2019 Nissan Altima: Everything We Know

We’re just minutes away from the reveal of the new 2019 Nissan Altima, as the Japanese carmaker has announced its debut for the New York Auto Show.

Given that the design of the sixth generation Altima was previewed by the Vmotion 2.0 concept at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, we expect to see a much sportier, and balanced, mid-size sedan from Nissan.

The current model has been in the market since 2012 and while SUVs have taken a significant chunk out of its sales figures, it’s still one of Nissan best-selling models in the U.S. market.

The ins and outs of the new design

As you can see in our own artist’s depiction of the car below, the front end of the new Altima will feature Nissan’s latest take on the V-motion design language, with a pronounced V-shaped grille backed by a pair of angry-looking LED headlamps.

The body’s shoulder lines will also form a V pointing towards the front, giving the new Nissan some much needed road presence in a segment where most rivals are new, including the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry.

But this isn’t just a redesign of the old model. The wheelbase will be longer, giving rear passengers more room to stretch while the dashboard will also be influenced by the study, featuring a tablet-like display for the infotainment system and a tall transmission tunnel.

There’s a more comprehensive redo of the cabin that will see the introduction of a more modern, tablet-style infotainment screen taking a prominent place on the dashboard.

The interior will also feature better, more premium materials, including metallic finishes, contrast stitching and a three-spoke steering wheel similar to that found in the Rogue crossover. The layout will be simple and easy to use, with less physical buttons than before and a sportier atmosphere.

New tech, possibly optional AWD and same engines (mostly)

The new 2019 Nissan Altima is believed to ride on an updated version of the front-drive D platform that underpins numerous Nissan, Infiniti and even Renault models, including the current Maxima and Murano. Apart from the longer wheelbase, the new Altima will definitely get an optional all-wheel drive system.

According to our latest intel, the Japanese carmaker will introduce a reworked version of the 182hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder as the base engine, while replacing the current 270hp 3.5-liter V6 engine with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit shared with the Infiniti QX50. In the latter, the variable compression ratio 2.0 Turbo produces 268hp and 288 pound-feet of torque.

A hybrid option is also reportedly on the cards, which given Nissan’s future agenda and the current market trends will be the least surprising element of the new Altima. All engines will be offered with a CVT automatic transmission, just like before.

Expect to see a full range of driver assistance systems covering all grounds, including a version of Nissan’s ProPilot semiautonomous technology, complete with all kinds of sensors to allow the new Altima to drive itself, under supervision from the driver of course.

When will it arrive and for how much?

Nissan will reveal the new 2019 Altima on March 28, at the New York Auto Show. Sales are expected to begin this summer across the country, with prices slightly increased over the outgoing model that starts from just under $24,000 in the States.

Article has been updated with new information regarding the powertrains and spy shots of both the exterior and interior, as well as the live video stream from the 2018 New York Auto Show