2019 Nissan Altima Could Offer All-Wheel Drive

Nissan recently announced plans to unveil the 2019 Altima at the New York Auto Show on March 28th and it now appears the model could be offered with all-wheel drive.

During an episode of Autoline After Hours, Nissan North America’s vice president of components engineering responded to a viewer’s question about whether or not the Leaf would be offered with all-wheel drive. As Roadshow reports, Chris Reed responded by saying “people like all-wheel drive cars” and “we’re talking about coming out with all-wheel drive on the Altima and that kind of stuff.”

Reed went on to say the company knows they’re going to need a “combination of all-wheel drive and battery” in the future. However, it’s “not on the horizon right this minute” but it is being studied “very seriously.” He then stated “It’s going to come” eventually.

A Nissan spokesperson declined to confirm the Altima will be offered with all-wheel drive but during the New York Auto Show announcement, the company noted “New Yorkers have always loved the Altima, making the Northeast region the most popular market for Nissan’s best-selling sedan.” All-wheel drive is particularly appealing to drivers in this region as the system provides added traction in snowy and icy conditions.

Previewed by the V-Motion concept, the redesigned Altima will have a bolder design with a distinctive grille and a handful of styling elements from the Maxima. The car will also have an upgraded interior with higher quality materials and a free-standing infotainment system.

Engine options could carryover and include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 179 hp (133 kW) and a 3.5-liter V6 developing 270 hp (201 kW). However, there have also been rumors about a hybrid variant and a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Thanks to CarScoops reader Howard Corelitz for the photos

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