2019 Nissan Altima shakes up the sedan class with standard AWD
What is it? The all-new 2019 Altima is Nissan’s affirmation that the traditional family sedan segment is still vibrant.
Why does it matter? The family sedan segment is shrinking, yet some manufacturers — Toyota, Honda and now Nissan — are pouring huge resources into new products to invigorate what was once the dominant segment in passenger-car sales.
For 2019, Altima gets a more powerful engine, a host of semi-autonomous driver’s aids and, perhaps most importantly, all-wheel drive across the entire model lineup in Canada. It is this last that Nissan sees stemming the onslaught of compact crossovers.
Nissan’s Intelligent AWD system uses an advanced torque-split control strategy that automatically redistributes torque to the wheels — from 100 per cent to the front all the way to a 50:50 split front to rear — according to driving conditions and wheel slippage. The system even works in conjunction with the Altima’s brake-based limited-slip differential and hill-start assist to manage those nerve-racking takeoffs on steep, slippery hills.
The torque all those subsystems are managing comes from a revised 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that now boasts 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, up from 179 hp and 177 lb-ft over the previous 2.5-L engine.
All 2019 Altimas are also equipped with a standard Xtronic CVT transmission, which receives an expanded lock-up area for improved fuel efficiency.
Last but not least, Altima gets Nissan’s latest ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous technology. The foundation for Nissan’s future autonomous vehicles, ProPilot Assist helps drivers stay centred in the lane, navigate stop-and-go traffic, maintain a set vehicle speed and maintain a set distance to the vehicle ahead, all with two simple buttons.
When is it coming? Fall 2019 Should you buy it? What’s not to like about a still-practical Altima with more power, all-wheel drive, a bunch of high-tech safety systems and aggressive styling. And don’t forget, much better fuel economy than a comparable SUV.