Altima features new look, engines in sixth generation

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews also can be seen in the Northern & Central California Cruisin’ News magazine published monthly out of Folsom, California.

Sacramento, California -- The 2019 model year marked a year of change for the Altima, Nissan's venerable midsize sedan.

My tester was the 2019 Altima 2.5 SL AWD, and I used to be disappointed when I saw the "2.5" version.  That meant that I was not getting the strong 3-liter V-6.  But again, things have changed in this sixth-generation model.

The 2.5.-liter, four-cylinder engine now puts out an enthusiastic 188 horses, and for the first time ever on an Altima, it is matched with the automaker's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system.  It makes for an impressive performance package.

My Altima was loud and strong off the line and buzzed through heavy freeway traffic with admirable agility.  The car sawed off hard, high-speed corners with ease, and I found myself routinely blazing by vehicles on sharp turns with nary a wiggle from the chassis.

An edgy, sporty exterior look was added for 2019, and while some have called it wild, I liked it ... especially wearing a sparkling "Scarlet Ember Tintcoat" paint job.

To compete in this brutally crowded segment, a midsize model needs to be loaded, and Nissan did not drop the ball with this freshened Altima.  The long list of standard safety, security, comfort and convenience features is likely to please most shoppers.

My ride included rear cross traffic alert, a vehicle immobilizer system, intelligent headlights, a traffic sign-recognition system and multiple driving-enhancement technologies.

Even with all that and the kitchen sink, the bottom line on the sticker came in at a fairly reasonable $32,930, a good number to ponder when the competition includes heavyweights like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

It should be noted that performance-minded folks can bump up the rubber-burning curve by getting the Altima with the new-for-2019 2-liter turbo-4 power plant.  That one is rated at 248 horsepower with a max torque rating of 273 foot-pounds.

That's pretty serious muscle in this segment, but I'm guessing plenty of buyers will be happy with the 2.5-liter base engine.

Overall, this updated Altima has a lot to like.  Little wonder that the model is closing in on 6 million unit sales over its extended lifetime.