The 2020 Nissan Altima, entering its second year of production, continues to redefine the mid-size sedan category. Building on its debut success, the 2020 Altima offers a compelling combination of available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD), advanced driver-assistance technologies like ProPILOT Assist and Nissan Safety Shield 360, and a choice of two powerful and efficient engines, all wrapped in a stylish and sophisticated design.
The previous year’s Altima garnered significant recognition, with the 2019 Altima SR VC-Turbo earning a spot on Automobile magazine’s “All-Stars” list and Autotrader naming it one of the “12 Best New Cars for 2019.” For the 2020 model year, Nissan has further enhanced the Altima’s appeal by making Nissan Safety Shield 360 standard on the SR trim and introducing the Driver Assist Package for the S grade, expanding access to these crucial safety technologies across the entire lineup. Further refinements include a mirror memory function for the Platinum grade and Piano Black interior finishers for SV, SL, and Platinum trims, adding a touch of premium elegance.
Nissan Intelligent Mobility: Leading with ProPILOT Assist
The 2020 Altima truly shines with Nissan’s suite of Intelligent Mobility technologies, headlined by the innovative ProPILOT Assist. This system, unique in its class, is designed to reduce driver workload and enhance the overall driving experience, especially in common situations like single-lane highway driving. ProPILOT Assist intelligently manages acceleration, steering, and braking inputs under certain conditions, contributing to a smoother and more confident drive.
Utilizing a sophisticated array of forward-facing camera, radar, sensors, and an electronic control module, ProPILOT Assist helps keep the Altima centered within its lane and maintain a driver-set speed or a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. It can even bring the vehicle to a complete stop and hold it in place during traffic congestion, easing the stress of stop-and-go commutes. ProPILOT Assist is standard on Altima SV, SL, and Platinum grades, making this advanced technology accessible to a wide range of buyers.
Complementing ProPILOT Assist is Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive suite of safety and intervention technologies that provide all-around monitoring. This system includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking (RAB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), radar-based Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and High Beam Assist (HBA). These features work together to provide an added layer of safety and peace of mind for both drivers and passengers.
Beyond Safety Shield 360, the 2020 Altima includes a range of standard safety and convenience features across all grades, such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW), and Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA).
For enhanced awareness, Traffic Sign Recognition, standard on SL and Platinum trims, displays the latest detected speed limit information on the driver’s display. The Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM), standard on the Platinum grade, utilizes four cameras to create a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings, aiding in parking and low-speed maneuvers.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for Enhanced Confidence
Recognizing the demand for all-weather capability, the sixth-generation Altima offers available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive – a first for a Nissan sedan in the U.S. market. This system is available on all trim levels equipped with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, providing enhanced traction and control in various driving conditions.
The Intelligent AWD system dynamically distributes torque between the front and rear wheels (from 100% front to 50/50 front-to-rear split) based on road conditions and driving inputs. This proactive torque distribution, combined with brake limited slip differential and Hill Start Assist, optimizes performance on slippery surfaces, inclines, and uneven terrain. The result is a confident and enjoyable driving experience, regardless of the weather.
Revolutionary VC-Turbo Engine and Efficient 2.5-liter Engine Options
The 2020 Altima offers a choice of two advanced engines, catering to different driving preferences and priorities. Replacing the previous generation’s V6 is the groundbreaking 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine, the world’s first production-ready variable compression turbo inline 4-cylinder engine. This innovative engine delivers V6-like performance with the fuel efficiency of a 4-cylinder.
The VC-Turbo technology continuously adjusts the engine’s compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency) using an advanced multi-link system. This seamless transition optimizes power and efficiency based on driving demands. Despite its impressive output of 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque (on premium fuel), the VC-Turbo engine is more compact than the previous V6, saving space in the engine bay.
To maximize efficiency and power delivery, the VC-Turbo engine utilizes both multi-point injection and Nissan’s Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) system. Altima models equipped with the VC-Turbo engine feature a dedicated meter in the 7.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display, allowing drivers to monitor the real-time operation of this pioneering technology. Fuel economy for the VC-Turbo is rated at 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, offering a significant improvement over the previous V6.
Standard across all 2020 Altima trims is an enhanced 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine. Producing 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque in FWD configuration (182 hp/178 lb-ft AWD), this engine boasts 80% new or redesigned parts compared to its predecessor. Beyond increased power and torque, the 2.5-liter engine offers reduced noise, vibration, and harshness, improved fuel economy, and cleaner emissions. Its “reverse” cylinder head design and low engine mounting contribute to quieter operation. Fuel economy for the 2.5-liter engine reaches up to 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined for FWD models.
Both engine options in the 2020 Altima are paired with a standard Xtronic transmission, known for its smooth and efficient performance. Paddle shifters are available on the Altima SR grade for a more engaging driving experience.
Dynamic Performance and Refined Chassis
Beyond powertrain advancements, the 2020 Altima features enhanced dynamic performance and chassis control systems. All models benefit from improvements in suspension, steering, and chassis compared to the previous generation. Key suspension upgrades include monotube rear shocks, added reinforcements for improved responsiveness, and refined suspension geometry for enhanced steering feedback.
The steering system utilizes a dual-pinion electric power steering design (DP-EPS), providing light steering effort at low speeds for easy maneuverability and increased effort at higher speeds for enhanced control and feedback. The Integrated Dynamics Module (IDM), standard on every 2020 Altima, incorporates Intelligent Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control, similar to those found in the flagship Nissan Maxima, further refining ride quality and handling.
The 2020 Altima offers a choice of 16-inch, 17-inch, and 19-inch wheel and tire combinations. The Altima SR grade features unique sport-tuned suspension and chassis settings for a more engaging and dynamic driving experience.
Sporty Exterior and Premium Interior Design
The 2020 Altima boasts a sporty and sophisticated exterior design with athletic proportions. Lower, wider, and more dynamic than its predecessor, the Altima’s sleeker stance is achieved through revised platform packaging and low-profile engine designs. Compared to the previous generation, the new Altima is lower, longer, and wider, with a longer wheelbase and reduced front overhang, resulting in a more refined and contemporary look. The aerodynamic design contributes to a low coefficient of drag of just 0.26.
Exterior highlights include the signature V-motion grille with dark chrome finish, LED projector headlights with daytime running lights, LED fog lights, a floating roof design with slim pillars, and an available single-panel moonroof. A palette of nine exterior colors, including premium options like Scarlet Ember Tintcoat and Sunset Drift ChromaFlair®, allows for personalization.
Inside, the 2020 Altima interior offers a near-luxury ambiance with high-quality materials and a driver-centric design. The “gliding wing” instrument panel creates a sense of spaciousness, while high-contrast colors and trim accents add visual appeal.
The interior prioritizes comfort and convenience, featuring NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats with dual-density foam and enhanced bolstering, available perforated leather-appointed seat inserts, remote engine start, and an available 8-way power driver’s seat with memory.
For audiophiles, the Altima offers an available Bose® Premium Audio system with nine speakers and custom equalization. Active Noise Cancellation is available on models equipped with the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine, further enhancing the refined cabin experience.
Connectivity is seamlessly integrated with standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, an 8-inch multi-touch color display, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, and Siri® Eyes Free voice recognition. Available NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM® provides remote access features via smartphone and smartwatch, including Remote Engine Start/Stop, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, and Valet Alert.
A Model for Every Driver: 2020 Altima Trim Levels
The 2020 Altima is available in five well-equipped trim levels: S, SR, SV, SL, and Platinum. All trims come standard with the 2.5-liter engine and offer optional Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The SR and Platinum grades are also available with the advanced 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine (front-wheel drive only).
The base Altima S is generously equipped with Automatic Emergency Braking, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Bluetooth® connectivity, Rear View Monitor, NissanConnect with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, a 7-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display, Remote Engine Start, USB charge ports, an 8-way power driver’s seat, and more.
Stepping up to the Altima SR adds sporty styling cues such as 19-inch alloy wheels, a unique rear diffuser, sport suspension (FWD only), sport seats, paddle shifters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED projector headlights, dark chrome grille, Nissan Safety Shield 360, and black exterior accents.
The Altima SV enhances comfort and convenience with a moonroof, LED fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, ProPILOT Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Automatic Braking, heated outside mirrors, and Dual Zone Auto Climate Control.
The Altima SL adds premium features including a Bose® Premium Sound System, NissanConnect with Navigation and Services, Traffic Sign Recognition, leather-appointed seats, and a 4-way power passenger seat.
At the top of the range, the Altima Platinum includes 19-inch alloy wheels, Intelligent Around View® Monitor, interior accent lighting, and driver memory seat and mirrors function, offering the ultimate in features and refinement.
The 2020 Nissan Altima continues to impress as a leading mid-size sedan, offering a compelling blend of technology, performance, safety, and style, making it a standout choice for discerning drivers.
