A new 2.5-liter and a variable-compression-ratio turbo 2.0-liter represent the first major powertrain updates in more than 15 years.

It may be hard to believe, but the Nissan Altima has had the same two engine options for more than 15 years. The current 2018 Altima uses the same basic 2.5-liter inline-four and 3.5-liter V-6 engines that debuted with the 2002 model. Code-named QR25DE and VQ35DE, these engines have received minor updates over the years, but a comprehensive powertrain overhaul has been overdue for some time. That’s especially true now that the Nissan’s two heavy-hitter rivals, the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry, are freshly redesigned.

The Altima is now getting a redesign of its own for 2019, and it includes an underhood update in the form of two new four-cylinder engines. The base engine is again a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four, and it even shares the same block and cylinder head as the old engine. But Nissan claims that 95 percent of the parts are new, and the engine gets a new code name: PR25DD. Direct injection replaces the old port-injection system, the compression ratio rises, and horsepower and torque each increase slightly. The Altima’s upgrade engine represents an even more significant change: The V-6 is gone, and in its place is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with Nissan’s new variable-compression-ratio tech; this same engine (code-named KR20DDET) made its debut in the 2019 Infiniti QX50.

We’ve just experienced both of these engines in a trio of 2019 Altima prototypes at the company’s proving grounds in Arizona. And while we can’t yet talk about the Altima’s ride and handling characteristics until closer to the on-sale date this fall, we can share how these two new engines feel, sound, and behave in the redesigned mid-size sedan.

2.0T VC-T: Complex but Conventional

No other automaker can claim to have anything like the tech offered in the Altima’s turbo four. Called VC-T or VC-Turbo—for Variable Compression Turbo—this 2.0-liter engine can vary its compression ratio from 14.0:1 to 8.0:1 to maximize either fuel efficiency or power. We’ve detailed the system thoroughly before, but to sum up, it’s all achieved through a complex system that adds a link between the crankshaft and the connecting rod. An actuator changes the angle of the link to vary the relative position of the pistons in the cylinders, thus changing the compression ratio.

This all adds up to fairly ordinary numbers for a turbocharged 2.0-liter four: 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque; that’s down 20 hp and 7 lb-ft from the QX50, due to different tuning and the Altima’s diet of regular fuel in place of the Infiniti’s required premium. But Nissan expects the VC-Turbo to deliver higher fuel-economy numbers than other 2.0T competitors. EPA estimates aren’t available yet, but that would mean topping the Honda Accord 2.0T’s 27-mpg combined rating and the Chevrolet Malibu 2.0T’s 26 mpg.

Despite what the advanced tech might suggest, the VC-T behaves rather like other 2.0-liter turbo fours, with strong low-end torque and a linear power curve. Only its somewhat guttural exhaust note and lowish redline of 6000 rpm give the engine away as something unusual.

We drove both SR and Platinum-trim cars, which had the 2.0T combined with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)—the only transmission available with either engine. The VC-T’s distinctive sound added a measure of sporty character to the Altima, and it felt predictably stronger and torquier than the 2.5-liter car throughout the rev range. But the VC-T is a bit less refined than the naturally aspirated mill, being more aurally present, and transmits more vibration into the cabin than the base engine. While we admit that it’s amazing that this engine can behave so normally given its abnormal internal tricks, the increase in overall NVH isolation is at odds with the VC-T’s position as the premium powertrain, especially given the exceptional smoothness and polished demeanor of the Accord’s 2.0T.

2.5L: Gone to Finishing School

In the base-model 2019 Altima S with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, CVT, and front-wheel drive, we were impressed by the new engine’s refinement. The old 2.5-liter was grainy and coarse, with unseemly vibrations and an annoying amount of noise under hard or even moderate acceleration. The new engine not only revs smoothly, it sounds hushed even at higher revs as the structure does a better job of isolating it from the cabin.

Peak power increases by 9 horsepower to 188, while torque climbs to 180 lb-ft from 177 lb-ft, which is not enough for a noticeable difference in flat-out acceleration (a 2018 Altima 2.5L went from zero to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds in our testing) without a significant weight loss. The sensation when you put your foot down is far more pleasant, though, thanks to the retuned CVT, which uses more sharply defined artificial “shift” points to mimic a conventional gearbox and minimize droning.

Nissan is targeting a 1-mpg improvement in the EPA’s combined fuel-economy cycle, which would put it at 32 mpg, still a bit behind the Accord and Camry’s best combined ratings of 33 mpg and 34 mpg. The real ace up the base-engine Altima’s sleeve may be its new all-wheel-drive option, which we did not experience. Available only with the 2.5-liter engine (Nissan says that AWD doesn’t work with the turbo four in the Altima for packaging reasons), it’s expected to be popular in the Northeast, and it earns the Altima entry into the fairly exclusive club of mainstream mid-size sedans offered with AWD, which currently includes only the Subaru Legacy and the Ford Fusion—and the Fusion is being phased out.

The 2019 Altima has its eyes set on the top of this highly competitive segment, a tall task given the excellence of many of its foes. The two new engines carry significant advantages over their predecessors, although our final assessments will have to wait until we can subject them to our instrumented testing and real-world fuel-economy regimens. Until then—and until we can share our full impressions of this new mid-size sedan—we’ll simply have to leave it at this: Things look promising for the Altima now that it has legitimately new engines for the first time since flip phones were popular.

The popular Nissan Altima receives a comprehensive makeover for the 2023 model year with new front end styling, expanded standard safety features and available technologies, along with new wheel designs and two new exterior colors.

Like all Nissan sedans, Altima brings an exceptional level of advanced technology to its segment - including available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, ProPILOT Assist and standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360 technologies.

Altima offers to customers a diverse lineup, with two available engines, front-wheel or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and four well-equipped grade levels. The 2023 model lineup is available in eight grades: S FWD, SV FWD, SV AWD, SR FWD, SR AWD, SL FWD, SL AWD and SR VC-Turbo FWD.

The 2023 Nissan Altima will go on sale in fall 2022.

Enhanced exterior, new wheels and colors

The most prominent feature of the 2023 Altima refresh is a new front fascia, with an updated expression of Nissan's V-Motion grille that delivers a distinctively sporty design and adopts the redesigned brand logo. The SR grades receive a special "black chrome" grille finish along with a unique grille design that differentiates it from the other grades. Behind the new front fascia, key exterior elements include the now standard LED headlights with integrated turn signals in the daytime running lights, expressive, identifiable taillight design and available single panel moonroof.

For 2023, two new exterior colors are added to the palette - Gray Sky Pearl and Garnett Pearl Metallic, joining the previously available Scarlet Ember Tintcoat (premium color), Brilliant Silver Metallic, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Pearl White TriCoat (premium color), Glacier White, and Deep Blue Pearl.

In addition, there are four new aluminum-alloy wheel designs - a 17-inch wheel for Altima SV and individual 19-inch wheel designs for SR, SL and SR VC-Turbo.

The 2023 Nissan Altima interior offers a near-luxury feel in both design and materials - including revised instrument panel finishings and a new dual-stitch interior fabric design for SR models. It also delivers a high level of convenience and connectivity features - including an available 7.0-inch Advanced Drive-AssistTM Display, NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seat design with dual-density foam and bolstering, available leather-appointed seating, and available 8-way power driver's seat.

Upgraded technology

Among the enhancements for the 2023 model year are the additions of a new 12.3-inch HD color display with multi-touch control, Nissan Door-to-Door Navigation system, Android Auto™, wireless Apple CarPlay®, wireless phone charging pad and WiFi hotspot, all standard on Altima SL and SR VC-Turbo grades and available on SV.

The new 12.3-inch display, the same size as found in the premium Nissan Armada full-size SUV, replaces the previous 8.0-inch display and features a high-resolution display that provides clear images and crisp graphics. The customizable home screen includes shortcuts to user favorites and one-line destination search.

The Altima's selection of audio and infotainment choices include a Bose® Premium Audio system with nine speakers, available Active Noise Cancellation, and Amazon Alexa® to help customers simplify and organize their lives using just voice commands.

Available NissanConnect® Services powered by SiriusXM® (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately) - standard on Altima SL and SR Turbo and included with SV and SR Premium Packages - provides compatible smartphone and smartwatch access to features, such as Remote Engine Start/Stop, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Valet Alert and more. Additionally, certain remote features are accessible through the NissanConnect Services Amazon Alexa Skill and Google Assistant Action.

Advanced powertrains

The 2023 Nissan Altima is available with a choice of two 4-cylinder powerplants, a 2.0-liter Variable Compression (VC) Turbo or an advanced 2.5-liter DOHC engine.

Available exclusively on the Altima SR front-wheel drive model, the VC-Turbo generates the performance of some V6 gasoline engines but with 4-cylinder level fuel economy. The engine delivers 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque (when using 93 octane fuel) and delivers fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined.

VC-Turbo technology - which utilizes both multi-point injection and Nissan's Direct Injection Gasoline system, 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.

Available throughout the Altima lineup is an advanced 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine, which is rated at 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque FWD (182 hp/178 lb-ft AWD).

Fuel economy for the 2.5-liter engine is rated at 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined for front-wheel drive S model, and 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined for front-wheel drive SV, SR and SL models

Fuel economy for Altima 2.5-liter AWD models is rated at 26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined for all-wheel drive SV and SL models, and 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined for the all-wheel drive SR model.

All 2023 Altima models, including both engine configurations, come equipped with a standard Xtronic transmission. Paddle shifters are standard with the Altima SR grade.

Available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available on 2023 Altima SV, SR and SL grades equipped with the 2.5-liter 4-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.

Confidence and driving pleasure are enhanced as the AWD torque distribution, brake limited slip differential and Hill Start Assist optimize performance on hill starts and rough roads.

ProPILOT Assist leads the way

For the 2023 model year, Altima continues to lead the way in driver assistance with Nissan's advanced ProPILOT Assist system - standard on Altima SL and SR VC-Turbo and optional on SV.

ProPILOT Assist utilizes a forward-facing camera, forward-facing radar, sensors and an electronic control module to help the driver stay in the center of the driving lane and to maintain vehicle speed (set by the driver) and help maintain a preset distance to the preceding vehicle if the vehicle speed drops below the driver-set speed. It also can slow the vehicle to a complete stop and hold the vehicle during traffic jam conditions.

Standard on all Altima grades for 2023 is Safety Shield® 360, which helps provide front, side and rear safety monitoring and intervention technologies. Safety Shield® 360 includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, radar-based Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and High Beam Assist.

Also standard on all grades is Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Driver Alertness and standard on the Altima SL and SR VC-Turbo grades is Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Around View® Monitor.

Dynamic performance and chassis control

Along with the all-weather traction offered by the all-wheel drive system, Altima features an advanced independent front and rear suspension, with monotube rear shocks to provide exceptional vehicle response without impacting harshness. Additionally, Altima SR grades features unique suspension and chassis tuning for sportier handling and ride.

The steering system features a dual-pinion electric power steering design, which reduces steering effort at low speeds for ease of driving. Effort is increased at higher speeds for improved feedback and control. Altima also includes an available advanced Integrated Dynamics Module that features two unique systems - Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control - similar to those found on the flagship Nissan Maxima sedan.