicle’s cargo space. Here’s a detailed look at the types of folding mechanisms you’ll find in the Nissan Altima:

60/40 Split Folding

The most common type of folding mechanism in modern Nissan Altimas is the 60/40 split. This design allows you to fold down one section of the rear seat independently of the other.

For instance, you can fold down the 60% section to accommodate longer items while still having room for a passenger in the 40% section. This feature is particularly useful for those who need to carry both passengers and cargo simultaneously.

Full Fold-Down

Some older Nissan Altima models may offer a full fold-down option. In this setup, the entire back seat folds down as a single unit, providing a large, uninterrupted cargo space.

This is ideal for transporting bigger items that require the full width of the vehicle. However, this option eliminates the possibility of carrying rear passengers when the seats are folded down.

Center Armrest Pass-Through

Certain Nissan Altima models come with a center armrest that has a pass-through feature. This allows you to lower just the center section of the rear seat, creating a space for long, narrow items like skis or fishing rods. The pass-through is usually accessible by opening a latch or zipper on the armrest.

Tumble Forward

Though less common in sedans like the Nissan Altima, some vehicles offer a “tumble forward” mechanism. This involves the seat cushion flipping forward before the seatback folds down, creating a completely flat floor. This type of mechanism is more commonly found in SUVs and minivans.

Benefits of Fold-Down Seats

Fold-down seats in the Nissan Altima offer a range of benefits that go beyond just providing extra cargo space. These advantages can significantly enhance your driving experience, making the vehicle more versatile and convenient for various needs. Here’s a detailed look at the benefits:

Increased Cargo Space

One of the most obvious advantages is the increased cargo space. Folding down the back seats can almost double the trunk space, allowing you to carry larger items that wouldn’t fit otherwise.

This is especially useful for those who frequently need to transport bulky items like furniture, sports equipment, or even a bicycle.

Versatility

The 60/40-split folding feature adds a layer of versatility to your Nissan Altima. You can fold down just one section of the seat to accommodate longer items while still having room for a passenger in the back.

This makes the car more adaptable to different situations, whether you’re going on a road trip, moving apartments, or picking up supplies for a DIY project.

Convenience

The ease with which you can fold down the back seats adds a level of convenience that shouldn’t be underestimated.

Most models have easily accessible latches or levers, making the process quick and hassle-free. This is particularly beneficial when you’re in a hurry or need to make room for unexpected cargo.

Improved Accessibility

Fold-down seats make it easier to load and unload items, especially those that are heavy or awkwardly shaped.

The flat surface created by the folded seats allows you to slide items in and out without having to lift them over a lip, reducing the risk of strain or injury.

Enhanced Lifestyle Compatibility

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast who needs to carry camping gear, a musician transporting instruments, or a parent with a stroller, the fold-down seats can adapt to your lifestyle needs. They allow you to engage in a variety of activities without worrying about space constraints.

Safety Precautions

Taking proper safety precautions is crucial when folding down the back seats in your Nissan Altima. These measures ensure that the process is not only smooth but also safe for both you and any passengers. Here’s a detailed guide on the safety precautions you should take:

Remove All Obstructions

Before you start folding down the seats, make sure to remove any items or obstructions from the rear seats and the trunk area.

This includes personal belongings, seat covers, or cushions. Failing to do so could result in damage to the seats or the items themselves.

Check Seat Belts

Ensure that all seat belts are properly retracted and not tangled or twisted. A tangled seat belt can prevent the seat from folding down completely and may even cause damage to the belt or the seat mechanism. Always double-check to make sure the belts are clear.

Verify Locking Mechanism

Before you fold down the seats, it’s essential to understand how the locking mechanism works. Make sure you know where the latch or lever is located and how to properly engage and disengage it. Incorrectly using the mechanism could result in a seat that is not securely locked in place, posing a safety risk.

Secure Loose Items

After folding down the seats and loading your cargo, make sure to secure any loose items. Unsecured cargo can shift while driving, potentially causing damage or becoming a projectile in the event of sudden braking or an accident.

Double-Check After Folding

Once you’ve folded down the seats, double-check to ensure they are securely in place and lying flat. This prevents the seat from accidentally popping back up while you’re driving, which could be a safety hazard.

Use Rearview Camera

If your Nissan Altima is equipped with a rearview camera, use it to ensure that the folded seats and cargo do not obstruct your view. This is especially important if you’ve loaded tall or bulky items.

Additional Features with Fold-Down Seats

When the back seats of the Nissan Altima are folded down, you unlock a range of additional features. For instance, some models come with a pass-through feature, allowing you to slide longer items like skis or lumber through the trunk and into the cabin.

Additionally, the folded seats often lie completely flat, making it easier to load bulky items without any awkward angles.

Consumer Reviews on Fold-Down Seats

Owners of the Nissan Altima generally appreciate the fold-down back seats. They find the 60/40-split feature particularly useful for road trips and shopping sprees.

However, some reviews have pointed out that the seats could offer more cushioning to make them more comfortable when they are in the upright position.

Trim Levels and Fold-Down Seats

The Nissan Altima comes in various trim levels, including S, SV, SR, SL, and Platinum. The 60/40-split folding backseat is a standard feature across all these trims.

This ensures that regardless of the trim level you choose, you’ll have the flexibility and convenience of fold-down back seats.

Safety Technologies Related to Fold-Down Seats

While folding down the back seats, Nissan Altima’s advanced safety tech comes into play. Features like rear automatic braking and rear parking sensors ensure that you don’t accidentally hit something while adjusting the seats. These features add an extra layer of safety and convenience.

Warranty and Fold-Down Seats

Nissan offers a comprehensive warranty that covers the back seats. The bumper-to-bumper warranty lasts for 36 months or 36,000 miles, ensuring that any defects related to the fold-down mechanism are covered. This gives you peace of mind when using this feature frequently.

Should You Buy the Nissan Altima for Its Fold-Down Back Seats?

If you’re in the market for a midsize sedan with versatile cargo space, the Nissan Altima is a strong contender. The fold-down back seats are a standard feature across all trim levels, enhancing the car’s utility. Coupled with advanced safety features and a solid warranty, the Nissan Altima makes a compelling case for itself.

How Do You Take The Back Seat Out Of A Nissan Altima?

Removing the back seat from a Nissan Altima involves a series of steps that require some basic tools and a bit of mechanical know-how. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Locate the Clips: The first step is to locate the clips that hold the seat cushion in place. These are usually found at the front of the seat.
2. Unclip the Seat: Lift the front of the seat slightly and unclip the two clips that secure the seat cushion. You may need to use pliers to pull the clips forward.
3. Lift and Remove: Once the clips are unfastened, lift the seat cushion and pull it out of the car.
4. Unbolt the Seatbacks: If you also want to remove the seatbacks, you’ll find bolts at the bottom that need to be unscrewed. Use a wrench to do this.
5. Lift Out the Seatbacks: After the bolts are removed, lift the seatbacks out of their brackets and remove them from the car.

Safety Tips For Removed Or Folded Down Back Seats

Safety should be your top priority when you’ve removed or folded down the back seats in your Nissan Altima. Here are some tips to ensure a safe experience:

1. Secure Loose Items: Always make sure to secure any loose items in the trunk or on the seat surface. Unsecured items can become projectiles in case of sudden stops or accidents.
2. Check Visibility: Ensure that the folded or removed seats do not obstruct your rearview visibility. Use your rearview camera if available.
3. Inspect Seat Belts: If you’ve folded down the seats, double-check that the seat belts are properly retracted and not tangled or twisted.
4. Verify Locking Mechanism: Before driving, make sure that the seats are securely locked in their upright position if you’ve folded them back up.
5. Avoid Overloading: Do not exceed the vehicle’s maximum load capacity, as this can affect the car’s handling and safety features.

Are Nissan Altima Seats Comfortable?

When it comes to comfort, the Nissan Altima has received generally positive reviews. The seats are designed to provide ample support for both short and long drives. However, some users have pointed out that the seat cushions could be a bit small for some people.

The car also offers features like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel in certain trims, enhancing the overall comfort level. The Altima’s quiet cabin further adds to the comfort, making it a pleasant experience for both the driver and passengers.

How Big Is The Trunk Of A Nissan Altima?

The Nissan Altima offers a decently sized trunk, providing ample space for your luggage and other items. While the exact dimensions can vary by model year, the trunk is designed to accommodate a variety of items, from groceries to sports equipment.

The 60/40-split folding backseat allows for even more cargo space, making the Altima a practical choice for those who need extra room. Whether you’re going on a road trip or simply running errands, the Altima’s trunk is versatile enough to meet your needs.

Conclusion

In summary, do Nissan Altima back seats fold down? The answer is generally yes, and this feature offers increased cargo space and versatility. Whether you’re going on a road trip or simply need to transport larger items, the fold-down back seats in the Nissan Altima can make your life much easier.

Whether you’re a frequent traveler or someone who needs extra cargo space occasionally, this feature adds significant value to your vehicle. With positive consumer reviews and a robust warranty, the Nissan Altima stands as a wise choice for those prioritizing this feature.

Frequently Asked Questions