Nissan aimed to inject fresh excitement into the competitive mid-size sedan market with the global launch of the 2019 Altima Nissan. This sixth-generation Altima is not just a facelift; it’s a comprehensive overhaul, introducing a suite of advanced technologies, enhanced performance features, and a striking new design language. The 2019 Altima Nissan is designed to redefine expectations and energize drivers.
Advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility and Safety Technology
The 2019 Altima Nissan proudly embodies Nissan Intelligent Mobility, focusing on making driving safer, more enjoyable, and seamlessly integrated. Leading this charge is ProPILOT Assist, a cutting-edge driver-assistance technology designed to reduce the stress of highway driving.
ProPILOT Assist: Your Highway Driving Companion
Altima 2019 ProPILOT Assist system activation demonstrated on dashboard, showcasing advanced driver assistance technology.
ProPILOT Assist, unique in its class, actively assists drivers in single-lane highway driving conditions. By intelligently managing acceleration, steering, and braking, it significantly reduces driver workload. This technology is a stepping stone towards future autonomous driving, helping keep the 2019 Altima Nissan centered in its lane, navigate stop-and-go traffic with ease, maintain a preset speed, and keep a consistent distance from the vehicle ahead. Activated with a simple two-button operation, ProPILOT Assist in the 2019 Altima Nissan is designed for intuitive use, potentially mitigating driver fatigue and enhancing driving confidence, especially during daily commutes in heavy traffic.
The system utilizes a combination of a forward-facing camera, radar, sensors, and an electronic control module to deliver its capabilities. It can even bring the vehicle to a complete stop in traffic jams and hold it, resuming motion as traffic flow restarts. ProPILOT Assist comes standard on the 2019 Altima Nissan SV, SL, and Platinum trims, demonstrating Nissan’s commitment to democratizing advanced technology across its range.
Safety Shield 360 and Rear Automatic Braking
Further enhancing safety in the 2019 Altima Nissan is the introduction of Rear Automatic Braking (RAB). This system detects stationary objects when reversing and can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent collisions. If an obstacle is detected while backing up at low speeds, the system provides visual and audible warnings. If driver braking is insufficient, and a collision risk persists, the system intensifies warnings and applies stronger braking force. Rear Automatic Braking is standard on 2019 Altima Nissan SV, SL, and Platinum grades.
The inclusion of Rear Automatic Braking completes the Safety Shield 360 suite, offering comprehensive front, side, and rear safety monitoring and intervention technologies under the Nissan Intelligent Mobility umbrella. Safety Shield 360 in the 2019 Altima Nissan includes:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Rear Automatic Braking
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- High Beam Assist (HBA)
Standard safety features across all 2019 Altima Nissan grades include Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW), and Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA). The Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) is standard on the Platinum trim, providing a 360-degree bird’s-eye view for enhanced parking and maneuvering.
Traffic Sign Recognition
The 2019 Altima Nissan also features a new Traffic Sign Recognition system. A camera located near the rearview mirror detects speed limit signs and displays the information on the Advanced Drive Assist Display. In models equipped with navigation, the system combines navigation data with camera recognition for enhanced accuracy.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive: Conquering Diverse Conditions
Responding to customer demand, the 2019 Altima Nissan offers Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for the first time. This system is available on all trims equipped with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and is expected to be particularly popular in regions with challenging weather conditions.
2019 Altima Nissan showcasing Intelligent All-Wheel Drive capability in a winter driving scenario.
The AWD system in the 2019 Altima Nissan utilizes an advanced torque split control strategy, seamlessly distributing torque between the front and rear wheels (from 100% front to 50:50 front-rear) based on driving conditions and road surface. Working in conjunction with brake limited slip differential and Hill Start Assist, the AWD system enhances performance during hill starts and on uneven surfaces, providing drivers with increased confidence and control in various driving scenarios.
Revolutionary Powertrain: VC-Turbo and Enhanced 2.5L Engine
The 2019 Altima Nissan boasts two new engine options, signaling Nissan’s significant investment in powertrain development. A groundbreaking Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine replaces the previous V6, while a thoroughly revised 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine becomes the standard offering.
VC-Turbo Engine: V6 Power with 4-Cylinder Efficiency
Diagram illustrating the variable compression technology within the 2019 Altima Nissan VC-Turbo engine.
The 2019 Altima Nissan introduces the world’s first production-ready Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) inline 4-cylinder engine. This 2.0-liter engine delivers the performance of some V6 gasoline engines while maintaining the fuel efficiency of a 4-cylinder. The VC-Turbo technology, a result of two decades of development, continuously adjusts the engine’s compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency). This is achieved through an advanced multi-link system that alters piston reach, optimizing for both power and economy as needed.
The VC-Turbo engine in the 2019 Altima Nissan produces 248 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque (on premium fuel). It employs both multi-point and direct injection to optimize combustion across various driving conditions. Compared to the previous 3.5-liter V6, the VC-Turbo is more compact, contributing to improved NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) and reduced emissions. Fuel economy for the VC-Turbo is rated at 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, a 15% improvement in combined fuel economy over the V6 while maintaining similar performance. A dedicated meter in the 7.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display allows drivers to monitor the VC-Turbo’s operation in real-time.
Enhanced Standard 2.5-liter Engine
The standard engine for the 2019 Altima Nissan is a new 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine. With 80% new or redesigned parts, this engine produces 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, increases compared to the previous 2.5-liter. Beyond power gains, the new engine offers significant improvements in NVH, fuel economy, and emissions. Design enhancements include a “reverse” cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold and low engine mounting, contributing to a lower profile and improved vehicle dynamics.
Key technological updates to the 2.5-liter engine in the 2019 Altima Nissan include a thermal-insulated intake port, Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) system, variable tumble control valve, mirror bore cylinder coating, variable displacement oil pump, intake e-VTC, and cooled external EGR. Fuel economy for the 2.5-liter engine in front-wheel-drive models is rated up to 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined. All 2019 Altima Nissan models, regardless of engine, are equipped with an Xtronic transmission, which has been enhanced for 2019 with an expanded lock-up area for improved efficiency. Paddle shifters are available on the Altima SR grade.
Dynamic Performance and Chassis Control
The 2019 Altima Nissan offers enhanced dynamic performance through chassis and control system upgrades, in addition to the available all-wheel drive.
Close-up view of the 2019 Altima Nissan chassis and suspension components, highlighting engineering enhancements.
Monotube rear shocks are used for the first time on an Altima, and suspension reinforcements improve responsiveness without compromising ride comfort. Suspension geometry adjustments further refine steering feedback. The steering system itself is upgraded to a dual-pinion electric power steering design (DP-EPS), enhancing steering feel and reducing noise. Steering effort is optimized for both low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability.
The 2019 Altima Nissan features a new Integrated Dynamics Module (IDM), incorporating Intelligent Ride Control, Intelligent Trace Control, and Vehicle Dynamics Control – technologies also found in the flagship Nissan Maxima. Wheel sizes range from 16-inch to available 19-inch wheels. The Altima SR grade features unique suspension and chassis tuning for a sportier driving experience.
Sporty Exterior and Premium Interior Design
Inspired by the Nissan Vmotion 2.0 concept, the 2019 Altima Nissan boasts a striking new exterior design. The new Altima is lower, wider, and more athletic in its proportions compared to previous generations.
Side profile of the 2019 Altima Nissan, showcasing the sleek and sporty exterior design.
Compared to its predecessor, the 2019 Altima Nissan is 1.1 inches lower, 1.0 inches longer, and 0.9 inches wider. A longer wheelbase and repositioned wheels contribute to a sleeker and more sophisticated stance. The coefficient of drag is a low 0.26. Exterior highlights include the V-motion grille with dark chrome finish, LED projector headlights with signature Daytime Running Lights, LED fog lights, a floating roof design, and an available single panel moonroof. Nine exterior colors are offered, including Scarlet Ember Tintcoat and Sunset Drift ChromaFlair®.
Interior view of the 2019 Altima Nissan, emphasizing the premium and spacious cabin design.
Inside, the 2019 Altima Nissan offers a premium feel with a horizontally-oriented “gliding wing” instrument panel and high-contrast color schemes. Comfort and convenience features include a standard 7.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display, NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats with enhanced bolstering, available perforated leather-appointed seat inserts, remote engine start, and an available 8-way power driver’s seat with memory.
Connectivity is a key focus, with standard Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, an 8-inch multi-touch color display, and available NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM®. Audio options include a Bose® Premium Audio system with nine speakers and Active Noise Cancellation.
Trim Levels and Edition ONE
The 2019 Altima Nissan is available in S, SR, SV, SL, and Platinum trim levels. All trims except SR and Platinum VC-Turbo come standard with the 2.5-liter engine and offer available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The SR and Platinum trims are available with the VC-Turbo engine (front-wheel drive only).
The base Altima S is well-equipped with features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Intelligent Driver Alertness, NissanConnect with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, and Remote Engine Start. The SR trim adds sporty styling elements, 19-inch wheels, and sport-tuned suspension (FWD only). The SV trim includes ProPILOT Assist, Rear Automatic Braking, and heated front seats and steering wheel. The SL trim adds leather-appointed seats, Bose® Premium Sound System, and NissanConnect with Navigation. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim features Intelligent Around View® Monitor and interior accent lighting.
An exclusive, limited-production Altima Edition ONE, based on the Platinum VC-Turbo grade, offers unique wheels, interior trim, and concierge services, further elevating the 2019 Altima Nissan experience.
The 2019 Altima Nissan represents a significant leap forward for the mid-size sedan, offering a compelling blend of advanced technology, dynamic performance, and sophisticated design, poised to re-energize the segment and excite drivers.
