@Brian_E is spot on. The ratings are as subjective as subjective gets. In addition, the article praises the Altima’s chassis… but only makes a brief mention of how good it is on the Malibu, even though it’s the class leader when it comes to ride & handling; not sure if it matters in this particular class, but that’s my opinion.
In addition, the rear-seat legroom — another major contention of the editors — seems fine to me, having spent slightly less than a week with the car and having sampled the back seat.
Ultimately, the transmission calibration doesn’t matter in this segment. It does in the performance-oriented 3er/ATS class, though.
Also, keep in mind that MT selected the Passat (with its chintzy interior) as their car of the year. Need to defend their choice somehow, right?
