Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer, the Nissan Teana L33 is the clearer new-versus-outgoing choice: it cost RM25,978 less at RM119,853, yet keeps the same 1,997 cc, 134 hp/190 Nm petrol four-cylinder and Xtronic CVT layout. More importantly, it adds six airbags and stability control against the J32 Facelift’s two airbags and no listed stability control. The L33 is also 35 mm longer, 35 mm wider and has a 516-litre boot. The J32’s advantages are limited to a 70-litre tank, auto headlamps and a slightly lower 5,600-rpm power peak is not among them.
Pick the Nissan Teana J32 Facelift if you specifically want its 70-litre fuel tank and auto headlamps, and can accept two airbags without listed stability control.
Pick the Nissan Teana L33 if you want six airbags, stability control, a 516-litre boot and a RM25,978 lower price with the same 134 hp and 190 Nm.
Key differences
- Price: J32 Facelift RM145,831; L33 RM119,853.
- Safety: J32 Facelift has 2 airbags and no listed stability control; L33 has 6 airbags and stability control.
- Dimensions: J32 Facelift is 4,850 mm long and 1,795 mm wide; L33 is 4,885 mm long and 1,830 mm wide.
- Boot space: J32 Facelift 506 litres; L33 516 litres.
- Fuel tank: J32 Facelift 70 litres; L33 65 litres.
- Steering and access: J32 Facelift has hydraulic steering and remote locks; L33 has electro-hydraulic steering and keyless operation.
J32 Facelift
- 70-litre fuel tank, 5 litres larger than the L33’s.
- Auto headlamps are fitted.
- Slightly lighter on paper at 1,455 kg? No; the L33 is lighter at 1,447 kg.
- Only 2 airbags versus the L33’s 6.
- No listed stability control, hill-start assist, cruise control or steering audio controls.
- Costs RM25,978 more despite a 10-litre smaller boot.
L33
- Six airbags and stability control.
- 516-litre boot and 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
- RM25,978 cheaper with the same 1,997 cc engine, 134 hp and 190 Nm.
- 65-litre fuel tank is 5 litres smaller than the J32 Facelift’s.
- No auto headlamps listed, unlike the J32 Facelift.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM145,831 | RM119,853✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | RM379 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,997 cc | 1,997 cc |
| Horsepower | 134 hp at 6,000 rpm | 134 hp at 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 190 Nm at 4,400 rpm | 190 Nm at 4,400 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 84 mm × 90.1 mm | 84 mm × 90.1 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Xtronic CVT | Xtronic CVT |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Jatco | Jatco |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | —✓ | 7.4 L/100 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,850 mm | 4,885 mm |
| Width | 1,795 mm | 1,830 mm |
| Height | 1,480 mm | 1,485 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,775 mm | 2,775 mm |
| Weight | 1,455 kg | 1,447 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 70 litres | 65 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 506 litres | 516 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R16 | 215/60R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R16 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Full-size 16" Steel |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars — Nissan Altima with 6 airbags and stability control |
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Passenger) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | — | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on two outer rear passenger seats | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | Halogen Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | Fold-down Centre Armrest | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Radio CD/MP3 Player with 6 Speakers | Radio CD/MP3 Player with 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activated | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 years | 3 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
J32 Facelift vs L33 FAQ
Is the Nissan Teana J32 Facelift or Nissan Teana L33 better?
The Nissan Teana L33 is the better buy on these specifications. It is RM25,978 cheaper, adds four airbags and stability control, and has a 516-litre boot, while retaining the same 134 hp, 190 Nm 2.0-litre petrol drivetrain.
What is the price difference?
The Nissan Teana L33 was RM119,853 and the Nissan Teana J32 Facelift RM145,831, so the L33 cost RM25,978 less.
Which Teana is safer?
The Nissan Teana L33 is substantially better equipped for safety: six airbags and stability control versus two airbags and no listed stability control in the J32 Facelift. The L33 also has a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating.
