Nissan aimed to inject excitement back into the mid-size sedan market with the launch of the 2019 Nissan Altima. This sixth-generation model is packed with advanced features and a fresh design, making it a strong contender in its class. The 2019 Altima boasts significant upgrades in safety technology, driving performance, engine options, and overall design, all under the umbrella of Nissan Intelligent Mobility.
Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies
The 2019 Nissan Altima prioritizes safety with its suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies. Leading the charge is ProPILOT Assist, a system designed to reduce driver workload in certain highway driving conditions. ProPILOT Assist can help with steering, acceleration, and braking in single-lane highway driving, making commutes and long trips less tiring. This technology is a step towards future autonomous driving and helps keep the Altima centered in its lane, manages stop-and-go traffic, and maintains both a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead. Activation is simple, using just two buttons on the steering wheel.
Alt text: Close-up of the steering wheel of a 2019 Nissan Altima highlighting the blue ProPILOT Assist activation button, showcasing the intuitive technology for driver assistance.
ProPILOT Assist comes standard on the SV, SL, and Platinum trims of the 2019 Nissan Altima, demonstrating Nissan’s commitment to making advanced technology accessible to a wider range of buyers.
Another key safety addition for the 2019 Nissan Altima is Rear Automatic Braking (RAB). This system is designed to detect stationary objects when backing up and can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent collisions. If an object is detected, the driver receives visual and audible warnings, and if necessary, the system will apply stronger braking to mitigate or avoid an impact. Rear Automatic Braking is also standard on the SV, SL, and Platinum grades.
Further enhancing safety, the 2019 Nissan Altima includes standard Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW), and Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA) across all trim levels. The Platinum trim is additionally equipped with the Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM), providing a 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the vehicle for enhanced parking and low-speed maneuvering.
These features combine to create Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive safety system offering front, side, and rear monitoring and intervention technologies. Safety Shield 360 includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and High Beam Assist (HBA).
For added convenience and awareness, the 2019 Nissan Altima offers Traffic Sign Recognition. This system uses a windshield-mounted camera to detect speed limit signs and displays the information in the Advanced Drive Assist Display, helping drivers stay informed of the current speed limit.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for Enhanced Confidence
Responding to customer demand, the 2019 Nissan Altima marks a significant first by offering Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for the first time in its history. This feature is particularly appealing to buyers in regions with challenging weather conditions, providing enhanced traction and control. The AWD system is available on all trim levels equipped with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and is projected to be a popular option, especially in northern US markets.
Alt text: Diagram illustrating the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system in the 2019 Nissan Altima, showcasing torque distribution to enhance traction and control in various driving conditions.
The Intelligent AWD system in the 2019 Nissan Altima can automatically distribute torque between the front and rear wheels, ranging from 100% front-wheel drive to a 50:50 split, depending on road conditions and driving demands. This system works in conjunction with brake limited slip differential and Hill Start Assist to optimize performance in diverse situations, providing drivers with increased confidence and driving pleasure.
Revolutionary VC-Turbo Engine and New 2.5-Liter Engine
Under the hood, the 2019 Nissan Altima introduces two new engine options, showcasing Nissan’s commitment to innovation. Replacing the previous V6 engine is the world’s first production-ready Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) inline 4-cylinder engine. This groundbreaking engine delivers the performance of a V6 with the fuel efficiency of a 4-cylinder.
The VC-Turbo engine in the 2019 Nissan Altima dynamically adjusts its compression ratio between 8:1 and 14:1, optimizing for both performance and efficiency. This is achieved through an advanced multi-link system that continuously adjusts piston reach. A lower compression ratio favors power and torque, while a higher ratio maximizes fuel efficiency. The 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine produces 248 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque (on premium fuel).
Alt text: Close-up view of the innovative VC-Turbo engine in the 2019 Nissan Altima, highlighting its compact design and advanced variable compression technology for enhanced performance and fuel economy.
For broader appeal, the 2019 Nissan Altima also features a new standard 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine. This engine, standard on all trim levels, delivers 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, representing an increase over the previous 2.5-liter engine. Beyond power gains, this new engine offers improved noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics, along with enhanced fuel economy and reduced emissions. Key design changes include a “reverse” cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold, contributing to a lower engine profile for improved styling and handling.
Both engine options in the 2019 Nissan Altima are paired with a standard Xtronic transmission, which has been enhanced for 2019 with an expanded lock-up area to improve efficiency. Paddle shifters are available on the SR grade for a more engaging driving experience.
Enhanced Driving Dynamics and Chassis Control
The 2019 Nissan Altima offers a more refined and engaging driving experience thanks to enhancements in suspension, steering, and chassis control. Notably, it’s the first Altima to feature monotube rear shocks, along with suspension reinforcements and geometry adjustments to improve vehicle response and steering feedback.
The steering system has been 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 Nissan Altima also incorporates a new Integrated Dynamics Module (IDM), featuring Intelligent Ride Control, Intelligent Trace Control, and Vehicle Dynamics Control. These systems, similar to those found in the Nissan Maxima, contribute to a more comfortable, controlled, and confident driving experience across all trim levels. Wheel sizes range from 16-inch to 19-inch, with the Altima SR featuring unique sport-tuned suspension for a sportier ride.
Sporty Exterior and Premium Interior Design
The design of the 2019 Nissan Altima is inspired by the Nissan Vmotion 2.0 concept, resulting in a more athletic and dynamic appearance. The new Altima is lower, wider, and longer than its predecessor, with a sleek silhouette and a drag coefficient of just 0.26. Key exterior features include the V-motion grille with dark chrome finish, LED projector headlights, and a floating roof design. A range of vibrant exterior colors, including Scarlet Ember and Sunset Drift ChromaFlair®, further enhance its visual appeal.
Alt text: Side profile of the 2019 Nissan Altima showcasing its sporty and aerodynamic exterior design, highlighting the lower stance, wider body, and V-motion grille.
Inside, the 2019 Nissan Altima offers a premium and inviting cabin. The interior features a “gliding wing” instrument panel design, high-contrast colors, and quality materials. Comfort and convenience are prioritized with NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats, available leather-appointed seats, and features like remote engine start and an available 8-way power driver’s seat with memory.
Connectivity is also a focus, with a standard 7.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display, available 8-inch multi-touch color display, and standard Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration. Available features include a Bose® Premium Audio system and NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM®.
Alt text: Interior view of the 2019 Nissan Altima cabin, emphasizing the premium materials, spacious layout, “gliding wing” dashboard design, and user-friendly infotainment system.
Trim Levels and Availability
The 2019 Nissan Altima is offered in five trim levels: S, SR, SV, SL, and Platinum. All trims come standard with the 2.5-liter engine and are available with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The SR and Platinum trims are also available with the VC-Turbo engine (front-wheel drive only). A limited-production Altima Edition ONE, based on the Platinum VC-Turbo trim, offers exclusive features and services.
The 2019 Nissan Altima represents a significant step forward for the model and the mid-size sedan segment as a whole. With its advanced technologies, enhanced performance, and striking design, the 2019 Altima is poised to re-energize drivers and offer a compelling alternative in a competitive market.
