2020 Nissan Altima Review

Name: 2020 Nissan Altima
Brand: Nissan
Price: 17299 USD

(30)

Nissan Altima 2.5 Platinum Sedan Exterior Shown

7.6/10 Expert Rating

Nissan Altima 2.5 Platinum Sedan Exterior

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2020 Nissan Altima Review

byDan Frio^{Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.}

Pros

Offers full suite of semi-automated driving features
Above-average estimated and real-life fuel economy scores
Easy-to-drive nature

Cons

Poor outward visibility due to thick roof pillars and low-res rear camera
Steering lacks road feel and can be slow to respond
Uninspiring interior materials and disappointing fit and finish

What's new

Full suite of driver aids now standard on SR trim and optional on S
Platinum trim offers memory function for driver-side mirror positions
Piano-black trim added to SV, SL and Platinum trim-level interiors
Part of the sixth Altima generation introduced for 2019

Redesigned last year, the Nissan Altima features bold changes that vault it back among today's front-running family sedans. Always competent and capable, Nissan's midsizer has long lingered in the shadows of the big sellers from Honda and Toyota. But the 2020 Nissan Altima reasserts itself with improved performance, sophisticated technology and impressive comfort.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.23 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$123/mo

Altima 2.5 S

$173/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Bold changes continue with an exterior style that isn't a wholesale departure from the last model. Tighter lines and dimensions as well as a larger grille give today's Altima undeniable personality. The interior isn't quite as memorable, but everything looks good. The controls are within easy reach, and the seats remain some of the best in the business. Longtime Altima watchers may regret the departure of Nissan's brawny V6 engine, but the turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers good solace.

Overall, this Altima is more competitive than its predecessor, and you might want to give it a look if you want all-wheel drive. However, it's still no match for the top midsize sedans that include the well-rounded Honda Accord, the value-packed Hyundai Sonata and the upscale Mazda 6.

Notably, we picked the 2020 Nissan Altima as one of Edmunds' Best Gas Mileage Cars for 2020.

Edmunds Expert Rating

average

7.6/10

Edmunds Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

The Nissan Altima has been on the fringes of the midsize segment for the better part of a decade. This latest Altima generation is more appealing thanks to solid fuel economy and useful driver safety aids, but it fails to truly match the segment all-stars.

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Altima drive? The Altima won't win you over with stellar acceleration or braking. Our test all-wheel-drive Altima had the 2.5-liter engine, and it covered 0-60 mph in an unremarkable 8.4 seconds. The CVT automatic is well-tuned, however, and helps make the Altima an almost invisible partner during day-to-day driving.

Another bright spot is the stable handling. You'll have confidence guiding the Altima through fast, sweeping curves. But this handling prowess underscores the Altima's overly light and vague steering.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Altima? The Altima is a calm place to sit out daily traffic. The front seats are generally comfortable, but some drivers might wish for more thigh support. Engine noises are commendably well-isolated even under hard acceleration.

Less appealing is the constant stream of little impacts you'll feel when driving over rough road surfaces. The Altima's ride seems continuously busy in these instances, and larger impacts can be pretty jarring.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The interior lacks style, but it more than makes up for it with straightforward usability. In particular, the climate controls and touchscreen functions are clearly labeled and easy to reach.

Though most of the Altima's sightlines are good, rear visibility is hampered by the high rear decklid. Also problematic are the low-resolution rearview camera and the distracting reflections of the dashboard and rear decklid you'll see in the windows during bright sunlight.

Technology

8.0/10

How’s the tech? The Altima's base infotainment system is adequate but won't wow you. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, and the audio system is easy to operate. The sound quality is merely OK. Bluetooth operation was a bit finicky in our testing but the calls were clear.

The Altima's ProPilot Assist system, which includes lane centering and low-speed adaptive cruise control, is quite the bonus. The adaptive cruise control works very well, needing very little correction in traffic.

Storage

8.0/10

How’s the storage? The Altima's trunk isn't the biggest in the class, but it can still accept a few full-size suitcases. Its squared-off shape also makes it easy to load to the maximum amount. The folding rear seats are standard fare but can only be released through a pull tab in the trunk. They must be lowered by physically pulling on the seatback from the inside — they don't automatically fold when released. Front passengers get ample storage for small items. However, the cupholders are a bit shallow for taller drink bottles.

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? We tested the all-wheel-drive Altima, which the EPA estimates gets 30 mpg combined (26 city/36 highway). It posted an impressive 34 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route. Odds are, you can expect to get pretty good fuel economy from the Altima.

Value

7.0/10

Is the Altima a good value? Roomy and comfortable with the option of all-wheel drive, the Altima proves it has some distinctive value in the midsize sedan class. Warranties are middle-of-the-road, as is the roadside assistance offering. A strong showing with highway fuel economy could tip the scales for long-distance drivers as could the all-wheel drive for those who live with inclement weather.

But some spots of poor build quality and a lack of attention to detail set the Altima back where it can least afford it. Gaps where the dashboard meets the windshield, and a hood design that makes it look out of alignment, stand out when compared to better-built competitors.

Wildcard

7.5/10

It's nice to see just how normal the new Altima really is. That's not exactly a ringing endorsement, but the experience of driving and living with the Altima is generally more than the sum of its parts. Even though sedans seem to be on the way out, the class is still fiercely competitive and it takes a pretty good car just to be midpack.

The Nissan goes about tackling daily driving without much effort from the driver while providing its passengers ample comfort and a fair amount of convenience.

Which Altima does Edmunds recommend?

The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine upgrade is responsive and infuses the Altima with impressive performance. It's limited to the SR and Platinum trims, though, which may be too little or too much for many buyers. The SV is a good middle ground. It doesn't offer the turbo engine, but it comes with most of the features you'll want every day, including the full complement of Nissan's driver aids.

2020 Nissan Altima models

The 2020 Nissan Altima is a five-passenger midsize sedan available in five trim levels: S, SR, SV, SL and Platinum.

The Altima's standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (188 horsepower, 180 lb-ft of torque) paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.

An optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (248 hp, 280 lb-ft) is available for SR and Platinum trims only. It's also paired with a CVT automatic, but it's limited to front-wheel drive.

The S base trim is indeed pretty basic, but it offers decent features for the money, such as a power-adjustable driver's seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a rearview camera, push-button start, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, two USB inputs, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connections.

The S comes with front collision warning, automatic emergency braking and a rearview camera. And for 2020 you can append additional safety features including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and rear parking sensors.

The SR is the Altima's "sport" trim, offering a sportier suspension, transmission paddle shifters and unique styling elements. It also comes with the driver assistance features that are optional on the S trim. The SR can also be ordered with a sunroof and heated seats.

The SV blends features from the S and the SR (minus the SR's sportier elements, primarily suspension and styling) and adds items such as noise-reducing side windows, heated front seats and dual-zone climate control. Nissan's ProPilot Assist technology — largely stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist — is also included.

Moving up to the SL brings leather seating, a navigation system and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. Springing for the Platinum adds finishing touches such as 19-inch wheels, a 360-degree camera and ambient cabin lighting.

Build Your Altima®

At a Glance:

5 Colors
5 Trims

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Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Nissan Altima.

5 (60%)

4 (10%)

3 (7%)

2 (13%)

1 (10%)

4.0

30 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Underrated car

Michael, 10/16/2019

2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

Our 2020 Altima SL is simply a fantastic car. Most comfortable seats I've experienced ever. Built well, with no squeaks and rattles. Quiet and composed ride over smooth and rough surfaces. Amazing tech (especially the semi-auto on the highway) with big screen and super easy to use interface. And a smooth, refined engine even when accelerating spiritedly that is getting me 35mpg on my …

2020 Nissan Altima SV AWD

StPeteBeach4Winter55 , 02/02/2020

2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

This is our 3rd Altima & 6th Nissan. We never buy the 1st model year following a complete new generation. We traded our ' 14 Altima SV with 47Kmi for the new Altima. Love the updates both tech and body style. We opted for the optional wheel upgrade and the convenience pkg. The AWD was a easy decision as our other daily driver is our '19 Rogue SV AWD with the mnrf & wheel pkg. Its our 1st … Rogue so we leased it but purchased our Altima as its our 3rd in a row. Had 2 Maximas before the Altimas. I must say the new Altima w/ AWD is Nissan's best sedan option. We considered the SR AWD trim pkg but the SV AWD has the best features with the convenience pkg. Best ride, very spirited acceleration and great handling. The Altima is under-rated as its the most comfortable car we have owned and we've had Infiniti's, Saab's, Volvo's, Honda's and a Toyota Tacoma. Plus a few GM products. We leased for years but after our 1st Altima lease in 2011 we've purchased the last 2 as they're the best sedan available. AWD may be new to the Altima but Nissan's premium brand Infiniti has been selling AWD sedans for years with zero issues, so we have no concerns with the Altima's drivetrain. Once you get use to the new exterior styling that allows the Maxima, Altima, new 2020 Sentra, & Versa sedan all share similar attributes. Nissan enlarged the 2020 Sentra much like Honda did with their Civic, but Toyota didn't enlarge the new Corolla which will hurt it. The 2020 Sentra is similar in size to the 2011 Altima and especially the 1st & 2nd generation Altima. I expect now that we are both retired and spending our winters in FL, we will keep our Altima in FL, but the drive down last month allows me to also share the new Altima is a GREAT road trip car just like the last generation '13-18 Altima having the most comfortable front seats. I know your thinking why buy the AWD version if you're keeping your Altima in FL? Have you ever driven on the interstate during a FL down pour, well we have many times and it provides added piece of mind knowing that all 4 tires with stability control turned on will help keep our Altima headed safely in the correct direction when experiencing hydroplaning. Plus I ordered AWD just in case we decide to drive back to NY in mid-December for the holidays rather than flying. Go for a test drive if you're in the market for a family sedan. Other than the Subaru Legacy, the Accord, Camry, Sonata & Optima don't offer AWD. Plus both our previous '14 & new '20 Altima get better mpg than our neighbors '12 Civic & '17 Elantra including AWD. Make sure to test drive the SV trim pkg Altima as its the volume leading pkg but the 2.5S trim, now the base model is every bit as comfortable as the other trim levels. We always get the middle trim pkg on all our vehicles as we appreciate the extra features but we don't need the SL Platinum pkg besides the SV pkg provides heated seats and you can add a heated steering wheel if desired. We didn't opt for the heated steering wheel but the heated seats are a must have and standard remote start with standard climate control allows me to set the temperature at 70 year around. In the winter it warms up & summer it cools down, all standard with the SV trim. Add the convenience pkg if you want the extras w/o having to put up with leather seats in the summer. Never again. Our 2011 Altima had the SL trim as it was a dealer demo and we got it for less than the SV trim w/convenience pkg. Our Maximas each had cloth. Hoping that AWD will be an option on the Maxima as it would be nice to have another one someday, and maybe a 2.0T will replace the 6cyl as the Altima no longer has the optional 6cyl, but rather a turbo 4cyl. Enjoy your test drive and remember the only other AWD sedan that's not in the $35K+ starting MSRP is the Subaru Legacy and although its a new generation for 22020,the Altima has much more updated styling inside and out. The only complaint I have which may be age related is our Altima doesn't have a CD player but our '19 Rogue does and so does the 2020 Rogue. Check out the next generation Rogue via google. You may want to grab a leftover ' 19 or a '20. It may be like the new Altima was for me, it took about a year to grow on me and now I love the Altima. The new Honda Accord did the opposite. At 1st it was attention grabbing but after a few months I grew to really not care for it. The '93-'97 generation Accord is why we became Nissan customers buying a ' 95 Maxima our 1st Nissan.

My 2020 Altima

Mrs Thomas, 12/08/2019

2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

I recently purchased my 2020 Nissan Altima, November 22, 2019. I have to say i am in love with my car. I love how push button start is a standard feature. The CVT transmission gives me great fuel economy & i gives me an exceptional smoothing ride. I literally do not feel the gears shift because it’s continuously variable. Also, i love the redesign V shape grille starting in 2019. That is …

Altima SR terrific car!

Mike , 03/21/2020

2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

As a lifetime buyer if used cars I decided to look for a new car and I read and looked at many in this same category of cars. I’ve owned 2 BMW 7 series, a Jag XJ6 and several Cadi’s, all great cars but costly to maintain in the long run. I then bought a primo condition Low mileage Maxima, loved it for the 10 years and 130000+ miles I drove it. So deciding to go with a more ‘traditional’ …

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Features & Specs

Trim

Base MSRP: $24,300

MPG & Fuel: 28 City / 39 Hwy / 32 Combined; Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.2 gal. capacity

Seating: 5 seats

Drivetrain: Type: front wheel drive; Transmission: Continuously variable-speed automatic

Engine: Inline 4 cylinder; Horsepower: 188 hp @ 6,000 rpm; Torque: 180 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm

Basic Warranty: 3 yr./ 36,000 mi.

Dimensions: Length: 192.9 in. / Height: 56.7 in.; Overall Width without Mirrors: 72.9 in.; Curb Weight: 3,212 lbs.; Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 15.4 cu.ft.

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Altima models:

Around-View Monitor: Overcomes blind spots with a bird's-eye view of the car and its surroundings.
Forward Emergency Braking: Helps to ensure that a momentary lapse of driver attention won't result in a collision.
ProPilot Assist: This combination of driver aids works together to offer semi-automated, nearly self-driving operation.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat4 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover9.2%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Good

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More about the 2020 Nissan Altima

Used 2020 Nissan Altima Overview

The Used 2020 Nissan Altima is offered in the following submodels: Altima Sedan. Available styles include 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT), 2.5 SR 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT), 2.5 SR 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), 2.5 SV 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT), 2.5 S 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT), 2.5 SV 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), 2.5 Platinum 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT), 2.5 Platinum 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), VC-T SR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT), and VC-T Platinum 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT). Pre-owned Nissan Altima models are available with a 2.5 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 188 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2020 Nissan Altima comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic.

What's a good price on a Used 2020 Nissan Altima?

Price comparisons for Used 2020 Nissan Altima trim styles:

The Used 2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 S is priced between $17,299 and$24,998 with odometer readings between 9478 and96789 miles.
The Used 2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR is priced between $18,790 and$27,998 with odometer readings between 14527 and98507 miles.
The Used 2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL is priced between $19,999 and$28,499 with odometer readings between 10551 and75464 miles.
The Used 2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV is priced between $20,499 and$26,998 with odometer readings between 9577 and70556 miles.
The Used 2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 Platinum is priced between $22,988 and$28,999 with odometer readings between 11634 and56664 miles.
The Used 2020 Nissan Altima VC-T Platinum is priced between $20,995 and$28,998 with odometer readings between 14155 and47600 miles.
The Used 2020 Nissan Altima VC-T SR is priced between $25,998 and$25,998 with odometer readings between 10580 and44993 miles.

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Which used 2020 Nissan Altimas are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Nissan Altima for sale near. There are currently 232 used and CPO 2020 Altimas listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $17,299 and mileage as low as 9478 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2020 Nissan Altima.

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Should I lease or buy a 2020 Nissan Altima?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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2020 Nissan Altima Review

2020 Nissan Altima Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.23 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Altima does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Nissan Altima models

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Nissan Altima.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Features & Specs

Safety

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Used 2020 Nissan Altima Overview

What's a good price on a Used 2020 Nissan Altima?

Which used 2020 Nissan Altimas are available in my area?

Can't find a used 2020 Nissan Altimas you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Should I lease or buy a 2020 Nissan Altima?

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2020 Nissan Altima Review

2020 Nissan Altima Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.23 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Altima does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Nissan Altima models

Most helpful consumer reviews

Features & Specs

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Used 2020 Nissan Altima Overview

What's a good price on a Used 2020 Nissan Altima?

Which used 2020 Nissan Altimas are available in my area?

Can't find a used 2020 Nissan Altimas you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Should I lease or buy a 2020 Nissan Altima?

Related Used 2020 Nissan Altima info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research recent models from same make

Research similar vehicles

Recommended

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.23 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}