What's New
Following a complete overhaul last year, the 2020 Nissan Altima mid-size sedan returns with light changes. Nissan has made its Safety Shield 360 suite of active safety features standard on the SR trim and above, and its also available on the base S model through the new Driver Assist Package.
Choosing Your Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima is available in five trims: S, SR, SV, SL, and Platinum. Pricing starts at $24,995 including destination for the S and reaches $36,075 for the Platinum with the upgraded turbocharged engine.
Engine Choices
Nissan supplies two four-cylinder engine choices, one naturally aspirated and one turbocharged. The later is only available on the SR and Platinum trim. Nissan utilizes a continuously variable transmission with both.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.5L 4-Cylinder | 188 hp | 180 lb-ft | 32 mpg |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 248 hp | 273 lb-ft | 29 mpg |
All trims are available with all-wheel drive for an extra $1,350, but only with the base engine. The turbo engine is front-wheel drive only.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
Mid-size sedans are trending larger with every full update, and the Nissan Altima is no exception. The cabin is nearly as roomy as some large cars, offering ample room for five passengers. The 60/40-split fold-down rear bench seat holds three adults with ease.
Cargo space measures 15.4 cubic feet, which is average for the segment. The trunk opening is wide and the load floor is lower for easier stowing.
Safety Features
Altima SR models and above come with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and high beam assist. Base S models only get automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning, with the rest of the equipment available through the $890 Driver Assist Package.
Starting with the SV trim, buyers get adaptive cruise control, while the Platinum includes a surround-view camera system.
The Nissan Altima earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. This sedan has one of the highest scores in its segment.
Connectivity
Nissan equips the Altima with an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and four USB ports (two in front, two in back). Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, and Siri Eyes Free are also standard. SL grades and above get navigation.
S - From $24,995
The base Altima comes with remote start, automatic headlights, power outside mirrors, and 16-inch steel wheels. Inside, the cabin features mostly soft-touch materials above the beltline. A tilt-and-telescoping steering column, cloth seats, and an 8-way power driver’s seat are included.
SR - From $26,595
The SR trim is the sportiest of all Altima models. This one comes with dark chrome touches, LED headlights, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and a sport-tuned suspension. The cabin features a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and sport cloth seats.
Buyers can add a moonroof, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, and lumbar support for the driver's seat through the $1,050 Premium Package.
SV - From $28,775
Nissan equips the SV with the moonroof, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, fog lights, and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. This is also the trim where adaptive cruise control becomes standard.
SL - From $31,135
The SL trim adds leather upholstery, a four-way power passenger seat, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, and remote start with intelligent climate control. This is where navigation and Nissan connected services become standard.
Platinum - From $33,075
The range-topping Altima Platinum trim adds the surround-view camera system, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, interior accent lighting, and memory functionality for the driver's seat and rearview mirror.
Compare Altima Trims Side-By-Side
We like the power-dense turbo engine, although we’re disappointed it doesn’t come with an all-wheel-drive option. Most buyers should find the standard engine sufficient and efficient. We like the 2020 Nissan Altima SV for its many style, comfort, and safety upgrades.