Nissan recently introduced the all-new, sixth-generation 2019 Altima.
The 2019 Altima will be available in five grade levels, along with a limited-production launch edition.
Replacing the previous-generation Altima’s 3.5-liter V6 engine is a variable compression turbo inline four-cylinder. Designated as the VC-Turbo, the new technology continuously transforms the engine characteristics, providing both dynamic and efficient performance.
The VC-Turbo has been in development for 20 years. It seamlessly changes its compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency) — with an advanced multi-link system continuously raising or lowering the pistons’ reach to transform the compression ratio. A high compression ratio gives greater efficiency, but in certain applications poses the risk of premature combustion (knocking). A low compression ratio allows for greater power and torque, and avoids knocking.
The multi-link components are manufactured in high-carbon steel alloy. Compared with the previous 3.5-liter V6 engine, the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo requires less space in the engine bay. The engine delivers 248 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.
The VC-Turbo engine utilizes both multi-point injection and direct injection to balance efficiency and power in all conditions. The direct injection gasoline system improves combustion efficiency and performance, and enables the engine to avoid knocking at higher compression ratios, while the multi-point injection mixes fuel and air earlier, enabling complete combustion in the chamber for greater efficiency at low engine loads. The engine also contributes to lower NVH and improved emissions.
For the first time, Nissan is introducing two completely new engines for one new model change.
Standard on all grade levels is the new 2.5-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder direct injection engine, which is rated at 188 horsepower (versus the previous 2.5-liter’s 179 horsepower) and 180 pound-feet of torque (versus the previous 177 pound-feet) and features 80-percent new or redesigned parts.
More than just the gains in horsepower and torque, the new engine offers improvements in noise, vibration and harshness, along with enhanced fuel economy and cleaner emissions. It also has a lower profile through adoption of a “reverse” cylinder head with integrated exhaust manifold and low engine mounting into the new platform’s engine bay for quieter operation.
Key changes to the engine’s design include a thermal-insulated intake port, direct injection gasoline system, variable tumble control valve, mirror bore cylinder coating, variable displacement oil pump, intake e-VTC and cooled external EGR.
All 2019 Altima models, including both engine configurations, come equipped with a standard Xtronic transmission. For 2019, the Xtronic transmission received an expanded lock-up area for improved efficiency.
The 2019 Altima features Nissan’s ProPilot Assist. ProPilot Assist eases driver workload by reducing the amount of driver acceleration, steering and braking input under certain driving conditions, such as single-lane highway driving.
ProPilot Assist is the foundation for the autonomous vehicles of the future, helping drivers stay centered in the lane, navigate stop-and-go traffic, maintain a set vehicle speed and maintain a set distance to the vehicle ahead. And, it’s all activated with a simple two-button operation. To turn on the system, the driver simply pushes the ProPilot Assist On button, then sets the Intelligent Cruise Control when the desired speed is reached, as with a normal advanced cruise control system.
ProPilot Assist is standard on the 2019 Altima SV, SL and Platinum grades.
Along with ProPilot Assist, also new for 2019 is Rear Automatic Braking, which helps detect large stationary objects when backing up, and if necessary, applies the brakes to help avoid a collision. When an object is detected while driving the vehicle in reverse at low speed, the system warns the driver with visual and audible warnings. If the driver’s braking is not sufficient and there is still a risk of a collision, the system issues second visual and audible warnings and applies harder braking immediately before the potential collision. The new Rear Automatic Braking system is standard on Altima SV, SL and Platinum grades.
A new Traffic Sign Recognition system provides Altima drivers with the most recent speed limit information detected by a camera unit located on the windshield in front of the inside rearview mirror. The information from detected signs is displayed in the Advanced Drive Assist Display. In vehicles equipped with navigation, the speed limit display is based on a combination of navigation system data and camera recognition.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is being offered for the first time on the Altima. The AWD system is available in all trim levels equipped with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The system uses an advanced torque split control strategy that automatically redistributes torque to the wheels (0:100 front up to 50:50 front-to-rear) according to road and driving conditions. In addition, cooperative control between the AWD torque distribution, brake limited slip differential and Hill Start optimizes performance on hill starts and rough roads.
The 2019 Altima will be offered in a range of trim levels — S, SR, SV, SL and Platinum. All five come equipped with the standard 2.5-liter engine and are available with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.
Altima S includes standard Automatic Emergency Braking, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, Rear View Monitor, NissanConnect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 7-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display, Remote Engine Start, 12-volt DC power outlet, four front/rear USB charge ports (Type-A and Type-C), eight-way power driver's seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, Rear Door Alert and more.
Altima SR grade models add 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, unique rear diffuser color, sport suspension (FWD only), sport interior with sport seat, paddle shifters, leather-appointed steering wheel, LED projector headlights, dark chrome grille, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, exhaust finishers, black side mirror caps and body colored door handles.
The 2019 Altima SV features a moonroof, LED fog lights, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, ProPilot Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Automatic Braking, heated outside mirrors with LED turn signals, two-way power lumbar support, High Beam Assist, rear console HVAC vents and Dual Zone Auto Climate Control.
Additional features found on every Altima SL include Bose Premium Sound System with nine speakers, NissanConnect with Navigation and Services, Traffic Sign Recognition, leather-appointed seats and four-way power passenger seat.
And, the fully equipped Altima Platinum includes 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Intelligent Around View Monitor, interior accent lighting and driver memory seat.
In addition, Altima SR and Platinum grades are available with the advanced 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine (front-wheel drive only).
Servicing the 2019 Nissan Altima
The 2019 Nissan Altima is equipped with an oil control system. It calculates engine oil and filter change intervals based on driving conditions. Driving in severe conditions will shorten the engine oil and filter change interval.If the oil replacement indicator is displayed, the engine oil should be changed within two weeks or less than 500 miles (800 km). Operating the vehicle with deteriorated engine oil can damage the engine. If the oil replacement indicator resets prematurely or becomes inoperative, the oil should be changed within six months or 3,750 miles (6,000 km) from the last oil change.
STANDARD MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE – 2.5L ENGINE
Every 12 months or 10,000 miles (16,000 km):- Replace engine oil
- Replace engine oil filter
- Inspect brake lines and cables
- Inspect brake pads and rotors
- Inspect CVT fluid
- Inspect transfer fluid and differential gear oil
- Inspect propeller shaft and drive shaft boots (AWD model)
Every 18 months or 15,000 miles (24,000 km):
- Replace in-cabin microfilter
- Inspect Nissan Intelligent Key battery
Every 24 months or 20,000 miles (32,000 km):
- Inspect EVAP vapor lines
- Inspect fuel lines
- Replace brake fluid
- Inspect steering gear and linkage, axle and suspension parts
- Inspect exhaust system
Every 36 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km):
- Replace air cleaner filter
Every 48 months or 40,000 miles (64,000 km):
- Inspect drive belt
- Note: After 40,000 miles (64,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months. Replace the drive belts if found damaged.
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km):
- Replace spark plugs (Iridium – tipped type)
- Note: Replace spark plug when the plug gap exceeds 1.35 mm (0.053 in) even if within specified periodic replacement mileage.
At 84 months or 105,000 miles (168,000 km):
- Replace engine coolant
- Note: After first replacement, replace every 75,000 miles (120,000 km) or 60 months.
SEVERE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE – 2.5L ENGINE
If the vehicle is mainly operated under severe driving conditions, more frequent maintenance must be performed. Severe driving conditions include: repeated short trips of less than 5 miles (8 km); repeated short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km) with outside temperatures remaining below freezing; operating in hot weather in stop-and-go “rush hour” traffic; extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distance, such as police, taxi or door-to-door delivery use; driving in dusty conditions; driving on rough, muddy or salt-spread roads; or using a car-top carrier.Every six months or 5,000 miles (8,000 km):
- Inspect brake pads and rotors
- Inspect steering gear and linkage, axle and suspension parts
- Inspect propeller shaft and drive shaft boots (AWD model)
- Inspect exhaust system
Every 12 months or 10,000 miles (16,000 km):
- Replace brake fluid
Every 24 months or 20,000 miles (32,000 km):
- If using a car-top carrier or driving on rough or muddy roads, change (not just inspect) oil.
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km):
- If using a car-top carrier or driving on rough or muddy roads, inspect CVT fluid deterioration and change CVT fluid if necessary.
- Note: If the inspection is not performed, change (not just inspect) CVT fluid every 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
STANDARD MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE – 2.0L ENGINE
Every 12 months or 7,500 miles (12,000 km):- Replace engine oil
- Replace engine oil filter
- Inspect brake lines and cables
- Inspect brake pads and rotors
- Inspect CVT fluid
- Inspect front drive shaft boots
Every 18 months or 11,250 miles (18,000 km):
- Replace in-cabin microfilter
- Inspect Nissan Intelligent Key battery
Every 24 months or 15,000 miles (24,000 km):
- Inspect EVAP vapor lines
- Inspect fuel lines
- Replace brake fluid
- Inspect steering gear and linkage, axle and suspension parts
- Inspect exhaust system
Every 48 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km):
- Inspect drive belt
- Replace air cleaner filter
- Note: After 48 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km), inspect drive belt every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months. Replace the drive belts if found damaged.
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km):
- Replace spark plugs
- Note: Replace spark plug when the plug gap exceeds 0.049 in (1.25 mm) even if within the specified periodic replacement mileage.
At 84 months or 105,000 miles (168,000 km):
- Replace engine coolant
- Note: After first replacement, replace every 75,000 miles (120,000 km) or 60 months.
SEVERE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE – 2.5L ENGINE
If the vehicle is mainly operated under severe driving conditions, more frequent maintenance must be performed. Severe driving conditions include: repeated short trips of less than 5 miles (8 km); repeated short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km) with outside temperatures remaining below freezing; operating in hot weather in stop-and-go “rush hour” traffic; extensive idling and/or low-speed dirving for long distance, such as police, taxi or door-to-door delivery use; driving in dusty conditions; driving on rough, muddy or salt-spread roads; or using a car-top carrier.Every six months or 3,750 miles (6,000 km):
- Inspect brake pads and rotors
- Inspect steering gear and linkage, axle and suspension parts
- Inspect front drive shaft boots
- Inspect exhaust system
Every 12 months or 7,500 miles (12,000 km):
- Replace brake fluid
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km):
- If using a car-top carrier or driving on rough or muddy roads, inspect CVT fluid deterioration and change CVT fluid if necessary.
- Note: If the inspection is not performed, change (not just inspect) CVT fluid every 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
