2019 Nissan Altima Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

The Altima is fully redesigned for 2019Offers all-wheel drive for the first timeChassis and steering refinements enliven handlingPart of the sixth Altima generation introduced for this year

　　The Nissan Altima is one of those competent and capable family sedans that has nonetheless lived in the shadows of the big sellers from Honda and Toyota. Whether loaded with more standard features than the others or given brawny V6 power, the Altima could never quite outrun its also-ran status. The new 2019 Nissan Altima may change all that.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$115/mo  for Altima 2.5 S

　　Altima 2.5 S

　　2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $24,000 MSRP2.5 S 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $25,350 MSRP2.5 SR 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $25,350 MSRP2.5 SR 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $26,700 MSRP2.5 SV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $28,180 MSRP2.5 SV 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $29,530 MSRPVC-T SR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $29,400 MSRP2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $30,090 MSRP2.5 SL 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $31,440 MSRP2.5 Platinum 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $32,030 MSRP2.5 Platinum 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $33,380 MSRPVC-T Platinum 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $35,030 MSRPVC-T Edition ONE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $35,750 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The redesigned Altima makes some bold changes for its sixth generation, including two new engines, sophisticated driver aids and, for the first time, all-wheel-drive availability. The exterior design isn't a wholesale departure from the previous model, but the grille is larger, the lines and dimensions tighter all around, and whether or not you find it attractive, there's no denying that the new Altima has personality.

　　The new Altima continues with a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Although the same size as the outgoing engine, Nissan says the new engine's internals and tolerances are a significant upgrade. Gone is the earlier Altima's beloved V6 engine, and in its place a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

　　This innovative engine, which is also used in the Infiniti QX50 SUV, can change its compression ratio in real time, enabling it to offer the fuel efficiency of a four-cylinder or the power of a V6, depending on conditions and driver demand. The new turbo engine makes less horsepower than the old V6, but more useful low-end torque. With 248 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined, it looks to be the more desirable engine this year. The Altima offers all-wheel drive for the first time this year, too.

　　All of these factors, combined with innovative tech (including the latest in driver assist features) and a roomy, comfortable cabin, bring the Altima out of the long shadows of its rivals.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our first drive of the Nissan Altima Platinum (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | CVT | FWD).

　　

Driving

　　It's not a sport sedan, but the Altima still has moves. The turbo engine delivers proper punch, especially from low speeds, and steering feel is vastly improved over the previous generation. Get the SR trim for sharpest handling, if that's your priority, but even the standard-issue suspension is good enough for moderately quick carving.

　　

Comfort

　　Nissan's Zero Gravity seats are built from NASA-derived technology, with shape, support and cushioning that make them among the most comfortable buckets around. A compliant, well-damped suspension smooths out rough roads, while a modest amount of wind noise creeps into the cabin.

　　

Interior

　　A slimmer, more modern instrument panel anchors the new Altima's interior design and emphasizes the cabin's roomy, airy feeling. It's a bit bland, without much visual interest, but it's nonetheless uncluttered and functional. The wide door openings make for easy entry and exit, and there's plenty of rear seat head and legroom.

　　

Utility

　　At 15.4 cubic feet, the Altima's trunk space rates about average among midsize sedans, but a low liftover height and 60/40 split-folding rear seat bolster the cargo space's usefulness. There are more than a handful of nooks for small items, so it's easy to find room for wallets, keys and oversized phones.

　　

Technology

　　Even in base trim, the Altima packs a useful tech punch, with standard Bluetooth, iPhone/Android compatibility and an 8-inch touchscreen interface. The full complement of ProPilot driver aids starts on the midlevel SV trim, so no need to pay a premium for safety. Opting for the SL trim brings navigation and a premium Bose sound system.

　　

Which Altima does zzdcar recommend?

　　We haven't driven the new Altima with its standard 2.5-liter engine yet, but we can recommend the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. It's quick and responsive, and it infuses the Altima with impressive performance. Unfortunately, this engine is limited to the SR and Platinum trims, which may be too little or too much for many buyers. If you want a good middle ground, the SV hits the sweet spot. It doesn't offer the turbo engine, but it's loaded with most of the features you'll want every day, including the full complement of Nissan's driver aids.

　　

2019 Nissan Altima models

　　The 2019 Nissan Altima is a five-passenger midsize sedan available in five trim levels: S, SR, SV, SL and Platinum. The S base trim is indeed pretty basic, but offers nice surprises for the money. The SV adds more creature comforts, including a full suite of active driver aids, and the SL takes it further with features such as leather seats and navigation. The fully loaded Platinum adds a few final flourishes. The SR is the Altima's sporty variant. It comes equipped similar to the S, but adds more performance-oriented features.

　　The Altima's standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (188 horsepower, 180 pound-feet of torque) paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.

　　An optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (248 hp, 280 lb-ft) is available for SR and Platinum trims only. It's also paired with CVT, but it's limited to front-wheel drive.

　　Standard features on the S include 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry, push-button ignition, remote engine start, a rearview camera and forward collision warning.

　　Interior highlights include cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, satellite radio, four USB ports (two front, two rear) and a six-speaker audio system.

　　The SR builds on the S features with 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, transmission paddle shifters, LED headlights, daytime running lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and unique styling elements that include a rear spoiler, a dark chrome grille and carbon-fiber interior trim. The SR also includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems.

　　The  SV blends features from the S and SR (minus the SR's sportier elements, primarily suspension and styling) and comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, LED foglights, automatic high beams, heated front seats/side mirrors/steering wheel, and remote engine/climate control start. Additional driver aids include lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, rear automatic braking (which can apply emergency braking while in reverse), along with the ProPilot Assist features that include self-steering and stop-and-go adaptive cruise control.

　　Moving up to the SL brings leather upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat, a navigation system, NissanConnect app services and a nine-speaker Bose audio system.

　　Finally, the Platinum adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree camera and ambient cabin lighting.

　　The only optional package is the Premium package for the SR trim, which includes a sunroof, heated side mirrors and heated front seats. Stand-alone options include 17-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.

　　Jump to:Related 2019 Altima articles

　　

2019 Altima Highlights

Trim: 2.5 S2.5 SR2.5 SVVC-T SR2.5 SL2.5 PlatinumVC-T PlatinumVC-T Edition ONE2.5 S

　　

Base MSRP	$24,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	32 MPG
Cost to Drive	$115/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles