2019 Nissan Altima SR Review: Price, Specs, and Sporty Appeal
Introduction
The 2019 Nissan Altima SR brings a sporty twist to Nissan’s popular midsize sedan lineup. With its sharp design, advanced technology, and athletic performance features, the SR trim targets drivers who want more excitement from their daily commute. The Altima, a long-time competitor in the midsize sedan market, has always been known for its reliability and comfort, but the 2019 SR model aims to deliver a more engaging driving experience.
In this review, we’ll explore the Altima SR’s design, performance, specifications, and overall value to see how it stands out in a crowded field of midsize sedans.
Detailed Overview
The 2019 Nissan Altima SR takes the base Altima and enhances it with a sportier exterior, paddle shifters, and a more aggressive suspension setup. It’s available with both the standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine or Nissan’s innovative VC-Turbo engine, which offers a unique blend of power and efficiency. With sharp handling and stylish design cues, the SR trim is perfect for drivers seeking a more dynamic feel without sacrificing everyday usability.
Design and Build Quality
The 2019 Altima SR builds on the striking redesign that Nissan introduced for this generation of the Altima. With its bold V-motion grille, sleek LED headlights, and muscular stance, the Altima SR exudes a sporty and upscale vibe. The SR trim adds unique 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and black side mirrors, which all contribute to its aggressive appearance.
Inside, the Altima SR features a modern, well-appointed cabin with sport-inspired accents. The seats are upholstered in a mix of cloth and synthetic leather, featuring contrast stitching that adds a premium touch. The flat-bottom steering wheel and aluminum sport pedals reinforce the car’s performance-oriented character. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, offering plenty of legroom for both front and rear passengers, making it suitable for long trips as well as daily commuting.
While the Altima’s interior design isn’t as luxurious as some competitors in its class, it strikes a nice balance between sportiness and practicality. The materials are durable and the layout is intuitive, with easy-to-reach controls and a driver-centric cockpit.
Performance and Handling
The 2019 Nissan Altima SR is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine that produces 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the SR trim is also available with Nissan’s 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine, which produces 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This innovative engine adjusts its compression ratio in real time to deliver both strong acceleration and impressive fuel economy.
Both engine options are paired with Nissan’s continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is tuned to simulate traditional gear changes for a more engaging driving experience. The SR trim also features paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel, allowing drivers to manually control the transmission for added control on twisty roads.
The SR’s sport-tuned suspension offers sharper handling than the standard Altima models, providing more responsive steering and reduced body roll during cornering. However, it still retains a smooth ride quality, making it a comfortable car for everyday driving. While it’s not as agile as some dedicated sports sedans, the Altima SR strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness.
Safety and Technology
The 2019 Altima SR comes equipped with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite, which includes features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features help enhance the safety of the vehicle, giving drivers added confidence behind the wheel.
In terms of technology, the SR trim comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The interface is straightforward and easy to use, though it lacks some of the more advanced features found in rival systems. A 6-speaker audio system is standard, but higher trims offer a premium Bose sound system for those who want a richer audio experience.
Specifications
- Engine (Base): 2.5-liter inline-4
- Horsepower: 188 hp
- Torque: 180 lb-ft
- Engine (Optional): 2.0-liter VC-Turbo
- Horsepower (Turbo): 248 hp
- Torque (Turbo): 273 lb-ft
- Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Drive Type: Front-wheel drive (FWD), All-wheel drive (available with 2.5-liter engine)
- Fuel Economy: 28 mpg city / 39 mpg highway (2.5-liter), 25 mpg city / 34 mpg highway (VC-Turbo)
- Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
- Cargo Space: 15.4 cubic feet
Pricing
The 2019 Nissan Altima SR starts at around $25,750, making it a competitively priced option in the midsize sedan segment. Opting for the more powerful VC-Turbo engine raises the price closer to $30,000. Given the Altima SR’s blend of performance, comfort, and technology, it offers good value for drivers who want a midsize sedan with a sportier edge.
Conclusion
The 2019 Nissan Altima SR successfully combines the practicality of a midsize sedan with sporty styling and performance. Its sharp design, responsive handling, and available VC-Turbo engine make it an appealing option for those who want a little more excitement in their daily drive. While it may not be a full-blown sports sedan, the Altima SR offers a nice balance of sportiness and everyday comfort, making it a solid choice for those who want a well-rounded vehicle with a touch of flair.
Recommendation
If you’re looking for a midsize sedan that stands out from the crowd with sporty styling and sharp handling, the 2019 Nissan Altima SR is worth considering. It offers enough performance and technology to keep driving enthusiasts happy while still providing the comfort and practicality expected in a daily driver.
