Hey car enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the 2019 Nissan Altima SR AWD, a sedan that aimed to shake things up in a competitive market. This review will cover everything from its performance and features to its overall value proposition, giving you the lowdown on whether this car is worth your hard-earned cash. So, buckle up, because we're about to take a ride!

Performance and Driving Experience

Let's kick things off with what matters most: how it drives. The 2019 Nissan Altima SR AWD boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which, in the SR trim, delivers a respectable amount of power. The all-wheel-drive system is a significant upgrade, especially for those living in areas with inclement weather. The system intelligently distributes power to the wheels with the most grip, improving handling and stability in various conditions. This means better traction on snowy roads and enhanced cornering performance overall.

The engine is paired with Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). While some folks aren't the biggest fans of CVTs, Nissan has refined theirs over the years. It generally offers smooth and efficient operation, though some might find the engine can get a bit loud under hard acceleration. The SR trim also features sport-tuned suspension, which gives it a slightly firmer ride and better handling than the base Altima models. This makes it more engaging to drive, with less body roll in turns. The steering is responsive, although it doesn't offer a ton of feedback. Overall, the driving experience is pleasant and confident, making it a comfortable daily driver with a touch of sportiness. I mean, who doesn't like a little bit of fun, right? The AWD system truly shines when the weather turns nasty, providing that extra peace of mind and control that's invaluable in those situations. The engine's power is adequate for everyday driving, capable of merging onto highways and passing slower vehicles without much drama. The fuel economy is also pretty good, making it a practical choice for those looking to save some money at the pump. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, ensuring a comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. The overall feel is one of competence and dependability, which is exactly what you want in a family sedan.

Engine and Transmission

As mentioned earlier, the 2019 Altima SR AWD packs a 2.5-liter inline-four engine. This engine produces a decent 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It's not going to win any drag races, but it provides enough pep for everyday tasks. The CVT is the standard transmission, and while some people might grumble about it, Nissan's version is pretty well-sorted. It does a good job of keeping the engine in its optimal power band and contributing to good fuel economy. The CVT also helps make the car feel very smooth and easy to drive, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The SR trim's sport-tuned suspension and steering add a touch of athleticism to the mix, making the car more fun to drive on twisty roads. The all-wheel-drive system further enhances the car's capabilities, providing better grip and control in various driving conditions. When it comes to real-world performance, the Altima SR AWD is a competent performer. It's not going to blow your socks off with its speed, but it's more than capable of handling everyday driving tasks with ease. The engine provides ample power for merging onto highways, passing slower vehicles, and navigating city streets. The CVT is smooth and responsive, delivering power to the wheels without any harshness or jerkiness. The all-wheel-drive system provides added confidence, especially in inclement weather. The overall driving experience is one of refinement and ease, making the Altima SR AWD a great choice for both daily commuting and weekend getaways. The engine's fuel efficiency is also a plus, helping you save money on gas. The transmission does a decent job mimicking a traditional automatic, and it's tuned well enough that you won't miss the gear changes you'd get in a car with a traditional gearbox. The overall package is designed to provide you with a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable driving experience.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside, the 2019 Nissan Altima SR AWD offers a comfortable and well-appointed cabin. The SR trim gets some sporty touches, like unique seat fabric and interior trim. The seats are supportive and comfortable, providing good bolstering to keep you in place during spirited driving. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a touchscreen display that's easy to navigate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The materials used throughout the interior are of decent quality, though you won't find any luxury-grade materials here. It's a functional and practical interior, with plenty of space for both passengers and cargo.

Comfort and Technology

Inside, the Altima SR AWD offers a comfortable and user-friendly experience. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making long drives a breeze. The SR trim gets specific interior accents that add a touch of sportiness to the cabin. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with easy-to-reach controls. The infotainment system is a highlight, offering a crisp touchscreen display and intuitive menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, allowing you to connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation with ease. The Altima also includes a suite of advanced safety features, like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, providing added peace of mind. The car's sound system is decent, delivering clear audio quality. The overall design emphasizes functionality and comfort, making it a pleasant place to spend time. The interior also has a spacious feel, which provides ample room for both front and rear passengers to stretch out. There is plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats, ensuring a comfortable ride for all occupants. The trunk is also generously sized, providing plenty of cargo space for your luggage, groceries, or whatever you need to carry. The Altima SR AWD’s combination of comfort, technology, and safety features makes it a solid choice in the mid-size sedan segment.

Safety Features

Nissan is typically pretty good when it comes to safety features, and the 2019 Altima SR AWD is no exception. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety tech, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. These features can help prevent accidents and protect you and your passengers. Higher trims often add additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Altima also performs well in crash tests, earning good ratings from both the IIHS and the NHTSA. The inclusion of these safety features, coupled with the car's solid crash test performance, makes the Altima SR AWD a safe and reliable choice for families and anyone prioritizing safety. The driver assistance systems are designed to provide an extra layer of protection, helping to mitigate the risk of accidents. The emergency braking system, for instance, can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn't react in time. The lane departure warning system alerts the driver if they start to drift out of their lane, while the blind-spot monitoring system alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, helping to prevent collisions during lane changes. The rear cross-traffic alert system warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space or driveway. The Altima's strong safety record and comprehensive safety features make it a reassuring choice for those prioritizing safety on the road.

Value and Competition

Alright, let's talk about the bottom line: value. The 2019 Nissan Altima SR AWD was priced competitively in its segment. It offered a good balance of features, performance, and safety for the price. When comparing it to its rivals, such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the Altima held its own. While the Accord and Camry might offer slightly better refinement or resale value, the Altima often stood out with its available AWD and stylish design.

Pricing and Rivals

The 2019 Nissan Altima SR AWD was priced competitively within the mid-size sedan market. Its price point positioned it as an attractive option, especially when considering the added value of the standard all-wheel-drive system. The primary competitors in this segment included the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. The Accord and Camry have historically set the bar high with their reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and overall quality. However, the Altima offered a competitive package, often appealing to buyers who appreciated its sporty design, advanced features, and the added security and capability provided by AWD. When considering value, the Altima SR AWD held its own, providing a well-rounded package for the price. It offered a compelling blend of features, performance, and safety, making it a strong contender in the mid-size sedan category. The pricing also played a crucial role in its appeal, offering an accessible entry point for buyers looking for a dependable, stylish, and capable sedan. The combination of features, performance, and price made the Altima SR AWD a solid option for those seeking a good value in the competitive mid-size sedan market. Resale values for the Altima might not match those of the Camry or Accord, but the initial price advantage and the added benefits of the AWD system often made it an attractive choice for many buyers.

Final Verdict

So, is the 2019 Nissan Altima SR AWD a good buy? Well, it depends on your needs and priorities, guys. If you live in an area with snowy winters or just want the added security of AWD, it's definitely worth considering. It offers a comfortable ride, a user-friendly interior, and a decent level of performance. It may not be the most exciting car in the world, but it's a solid, reliable, and practical choice. If you're looking for a mid-size sedan that provides a good balance of features, performance, and value, the Altima SR AWD is definitely one to add to your list. Just be sure to do your research, compare it to the competition, and see if it's the right fit for your needs and budget. Happy car hunting!