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The Nissan Altima is restyled for 2016, including a new front fascia. International Business Times/Vincent Balestriere

Nissan unveiled the redesigned 2016 Altima to the media Tuesday, showing off the mid-cycle refresh of the car’s fifth-generation design. While it’s not a full generation change, the Altima’s restyling is still incredibly important to Nissan -- the Altima is the brand’s best-selling vehicle in America, accounting for a quarter of its sales.

Sales of the Altima, a midsize sedan, have risen steadily for the past five years, and if Nissan wants to remain competitive with other popular imports, strong Altima sales will be key, even as the market continues to shift toward crossovers.

Underneath the reskinned body (which takes some heavy influence from the new Nissan Maxima), the Altima remains largely the same as the model introduced in 2013, with the same engines (a 2.5L four-cylinder and a 3.5L six-cylinder) and CVT.

The 2016 Nissan Altima will hit dealer lots in fall 2016, most likely at the end of October.

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The Nissan Altima is restyled for 2016, including a new front fascia. International Business Times/Vincent Balestriere
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The 2016 Nissan Altima's profile remains similar to the 2015, but it's slightly more aerodynamic, with a low drag coefficient. At best, the new Altima will achieve 39 mpg. International Business Times/Vincent Balestriere
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The "SR" trim will be the second-cheapest option, adding things like 18-inch wheels and a rear trunk spoiler. Nissan hopes this inexpensive trim will attract younger buyers. International Business Times/Vincent Balestriere
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The 2016 Altima will incorporate much of the same design language seen on Nissan's latest two restyles: the 2015 Murano and the 2015 Maxima. International Business Times/Vincent Balestriere
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Around back, the 2016 Nissan Altima retains the same shape as the generation's original car. It's slightly massaged, but you may miss the changes at first. International Business Times/Vincent Balestriere
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The 2016 Nissan's Altima's styling roots are most readily apparent in its headlight design -- it's nearly the exact shape found on the new Murano and Maxima. International Business Times/Vincent Balestriere
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The 2016 Nissan Altima will hit dealer lots in fall 2016, with prices starting at $22,500. International Business Times/Vincent Balestriere