Several years in the making, the all-new 2019 Nissan Altima made its debut the New York Auto Show on March 28, 2018. Customers had said they wanted all-wheel drive, and Nissan listened. Very few midsize sedans offer all-wheel drive, and seeing this demand, Nissan decided to roll it out on the Altima.

What's New on the 2019 Nissan Altima

Since Nissan has so much experience with all-wheel drive in its crossovers, adapting such a system to the 2019 Altima was relatively straightforward. The results were very pleasing. This new Altima not only offers up an exhilarating driver experience, but it also has taken on a bold new look. To top it all off, all new Altima drivers will also benefit from the vehicle's upgraded safety features.  From the interior design to its exterior design, to the new engine and all-wheel drive, it's hard to find something that isn't new about the 2019 Nissan Altima. Continue reading to learn why you buy a 2019 Nissan Altima this year.

1. It is Better On Gas Than Previous Altimas

With its new engine, you can anticipate getting roughly 28 mpg around the city and up to 39 miles per gallon highway. You do not have to fill up on premium fuel for that either. Regular unleaded gas is all you need for the base engine. If you decide to go with the new VC-Turbo engine, you should expect fuel economy closer to 34 miles per gallon while driving on the highway.

2. More Thrilling Drive

Before this year, most drivers would not describe the Altima as being fun to drive vehicles. That has all changed with the 2019 Nissan Altima, though. This year's model design delivers a more thrilling driving experience than ever before. Its improved handling is noticeable the moment you hit the road. This progression is, in part, due to an overall wider stance than previous generations. The wider body design helps the all-new Altima wind through twisty roads with a higher level of precision. It also quite a bit smoother and noticeably quieter than past Altima designs. You will also notice that models with the standard suspension offer the smoothest ride, the Altima SR's sports-tuned dampers promote especially tight handling.

3. Available All-Wheel Drive

For the first time, Nissan has decided to offer the Altima with all-wheel drive. This feature gives the Altima a distinct advantage over the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. Drivers won't need to press any buttons to gain better traction. The advanced AWD system immediately reacts to changing road conditions. During the winter, anyone living in snow-prone areas will significantly appreciate the enhanced grip that this feature offers. Fortunately, choosing the all-wheel drive system only causes a slight decrease in fuel efficiency.

4. New VC-Turbo Engine

For 2019, Nissan has introduced its brand new VC-Turbo engine. Replacing the previous V6 engine, this turbocharged four-cylinder engine can change its compression ratio based on the demands of the driver, which ensures superior fuel efficiency. When it comes to performance, the new VC-Turbo engine delivers an impressive 248 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque when operating on premium fuel. Nissan claims that drivers will be able to reach 60 mph in a super fast 5.8 seconds.

5. New Safety Features

For 2019, the Nissan Altima now offers ProPILOT Assist. Designed to reduce tasks for the driver, this safety system is among the most ingenious features in the class. ProPILOT Assist no only helps keeps you centered in your lane while driving; it can also automatically bring you to a stop if it senses traffic has stopped in front of you. It comes standard on most trims. Rear automatic braking is also offered on the Nissan Altima now as well.

6. More Powerful Base Engine

In past years, the Altima's base engine was often a popular choice due to its efficiency and reasonable response. This year things are changing a bit. The Altima's new 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine serves up a robust188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. That extra kick will give you greater confidence when merging onto a busy freeway. r.

7. Bold Exterior Styling

 Sitting lower to the ground and having an overall sportier exterior profile, most are going to love the new model's aggressive styling. Altima's redesigned V-Motion grille also gives the vehicle a more rapacious look. Meanwhile, a sleek hood emphasizes the Altima's brawny appearance. Rolling on a set of 19-inch performance wheels, the SR Altima model is among the hottest family sedans you are going to find on the road today. To top it all off, choose from some new stunning exterior colors, including Scarlet Ember, Deep Blue Pearl, and Pearl White.

8. Affordable Pricing

 The entry-level 2019 Nissan Altima S should interest a wide array of buyers. Staring out in the $24,000 range, many drivers will enjoy the improved all-around performance and efficiency that the base four-cylinder engine. Drivers will also be happy to find a substantial list of standard goodies on the 2019 Altima. An 8.0-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a backup camera, and voice recognition are some of the most notable features included this year. So there you have it. Did I miss anything? Have you driven a new 2019 Nissan Altima yet? Let us know what you think of it in the comments below. Thanks for reading everyone!