Introduction

The Nissan Altima is a handsome mid-size sedan with solid value, including its active safety equipment and good gas mileage. It was redesigned last year for a more athletic appeal and the new look works. It's front-wheel drive, with available all-wheel drive. 

The base engine is a 2.5-liter inline-4 making an adequate 188 horsepower. The optional engine is a 2-0-liter turbo-4 making 248 hp. The transmission is continuously variable automatic (CVT). 

The 2020 Altima is rated by the EPA at 28 mpg city, 39 highway, 32 combined. With all-wheel drive that mileage drops by 2 mpg. The more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-4 delivers 25/34/29 mpg. 

The IIHS called the Altima a Top Safety Pick last year. In addition to top 'Good'? scores on all its crash tests, the IIHS said the Altima's automatic emergency braking system rated 'Superior'? at avoiding forward crashes

The NHTSA gave the Altima five stars overall with four stars for frontal crash protection. 

Every Altima is fitted with standard automatic emergency braking, while most models add blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and rear automatic emergency braking. 

Some models also come with a suite of driver-assistance features called ProPilot Assist, which can help steer the car, accelerate, and brake. It's not a hands-free system, and works best on divided highways or interstates with clear lane markings in good light. 

Lineup

The Altima comes in S, SV, SL, SR, and Platinum trims. All-wheel drive is available on every model for $1,350. The turbo-4 engine is optional on the SR for $4,050 and Platinum for $3,000. 

At less than $25,000, the S gets cloth seats, 8.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic emergency braking, keyless ignition, four USB ports, remote start, and 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps. 

At less than $29,000, the SV gets upgraded wheels, leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, dual-zone climate controls and more safety equipment.
The SR is a bit more sporty, with paddle shifters for the CVT and 19-inch wheels. 

For about $33,000, the top Platinum gets leather upholstery, 19-inch wheels, power-adjustable front seats that are heated, a surround-view camera system, navigation, premium audio, and a moonroof. 

Walkaround

The Atima is fairly sleek, aerodynamic and stylish.The recent redesign made the hood sharper, the nose more dramatic with a plunging V-shape, and the body sides less boring with straightforward shunt lines. 

A character line stretches from the front fender to the rear taillight, while a subtle bend begins low at the front wheel and meets the character line near the windows. 

Chrome door handles punctuate that line, and the rear handles sit higher than the front, which rakes the car forward. It looks neat. 

Interior

The materials in the cabin are mixed, some good and some not so good. The glossy dash reflects onto the windshield in sunlight, and makes us wonder how that obvious flaw (and common) slipped past.
The 8.0-inch touchscreen is responsive and mostly clear, although it can wash out in direct sunlight. Baked-in compatibility with smartphone systems from Apple and Google is welcome. On the top trims, Nissan offers native navigation, but smartphone maps are just as good and destination input is easier. 

The front seats have excellent comfort and space, although shoulder space has its limits. The bottom cushions are firm but supportive and stay comfortable during all-day drives. 

The back seats are also comfortable and have good leg room. Three average-sized adults will fit in back without complaint. 

The trunk is a bit larger than average at 15.4 cubic feet, and a wide cutout makes it easy to load. 

Driving Impression

The 2020 Altima goes to work without pretense or flair. 

The 2.5-liter inline-4 with 188 hp works best when it's not in a hurry. It can be buzzy when pressed. It's okay from a standing start, but needs time to build up steam (and revs) for high-speed passes. 

The CVT is mostly quiet, and the paddle shifters on the SR are welcome, as they are with any CVT. However with the SR you also get 19-inch wheels, which are noisier than the standard 17s. 

Optional all-wheel drive uses a basic 50/50 torque split, which can shift to 30/70 for sporty drives on pavement. We've driven the Altima AWD in the snow in Colorado, and it performed well on the highway. 

For us, the optional 2.0-liter turbo-4 making 248 hp isn't worth the money. It only comes with front-wheel drive, and it costs 3 mpg. It's definitely faster, but the Altima isn't a car that favors speed. 

Summary

The 2020 Nissan Altima has looks, comfort, safety and economy going for it. It's a hallowed nameplate among family cars, and it's better-looking than ever. Stick with less expensive models for exceptional value. 

 

-By Sam Moses with driving impressions by The Car Connection .