Redesigned 2019 Altima Priced at Only $27,998 Despite Standard AWD

LED Headlights and CVT Automatic Standard Too

The all-new redesigned 2019 Nissan Altima certainly has a lot going for it.

For starters, the sporty looking new mid-size sedan gets a highly competitive base price of just $27,998 in entry-level Altima S trim, which puts it square in the middle of its closest rivals despite coming standard with an automatic continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive, the latter a feature that otherwise can only be had in two segment challengers. Standard all-wheel drive makes a lot of sense in and around Vancouver's Lower Mainland, especially for those who travel up the local mountains or take mid-winter trips to Whistler or the Okanagan, as it combines the safety of all-weather traction with improved performance.

Named Intelligent AWD, the Altima system utilizes an advanced torque split design that automatically distributes power from 100 percent up front and zero at the rear, all the way to an even division of 50 percent front to rear. The bias depends on road conditions and resulting wheel slippage, with the default system being front-wheel drive to save on fuel and reduce emissions. Nissan claims its new Intelligent AWD works seamlessly with the Altima's standard limited-slip differential too, as well as its Hill Start Assist system.

More Power and Refinement Under the Sleek New Hood

Performance in mind, the 2019 Altima comes standard with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that's good for 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, which is a 9 horsepower and 3 lb-ft increase over the engine it replaces. Reportedly it's smoother, quieter, and more efficient than the outgoing four-cylinder too, while the revised Xtronic CVT gets an expanded lock-up area for improved fuel economy.

The new Altima comes in three trim lines, starting with the aforementioned S model and followed by the SV for $31,498, and Platinum for $34,998. Additionally, a 250-example limited-production launch version dubbed Edition ONE gets unique design elements such as special 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, an Edition ONE exterior badge, illuminated kick plates, and floor mats embroidered with the Edition ONE logo, along with Platinum model's standard feature set, and will only be available for the 2019 model year at a price of $35,998, while freight and PDI will be $1,795 for all Altima trims.

Generous Standard Features Make for Great Value

Despite being a base model, standard Altima S features are plentiful including the aforementioned automatic Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), an electromechanical parking brake, advanced LED headlamps, LED taillights, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a backup camera, Bluetooth hands-free smartphone connectivity with streaming audio, hands-free text messaging, Siri Eyes Free voice recognition, and more, while the standard menu continues with heated front seats, an eight-way powered driver's seat, and advanced driver assistance systems such as Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB), Rear Door Alert (that reminds you of anything or anybody left in the back seating area), Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW), and Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA).

2019 Altima Offers Plenty of Available Features

We can expect the usual feature improvements in upper trims too, such as proximity-sensing access, pushbutton ignition, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation, nine-speaker Bose audio, an Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) (standard with Platinum trim), a powered moonroof, SiriusXM-powered NissanConnect Services featuring compatible smartphone and smartwatch access to functions like remote engine start/stop, remote door lock/unlock, valet alert, etcetera, and Nissan's ProPILOT Assist semi-automated driving system, an exclusive Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology that will be standard on Altima SV and Platinum trims.

ProPILOT Assist is starting to become available on a number of new Nissan models, but the Altima will only be second behind the new 2019 Rogue to receive the Japanese brand's new Nissan Safety Shield 360, which is a suite of six advanced driver assistance systems including Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Intelligent Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), radar-based Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and High Beam Assist (HBA).

Bold New Design Is a Head-Turner

As for styling, the new 2019 Altima's exterior design speaks for itself, and most should find its assertive new face to their liking. Its predominant feature is a go-big-or-go-home version of the brand's Vmotion 2.0 grille, surrounded by those sleek new LED headlamps mentioned earlier, while the rest of the car portrays an athletic stance from front to back.

Inside, the look is clean and contemporary, while Nissan promises more premium materials used throughout. A highlight feature includes what the automaker calls a "wide 'gliding wing' instrument panel - which accentuates the exterior's low cowl and hood, helping create an open, airy environment."

The 2019 Altima will be available this coming November. To find out more contact us or come visit our showroom!

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press
Photo credits: Nissan
Copyright: Canadian Auto Press Inc.