2019 Nissan Altima Gets Sharp Style And Tech-Savvy To Save The Sedan

Nissan has priced up the 2019 Altima, the completely new version of its midsize sedan, which borrows concept car styling and a host of new technology and drivetrain features. Set to arrive in US dealerships in early October, the new Altima will be the first of Nissan's sedans in the country to offer all-wheel drive as an option.

It's certainly a more distinctive car than the outgoing model. Now in its sixth generation, the 2019 Altima is lower, longer, and wider than before. It also dips heavily into the aesthetic set up by the Vmotion 2.0 concept car from back in early 2017.

That had a broad, deep grille and distinctive buttress-style C-pillars, both of which have been translated to the 2019 Altima. Sharper creasing to the hood lines and the front lower spoiler give the car a more aggressive, purposeful look, too, while the oversized rear lighting has an almost manga-esque exaggeration to its shape and color.

Nissan knew it couldn't just focus on style, however, and so the 2019 Altima is priced to compete, too. The range kicks off with the Altima S, at $23,750 plus $895 destination. That uses Nissan's new 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which delivers 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels.

Both front- and all-wheel drive versions of the 2019 Altima will be offered with the 2.5-liter engine. That's Nissan's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, in fact, and it's available from $25,100 plus destination on the 2019 Altima S.

A second engine, also new, will be offered on the Altima SR, Altima Platinum, and Altima Edition ONE, starting from $29,150 plus destination. A 2.0-liter VC-Turbo, it's the automaker's groundbreaking variable compression inline four-cylinder, which can switch between an 8:1 compression ratio for higher performance, and a 14:1 ratio for better efficiency. It's also more powerful, despite being smaller, than the 2.5-liter: 248 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

The only downside is that you can't have the VC-Turbo with AWD, only FWD. That's a shame, as Nissan's big argument with the Altima was that – with all-wheel drive – it could replace a crossover for most families.

Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on an 8-inch touchscreen display, an 8-way power driver's seat, Automatic Emergency Braking, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, and Read Door Alert. Nissan Safety Shield 360, first seen on the 2019 Rogue, will be offered. That includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), radar-based Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and High Beam Assist (HBA).

Other options will include 19-inch wheels, a Bose Premium Audio system with nine speakers, and NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM. The latter allows you to remotely control the new Altima – such as start and stop the engine, lock and unlock the doors, get valet alerts, and more – from your phone, Amazon Alexa, or the Google Assistant. ProPILOT Assist, Nissan's adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance, will also be offered.

Finally, there's another Nissan first for the car. The 2019 Altima Edition ONE will be based on the Platinum VC-Turbo trim but include a Nissan Concierge service. The car, which will only be available in limited numbers, will have leather trim, the Bose stereo, a moonroof, and the ProPILOT Assist system, as well as three years of access 27/7 to a live assistant who will be able to help with booking dinner reservations, getting event tickets, and more.

Nissan says the 2019 Altima will arrive in US dealerships from October 3rd.