2019 Nissan Altima Review
The all-new 2019 Nissan Altima is a very well-rounded and attractive package that features a new infotainment screen and all-wheel-drive.
2019 Nissan Altima – usa.nissannews.com | Shop 2019 Nissan Altima on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2019 Nissan Altima
Nissan has for many years, been working hard to build an Altima that could not only meet its rivals in a competitive way but beat them at their own game. To do that, they’ve crafted a whole new generation with two new engines, optional all-wheel drive, a redesigned body that more closely falls in line with the rest of the lineup, and some fantastic new interior technology. Still, there’s a reason its competitors have been on top for so long. We take a deep dive into the new Altima and find out if it’s finally the sedan to beat.
In a word, everything. The Nissan Altima is all-new for 2019 and it’s a big upgrade over the previous generation in every conceivable way. Despite being the same size and configuration, even the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder is very different from the outgoing version. The range-topping motor is now a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that develops 248 horsepower, a dip from the old V6 that made 270. Inside everything is revamped with all new seating, infotainment, and HVAC controls.
The Breakdown
New interior is many leaps ahead of last generation
Android Auto/Apple CarPlay Standard
All-wheel-drive available
Little drivetrain configurability
Cheapish materials inside
Noisy rear seats
We’d love an alternative transmission
2019 Altima Specs
- 288 horsepower from base engine
- 180 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 15.4 cu-ft. of cargo capacity
- Big 8-inch infotainment standard
- 5-Star crash testing
- Warranty coverage is industry standard
2019 Nissan Altima Powertrain
Overall both powertrains are adequate in the Altima. It’s nice that those searching for the most economical option can get it at the base trim level with the 2.5-liter engine. The turbocharged motor feels much more ready to go but the truth is that both are fairly damped by the CVT. Nissan was one of the first companies to add paddle shifters to a CVT and they do sort of work but there’s really no getting around how sluggish the Altima feels under acceleration. If there’s one area where the Altima has taken a step back it’s the loss of that considerably more powerful V6 from 2018. The all-wheel-drive system is a great step forward though and can hold the road better than many would believe at first glance. We just really wish you could pair the turbo motor with it.
2019 Nissan Altima Fuel Economy & MPG
Surprisingly the base engine is the most efficient choice in the lineup for 2019 with a combined rating of 32 MPG. The numbers start to dip as more features (and therefore more weight) are added and drop as low as 29 MPG combined for the Platinum model regardless of engine choice. Still, it’s great to see that the all-wheel-drive equipped variant still manages a respectable 30 MPG combined.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Aside from the sometimes jarring suspension of the SR trim level, the Altima is a very nice driver. Ride comfort is strong otherwise and seems to be unaffected regardless of the road surface and conditions. Part of that comes down to NASA-derived technology that’s been baked into Nissan’s “Zero Gravity” seats. It handles turns very well and provides both linear and communicative feedback through both the steering wheel and brake pedal. The base engine can be a bit loud but it’s actually more noticeable in the back seats. Regardless of where one might be sitting, there’s ample room and we found the fronts to be more than adjustable enough to let almost any size person find a comfortable driving position. Overall, the cabin itself is fairly well appointed. For those in search of mid-level or higher materials, the SV and the Platinum are the only two trims we’d suggest looking at as each trim below them will have some cheap-feeling bits here and there.
Entertainment & Technology
Unlike some of its rivals that can’t see to incorporate Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Nissan now includes them both in every Altima sold for 2019. They also include a beautiful 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is nicely laid out. If there’s anything we don’t like about it, it’s that it’s a bit slow to respond. Future software updates might change that. Another benefit over some rivals is the inclusion of a volume knob. Optional extras include a 4G LTE hotspot and a Bose audio system. We’d skip the premium audio as it’s just not up to the level of other options elsewhere and the base stereo is still good.
Safety Features
Nissan is a middle ground in the industry when it comes to safety equipment. They don’t offer everything across the lineup but they do include automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning as standard features. In addition, advanced features like an adaptive cruise that allows the Altima to stop and go on its own are available. Finally, it was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.
2019 Nissan Altima Trims & Pricing
S – $24,925
The entire lineup of the Altima comes with the same 2.5-liter engine found in the base model. It’s mated to a CVT that routes power to the front wheels but all-wheel-drive is optional throughout the lineup. Notably, the turbocharged engine cannot be configured with all-wheel-drive, a real missed opportunity in our eyes. Beyond the engine, the S trim gets the same 8-inch infotainment screen found across the lineup. It also has a power-adjustable driver’s seat, remote engine start, 16-inch wheels, automatic headlights, and forward-collision warning as well as automated braking.
SR – $26,275
The SR gets bigger 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a sport-tuned suspension, Paddle shifters, and DRLs.
SV – $29,105
The SV trim gets just 17-inch wheels but adds more tech with ProPilot Assist, a suite of safety features that include stop-and-go adaptive cruise control as well as the ability for the Altima to self-steer. It also gets automatic high beams, lane keep assist, rear automatic braking, and lane departure warning. Added interior features include remote engine/climate start, LED fog lights, a sunroof, and heated seats, mirrors, and a steering wheel.
SL – $31,015
Think of the SL as the first luxury variant with its leather upholstery, nine-speaker Bose premium audio system, navigation system, and power-adjustable passenger seat. This is also the first trim level where the new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine becomes available.
Platinum – $32,955
At the top of the food chain is the Platinum with 19-inch wheels, ambient cabin lighting, and a 360-degree camera.
Warranties
Warranty coverage is completely standard for the Altima. The limited warranty covers the first three years or 36,000 miles and the powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. No complimentary maintenance is offered.
What we think
2019 Nissan Altima – usa.nissannews.com | Shop 2019 Nissan Altima on Carsforsale.com
Nissan is aimed squarely at its rivals from Toyota and Honda. It still doesn’t overtake them in every facet but never before has it been this competitive. We really hope we’ll see more power in the future but even without it, this is still a great car overall.
