2019 Nissan Altima Revealed, Gets AWD Option And 2.0L Turbo

This is the new 2019 Nissan Altima, unveiled at the ongoing New York Auto Show and a replacement to the outgoing model which has been kicking since 2012.

As we long expected, the design of the Altima represents the latest take on the firm’s V-motion design language and therefore incorporates a V-shaped grille and a pair of aggressive headlights. Design inspiration has been taken by the Vmotion 2.0 Concept from a little over 12 months ago but for the most part, the Altima’s exterior design isn’t hugely different from the current car.

Instead, there is a selection of advanced safety technologies and two new powertrains which really bring the Altima up-to-date.

Infiniti turbo power

An important addition to the range is the availability of a variable compression turbo inline four-cylinder engine first introduced by Infiniti. This powertrain will replace the previous-generation Altima’s 3.5-liter V6. Displacing 2.0-liters, the variable compression engine will be offered on the Altima SR and Platinum grades and mated exclusively to a front-wheel drive system. It produces 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque (on premium fuel).

There are three other trim levels available, dubbed S, SV, and SL alongside the aforementioned two. All five come standard with a 2.5-liter engine that delivers 188 horsepower (versus the previous 2.5-liter’s 179 hp) and 180 lb-ft of torque (versus the previous 177 lb-ft) and features 80% new or redesigned parts. They’re also available with all-wheel drive for the first time on an Altima model.

As previously confirmed, the 2019 Altima is the brand’s third model to receive the semi-autonomous ProPILOT Assist system. Under certain driving conditions, such as single-lane highways, the system drastically reduces the amount of acceleration, steering, and braking input needed by the driver.

Elsewhere, the Altima features Rear Automatic Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, radar-based Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and High Beam Assist.

Interior changes

Step inside the cabin and you’ll find Nissan’s ‘gliding wing’ instrument panel. Additionally, there’s a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, new seats with added bolstering, NissanConnect SM featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an 8-inch multi-touch color display.

“This new Altima builds on 25 years and more than 5.6 million Altima sales to date – but to us, this is just a starting point,” said Denis Le Vot, senior vice president, chairman of management committee, Nissan North America. “That’s why we decided to shake up the midsize segment in terms of design, driving enjoyment and technologies that are advanced and affordable.”

Nissan will launch the 2019 Altima with an exclusive launch edition based on the Platinum VC-Turbo and offered in limited quantities from early summer 2018.

Article updated with new information and live images from the NY Auto Show