Used 2019 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL Sedan Review

The Nissan Altima is one of those competent and capable family sedans that has nonetheless lived in the shadows of the big sellers from Honda and Toyota. Whether loaded with more standard features than the others or given brawny V6 power, the Altima could never quite outrun its also-ran status. The new 2019 Nissan Altima may change all that.

The redesigned Altima makes some bold changes for its sixth generation, including two new engines, sophisticated driver aids and, for the first time, all-wheel-drive availability. The exterior design isn't a wholesale departure from the previous model, but the grille is larger, the lines and dimensions tighter all around, and whether or not you find it attractive, there's no denying that the new Altima has personality.

The new Altima continues with a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Although the same size as the outgoing engine, Nissan says the new engine's internals and tolerances are a significant upgrade. Gone is the earlier Altima's beloved V6 engine, and in its place a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

This innovative engine, which is also used in the Infiniti QX50 SUV, can change its compression ratio in real time, enabling it to offer the fuel efficiency of a four-cylinder or the power of a V6, depending on conditions and driver demand. The new turbo engine makes less horsepower than the old V6, but more useful low-end torque. With 248 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined, it looks to be the more desirable engine this year. The Altima offers all-wheel drive for the first time this year, too.

All of these factors, combined with innovative tech (including the latest in driver assist features) and a roomy, comfortable cabin, bring the Altima out of the long shadows of its rivals.

The 2019 Nissan Altima is a five-passenger midsize sedan available in five trim levels: S, SR, SV, SL and Platinum. The S base trim is indeed pretty basic, but offers nice surprises for the money. The SV adds more creature comforts, including a full suite of active driver aids, and the SL takes it further with features such as leather seats and navigation. The fully loaded Platinum adds a few final flourishes. The SR is the Altima's sporty variant. It comes equipped similar to the S, but adds more performance-oriented features.

The Altima's standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (188 horsepower, 180 pound-feet of torque) paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.

An optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (248 hp, 280 lb-ft) is available for SR and Platinum trims only. It's also paired with CVT, but it's limited to front-wheel drive.

Standard features on the S include 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry, push-button ignition, remote engine start, a rearview camera and forward collision warning.

Interior highlights include cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, satellite radio, four USB ports (two front, two rear) and a six-speaker audio system.

The SR builds on the S features with 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, transmission paddle shifters, LED headlights, daytime running lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and unique styling elements that include a rear spoiler, a dark chrome grille and carbon-fiber interior trim. The SR also includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems.

The  SV blends features from the S and SR (minus the SR's sportier elements, primarily suspension and styling) and comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, LED foglights, automatic high beams, heated front seats/side mirrors/steering wheel, and remote engine/climate control start. Additional driver aids include lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, rear automatic braking (which can apply emergency braking while in reverse), along with the ProPilot Assist features that include self-steering and stop-and-go adaptive cruise control.

Moving up to the SL brings leather upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat, a navigation system, NissanConnect app services and a nine-speaker Bose audio system.

Finally, the Platinum adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree camera and ambient cabin lighting.

The only optional package is the Premium package for the SR trim, which includes a sunroof, heated side mirrors and heated front seats. Stand-alone options include 17-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.