My Honda HR-V. It got high centered in a snow drift in my driveway and the AWD kept shutting off from all the spinning. That said I would still choose it over a Subaru because it's overall a simpler system and I had a Subaru with constant "torque bind" problems.
my G35 AWD, was in a bad snow storm in 2016, spinning all four tires moving slowly, i smelled something burning, i didnt get an AWD warning light so i dont know if it was transmission fluid or the AWD transfer case fluid, i did make it home, that was the first snow storm that my AWD car met its match in snow, but years later still no transmission or AWD system problems
I just bought the 2019 nissan sv took it through one of the worst snow blizzards on my way to ski resort deep in maine and had no issues, it drove better then some trucks and work trucks I have driven and I have driven them all and my buddys sti, that thing is a beast I feel like u have something against Altima, but anyone looking to buy for awd it is no joke absolute beast in all conditions
We have the same system in our Murano and never had an issue. It’s not meant to be treated like a Jeep, it works perfectly for those snowy drives home from work.
I have an RDX and the SH-AWD is phenomenal. I watched the display show it rapidly distribute power front back, side to side, and it was amazing. Even with it in desperate need of new tires, I never really got stuck
Great detailed review. Loved how you integrated the read of the Nissan response into the video. Those "slip n grip" AWD systems aren't for driving enthusiasts.
@DrivingSportsTV Could you do the next AWD snow test with and without winter tires? It would be intersting to see how a mainstream AWD system performs with winter tires.
For the conditions you were driving in it was completely unacceptable for the awd system to overheat. Even from Nissan's instructions you were correct in driving with vdc off up a snowy hill.
it's not designed for that.. same manufacturers just don't warn u that ur reaching the limits of the rated design.. u need a jeep or truck with a mechanical system that kind of abuse
I mean, who's going to be taking a 2.5 Altima off road on a snowy incline meant for SUV's and big trucks with 4 wheel drive and a rear locking differential?? 🤔
He sums it up pretty well at the end of the video. Like most crossovers, these AWD systems are designed to keep average jane and joe in Northern states going through poor weather with the occasional slip or going up to that vacation cabin rather than serious, sustained off-roading.
@@justinbrown2570 it just didn't seem that the conditions were all that radical to me. It wasn't really "off road" so much as a mildly snow-covered dirt or gravel road. I would certainly take my Outback with snow tires up there and I sure wouldn't expect any problems.
@@ericharman4064 I sure would expect an outback to have a more robust awd system than a mainstream family sedan that has a slip then grip awd setup; especially one from a company that touts itself as a go anywhere do anything vehicle manufacturer. This altima performed exactly as expected from any awd slip then grip setup with a multi plate wet clutch design... it's not designed to transfer power all of the time. Look up CRVs, Acadias, Traverses, Explorers, etc, they all have the same setup and they all have the same symptoms when people try to play off road warrior with them. "AWD not available," "AWD Fault, see owners manual," etc.
You need better tires, not just AWD. Had a Subaru Legacy as a company car with performance summer tires on it and it was terrifying in the snow. Worse than my front-wheel drive car with all-seasons.
As a former Nissan owner I have had three Rogues for my wife and myself, and I have owned two Altimas and a Sentra. I was considering getting this new 2019 Altima but I decided to get a Subaru Impreza and save myself about $9,000 and I think and again this is just my opinion, the all-wheel drive system in the Subaru is much better
I'm a bit torn on this, and I'm partially wondering if this is a slightly weaker system than what's used in the Rogue. There are videos all over especially in Russia of some crazy things being done with the Rogue/X-Trail with no over heat. I'm disappointed to see the system react this way, but with someone turning VDC off and basically hooning it around I'm not too surprised.
I've driven a Subaru, of sorts, for 11 years now... And even with turning off the nannies I've never experienced anything with my AWD system being weird. Then again, symmetrical AWD is a bit different than this system.
@@Y10Q That would apply to the manual transmissions with t he viscous coupling. The automatic transmissions use a multi plate clutch housed as part of the transmission.
This video finally got helped me crack the code as too why on our 2014 Edge with awd would give a signal of “check awd” and I have finally pinpointed each time it’s done it and it’s of course when I wanted to have some fun with the AWD in snow or slick roads.. hmmm makes sense though.! Great review !!! Love the Altima in Silver! This video might have gotten me to take a look into one!
That's what I normally do in dealership lol and could get mustang out without any issues with traction control off, this guy probably doesn't know what's he doing
Yup, he was driving it like it was RWD. If it was RWD then ideally you want the wheels straight when you're trying to get unstuck. But if your front wheels are moving then you should turn the wheel to try and get as much grip as possible.
He’s also sawing away at the wheel counter steering nothing...he is creating slides that don’t need to happen. Then he brags about his winter driving experience, amazing
I've heard a lot of complaints about the cvt trans being weak and the overheating issue is not good. I was thinking of getting one but all the things I've heard it makes me look elsewhere..
I understand why it heats because the system stays on and the wheels keep spinning the whole time. So that’s why the system gets tired and says I need a break. It is recommended to keep it off the whole time unless you got stuck at you said. I know it sucks that the power keeps cutting off but it’s actually for saftey
The 2019 AWD Altima might be a good buy used in 2021 or 2022 with low miles after it's depreciated to reflect its real value, if you like the amenities and MPG of the Altima. I like my 2013 Altima because I've had no issues with it and the great MPG, but I'm paranoid that the CVT is going to go out any time.
I have a 2011 Altima wit 133k. Never had any issues ever. Thinking about getting rid of it before CVT issues. Brother in law had same car and only got 166k before CVT gave out.
Oh you missed the reason why I bought 3 new Altima's in the past 15 years and it's the reason I can't buy a new one this year , They took away the 45 inches of front leg room , I'am 6' 6" and long legged , But Infinity keeps the 45" of front leg room
Nissan is doing so well since Ghosn been arrested. The Altima has come a long way since 2007 it shouldn't die anytime soon seen few on the streets not many it looks better than Accord exterior it seems the Altima has grown so much.
Me and my wife test drove this car. I liked it, she was ok with it the deal breaker was no CD player. It's a little thing but when they are still vehicles that are new and still offer it, it was something we wanted.
The thing is with AWD systems they are expected to work without issues such as overheating. What would happen if the car stayed stuck in the snow with the AWD system working to get it out. I'm sure that warning message would pop up again and the car would still be stuck so what good is AWD if automakers aren't gonna at least put high temp fluid in the case so that they can continue to work in challenging situations.
Malcome Allen well he was driving it like he had a WRX or STI almost rallying Esq lol, a person driving normally would have way more time before the system overheats to get out.
As soon as I saw he deactivated the VDC I knew the car was gonna get stuck. In the case of the Altima, I felt like Nissan’s AWD system is more a last resort system than a way to have fun. The Altima is kind of the king of the rental fleet and the go to for a fuel efficient bargain sedan. I don’t think the Altima has been a fun enthusiast sedan since we lost the SE-R trim in the early 2000s.
I wish they offered the AWD with the bigger engine, also people forget AWD & even 4WD is only as good as the tires, buy a set of good snow tires & you’ll see a vast improvement
Nissan is considering it after much consumer demand. They only offered it on 2.5L models to make it affordable, unlike the ford fusion which makes you step up to the bigger more expensive engine, and pricier trims to get awd.
@@munnjean 2 or 3. But i said g... Which is NOT an altima. The g series is built on the fm 350/370 chassis. The altima is not on the same fm chassis. The awd system that was finally placed in the altima is just the new version of the awd system infiniti has been using for over a decade. Know your cars before trying to rip someone.
I just bought a 2024 Altima SR Premium AWD. It has Bridgestone Blizzak’s on steel rims mounted on it because I live in Ontario Canada. This is my first ever all-wheel-drive vehicle. I am used to front wheel drive vehicles with the snow tires on spinning the tires until you get up to speed., So I know what that is like. It’s snowed here today a good 4 to 5 inches of snow. I took the autumn out for the first time in snow to test the all-wheel-drive system and I don’t know what this guy is talking about or what he did to get stuck, but I tried everything and this vehicle in the snow is like a snowplow. I tried with, and without VDC. Off the line in 3 to 4 inches of snow, this car pulls like it’s on pavement. It turned off the VDC, and again off the line, it pulls like it’s on dry pavement. People are going to nitpick over the smallest things. Based on my driving in snow today, I would highly recommend this Nissan Altima all-wheel-drive version.
I agree with Nissan, the car is not meant to be driven like this. Having AWD on a car like this is awesome, it can really make a difference during a snowy drive home. I wouldn’t be surprised if Honda and Toyota follow in Nissan’s foot steps.
AWD on a highway is a plus! Saying it’s not needed is ‘wrong.’ When you hit standing water in a 2WD, the vehicle can quickly pull and a less-experienced driver can lose control. An AWD vehicle allows the driver to maintain control. Here in SW FL, standing water is a huge problem. My 2013 Kia Optima was a nightmare with standing water. My 2017 Kia Sorento AWD is a blessing. Plows right through.
And your second problem is that you’re letting your wife drive a Ford. You must not love your wife and kids much. If I were you I would go German for the safety of my family. If it is not in your budget then you can always get great Japanese vehicles that have high safety ratings like Toyota or Honda and even Nissan. Better than any American made vehicles and KIA and Hyundai. Those vehicles are just death traps in accidents, especially with women drivers. I’m just saying!!! 👍
Good job Nissan adding AWD to the Altima lineup. Honda Accord need an AWD system too... I'm thinking maybe 2020 or 2021 model. Is the Altima in the same class as the Accord? Whats Honda answer to the Maxima? I believe the Toyota Avalon is in the same segment as the Maxima.
even at 36° a set of dedicated winter tyres is the way to go.. the extra tractive effort of awd is Nice but those squirrely line on the straights showing the difference the right tyres would make in overall traction and handling
Unacceptable the cooling for the AWD should be better I have had worse conditions in Toronto with the snow fall we had and would expect my AWD to be robust on my 3 hour commute home Nissan needs to give us some answers?
Awd cars are for icy roads, not off roading, 4wd trucks are for off roading. 911 turbo has awd but do you think anybody would drive a 911 up the Rubicon? As far as the temperature warning on the Altima, that's just letting you know the fluid is heating up. All awd cars run hot when worked hard, Nissan is just letting you know before you burn it out. Other manufacturers dont warn you of overheating transmission, they just let you drive till it fails.
There have been quite a few 911's that have driven in the Alcan 5000, Paris to Dakar and challenging events. Driving in snow is not comparable to rock climbing on the Rubicon.
if it has a viscous coupling center differential it will get hot, just as how any torque converted automative generates heat, will it tell you that its at its operational limits maybe or it may not, or may let u know high temperature after the fact that its already start cooking som of its components
@@joebrown9621 The MANUAL tranny Subaru AWDs have the viscous limited-slip center diff, all of the automatics have the wet clutch pack. The manual's AWD won't give you any trouble at all while spinning and sliding on snow or gravel. I've never heard of the automatic's (gear or CVT) AWD clutch pack overheating or giving any trouble in the kind of conditions shown.
Another question I have regarding the 2019 Altima all wheel drive, does it have an all-wheel drive lock? Like the Nissan Rogue has the button that you could lock all four wheels?
These so called 'problems' voiced by haters are none issues in the real world. Having owned this CVT/AWD system in a Rogue for 4 years and 60k miles now, I haven't seen this overheating/getting stuck problems. Granted I I haven't joined the baja1k or driven the Rubicon trail, I have driven it on the sand dunes of Pismo Beach and Death valley. No issues whatsoever. My other car is a '17 Audi A4 Quattro. Previous cars, Talon tsi awd, outback sport, Forester xt, and sienna awd.
Perhaps this experience explains a puzzle I've had about the new Altima's AWD option. For those of us who live in snowy climes it's a big deal, offered only among its competitors by the Subaru Legacy. Why, then, does Nissan offer it only models with the lower spec non-turbo engine? Makes no sense. After the experience in the video I suspect that Nissan has decided that the problem is bad enough with the base engine while the more powerful turbo would aggravate it. Not a ringing endorsement of the new Altima!
For this new Altima, when you turn VDC off, is it truly off (I’m referring mainly to the traction control portion of VDC) I wouldn’t do this but if in snow and stuck, can you floor it and it’ll redline and spin tires rapidly? I ask because I had a 2010 Altima and it’s VDC was the best traction control I’d owned, I only had to turn it off 3-4 times in 4 years (unless I was having fun) my new car is a 2018 Malibu and even with button held and all systems off, it doesn’t allow me to exceed 12-16 mph from a dead stop to rock it. It also seems to not use brakes to slow spinning wheels like my Altima did but more so engine power reduction which doesn’t work well for me. I hope the VDC system is still the same on their new cars as it was back in 2010. I hate how they removed the VDC button off though
I own a 2017 Impreza Sport sedan in 20,000 miles of winter driving with vdc off quit a bit especially uphill ive never had and over heating issue the 30 extra horsepower off the Altima I like but I slide my impreza all over in the snow and for a a fully loaded Impreza in Lithium red I paid 27grand. For me Subaru All Day more fun true AWD and can take a beating! I doubt that Nissan could?
How about actually test the system like it was designed for such as on a snowy road not a trail. Seems like you set this car up for failure to give Nissan a bad name
Kellan Larson I was thinking that! Just get a Jeep if you’re doing this kinda driving! These vehicles with AWD are good for snowy days in urban, city and highway driving.
Im Deeelicious I don’t even think he realizes what kind of awd system this is to begin with. It’s not a jeeps or Subaru’s. It only sends torque to wheels to fix slipping not to gain more traction and have that one wheel or axel pull the entire car
With a proper set of winter rated tires, you won't have enough spinning on snow to activate traction control and power cut so you'll just keep moving with no overheating
Ryan, thanks for the video. I was about to trade my AWC Outlander for an Altima tomorrow, as I am looking for something more fun to drive, but after seeing your video, the Altima doesn't and can't even compare to my 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL with a S-AWC. Thanks for the video.
My Crosstrek no better in this winter's snow and ice storm. Took half hr digging to move from the alleyway behind home to the curb out front. Next morning was a no go pulling away from the curb until things warmed a bit around 11am. Disappointed. I just bought the AWD Altima too. So now 2 vehicles that won't match my former s10 blazer that was a tank in snow. Of course different 4WD setup and tires, so that is the difference. Also the weight difference of aprox 750 lbs.
IMO, Subaru and Mitsubishi are great at AWD systems among the Japanese brands. Hopefully, Nissan could use some Mitsubishi tech from the ownership stake they have. I'm not a fan of Nissan's Jatco CVTs though. AWD vehicles with CVT should not be used in rough conditions like this video demonstrated. I can tell that from owning an Infiniti QX60.
if you knowingly ignore a warning light, yes. That's for any car. I think due to the CVT issues on previous models they are aggressive in warning the driver about CVT temps.
We get it Nissan. It's not "designed" to do that... which makes it not much of a design as far as I'm concerned. That little trip up the hill was nothing and it overheated...sure as hell that thing is going to leave you some winter night when you're trying to get home and need to turn the traction control off for an extended period. For about $9k less you can get a nicely equipped Subaru Legacy if sedans are your thing and actually have something that will go through the snow.
Yeah, IF unedited, it took around three minutes of somewhat spirited driving and powersliding for it to overheat!? What a piece of crap and Nissan should be ashamed of themselves!
People like you drive cars with CVT as if they’re sports cars. You’re too aggressive and rough. Then you complain that the transmission went bad. It’s a family sedan. Smh
seems to me that nissan is building their altima's for-profit first, and as for their quality? just enough so you don't complain. Not like the good old days.
I have one of these (although mine is a 2020) for a work vehicle. Mine is only the s model and of course only fwd. It has not snowed that much here in PA since I got it 2 weeks ago. The snow I have been in has not been the best though, but I am sure snow tires would make the car more than capable. I am pretty happy with the car so far, although my seat back does not seem the sturdiest of things (I have 2700 miles on it, picked it up with 49). I kind of wish the company would have got me an awd one, and/or a higher trim level so I had propilot/factory leds and a couple other options. But after seeing how you got a warning for playing with the awd that is kind of disappointing lol.
Nissan/Infiniti has a problem with this. I have a Q50 AWD and I get the same warnings just driving in normal snow with nothing turned off. Also there is a QX50 review on here where they get the same warnings just driving in a little snow. Something isn't right.
That’s because no other manufacturer has these warnings (not the overheating). When there’s no light, you can’t expect it to turn on. Meanwhile all cars’ AWD systems can and do overheat. Most just get broken PTUs and differentials because they have no warnings on their dashes.
Any chance you can give us the name of the soundtrack used in the beginning of this video please. Much appreciated.. thanks Happy holidays to all who read this. I hope you have a better year than we have had so far.
Play the clip on a second device then use Shazam to find it. If you don’t have a second device, screen record the sound clip you want then google find song clip and upload your clip to whatever database you choose. If it’s a popular song it should return a search query if not then that’s just unfortunate. Good luck.
Well idk about 100k yet but my nissan rogue awd sv 2014 has 62k and still riding strong although i have seen and heard about them breaking down. I guess i picked up a lucky one. Idk 🤷♂️
I have a 2010 Altima and have replaced rear window regulators, coolant temp sensor, transmission, have an airbag sensor problem in the summer, which is $2200 to replace cushion containing sensors etc and I have 82k miles
Any awd with a viscous coupling generates alot of heat in any make or model same just don't tell u that ur exceeded the operational range even a clutch type center differential will boil the oil and damage the clutch.. that true off roader use a mechanical system to lock and transfer power front and back
3:05 thats a key that many FWD fan boys forget about.. you always hear the "oh the awd doesnt help you turn or stop any better" is half true.... it helps you steer and corner better, as long as people don't panic in a slide and hit the brakes the awd will corner you around a lot of conditions. Disappoited but not surprised to hear the overheating AWD, and hate a CVT and I also HATE the new trend that I think BMW started with sticking the afterthought display protruding out of the dash. You want a much more refinded, reliable, fun, sporty, awd sedan, get yourself a used (or new!) Lexus IS250.... 2014 and up are great styling, and increased room in back. 5:35 what a stupid response from Renault.... Been downhill for Nissan since 2009 and its not getting any better. Thanks for slapping my face and making me realise to stop looking at Nissan!!!
Everyday people aren’t driving like this, through the woods like a fool! Punching the gas, letting up, punching the gas, letting up, spinning the shit out of the wheels. First time watching, last time for sure!
How did they fuck this up so badly? Subaru uses a fluid coupling centre differential that has existed since WW1 and they don't overheat. Do companies try to make the worst vehicles imaginable? I had a 2010 corolla and it had that power cut out thing you experienced in this car, and it had the exact same problem of causing the car to get stuck because it cut too much power in snow.
because it might be like the infiniti's that uses a multi-plate electric magnetic wet clutch that sits in fluid, only designed to be use intermittently,
almost all awd with a similar system will overheat the center coupling if operating ouy of normal parameters.. a 4x4 vehicle is designed for that a true mechanical link between front and rear wheels
Although I appreciate the comments ... common ... ‘japanese’ ... and because it’s outside operating parameters? No way ... I don’t buy it ... don’t call it an AWD system ... with or without ‘intelligent ‘ in front of it EVERY person that buys that vehicle ... should be made to sign an agreement ... that they understand ... if they live ANYWHERE snow falls ... that they should prolly just stay home ... my reasoning is simple, you can’t use it as a daily driver in the snow ... just can’t ... it’s always gonna be engaging I know it’s a little extreme ... but that is not common place in advertised AWD systems ... Subaru? ...
The AWD doesn’t turn off! You are referring to the AWD LOCK button which is different from your ‘always on’ AWD ; the AWD LOCK is designed to function like a 4-LOW for low speed traction.
There’s so much misinformation out there and even owners sometimes don’t know their own vehicle well. I don’t blame them as they haven’t been taught about their car when purchased from the dealer....
@@kryptokc3800 I am aware the awd doesn't turn off as far as the intelligent awd is concerned. However ☝️ I have never seen it initiate lock from wheel slippage. I was referring to awd lock in my post, it will turn itself off at 25mph which is extremely low, most awd systems allow you to get to at least 40. Although it is nice you can initiate while driving, if your not in lock driving in the snow you DO slip and slide everywhere. I do know my vehicle. Thanks.
Rented a 2019 altima, not awd, i must say the engine was really nice, good acceleration and the car was very comfortable in the highway . The cvt sucks, slow to respond specially when you need it, and the car interior was nicely put, but the quality was very poor .
And just cause you have AWD doesn’t mean you don’t need a snow tire!! If you had a good snow tire, you would have not overheated!! It will be mandatory to have snow tires in all of Canada soon. It just makes sense.
