Altima 6.0
2019 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV AWD
The sixth generation of Nissan’s midsize sedan rolls out this year with two, new engines and one first, for Altima. Five trim levels are offered – S, SR, SV, SL and Platinum – with prices ranging from $24,000 - $35,750. My test drive this week was a mid-trim level SV, with a delivered price of $30,625.
The 2019 Altima is the first Nissan sedan to be offered with All Wheel Drive (and my test car was so equipped). Depending on driving conditions, the system is capable of splitting available engine torque from 100% front wheels to as much as a 50/50 front/rear split. AWD – a winter driving confidence booster - is of course commonplace in crossovers, but not so in the midsize sedan market. The added traction brings with it a minor subtraction in fuel economy. An Awd-equipped Altima is expected to return about 2-3 mpg’s less than a FWD model.
AWD is a $1,350 option available on any Altima equipped with the 2.5L four cylinder motor. One of two, new engine choices for 2019, the 2.5L has the same displacement as the outgoing four that it replaces, but is substantially upgraded (80% new or redesigned parts according to Nissan), more efficient, and a skosh more powerful. The 2.5 in FWD models posts 188 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque (182/178 in AWD models). That compares with 182/180 in the previous 2.5L FWD Altima. The 2.5 feels respectably quick, and while it’s loud
at wide open throttle, it’s otherwise fairly quiet.
Altima formerly offered a step-up motor, and the Gen 6 edition carries on that tradition. The previous option was a 3.5L V-6, offering 270 h.p. and 251 lb. ft. of torque. Doing more with less, the 2019 step-up engine is a 2.0L four cylinder, rated at 248 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. The Vc-turbo motor will return 25 mpg’s city, 34 highway, 29 combined, according to EPA estimates. Both engines are linked to a Continuously Variable Transmission. Nissan’s Xtronic CVT electronically simulates stepped-ratio shifts, which is decidedly easier on the ears than the steady state drone of CVT’S of years past.
The appearance of an AWD option and two new engine choices are dampened only by the fact that you
can’t get it all. Which is to say, the new, Vc-turbo engine is offered in the SR and Platinum trim levels, but only with FWD.
Overall, Altimas feel slightly sportier than the segment average, in terms of handling. The SR model leans
AWD – a winter driving confidence booster - is of course commonplace in crossovers, but not so in the midsize sedan market.
furthest in this direction, with a specially tuned suspension. Wheel sizes range from 16” to 19”, depending on trim or options chosen. My car had 17’s and ride quality was fine. By virtue of their shorter sidewalls, 19” tires would figure to ride a little stiffer. If the trim that you’re looking at is so shod (SR, Platinum), your test drive will settle that score.
Altima feels roomy inside, with adult-sized space in
both rows, and a usably large (15.4 cu-ft.) trunk. Split, folding seatbacks allow for carrying longer items in back. Liftover height is comfortably low for loading. The interior design on my SV had a clean, almost minimalist, look to it. HVAC controls have a standalone pad low on the center stack. They’re easy to adjust without too much time with eyes averted from the road. All trim levels are compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and are equipped with Siri Eyes Free voice recognition, Bluetooth hands-free phone system and hand’sfree text messaging assistant. Visibility is generally good all around, and backed-up by standard, blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert systems.
Altima offers a full array of safety and driver convenience features, and SV trim cars get a fair share of them as standard equipment. This includes the aforementioned blind spot and rear cross traffic alerts, as well as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and Propilot Assist driving assistance technology.
Adding features in Altima mostly means stepping up in trim level, as opposed to buying individual options or packages. In addition to features already mentioned, Mid-level SV cars are further outfitted with a moon roof, remote start, heated steering wheel, front seats and outside rearview mirrors (with LED turn signals), LED fog lights, two-way power lumbar support and dual zone auto climate control with rear console HVAC vents.
Highlights of the move from SV to SL trim are a Bose sound system with nine speakers and eight channels of equalization, leather trimmed seats and a four way power front passenger seat and Nissan Connect with Navigation. The most notable addition in Platinum trim Altima is the bird’s-eye view monitor, along with 19” aluminum alloy rims, interior accent lighting and a memory function for the driver’s seat. That’s the driver’s seat, mind you. If adding memory for the driver was as easy as checking a box on an option sheet, it’s safe to say there would be a lot of takers.
A regular contributor to the Times Union for more than 25 years, Dan Lyons is the awardwinning author of six books, and photographer of 180 calendars.