The 2020 Nissan Altima continues to impress as a benchmark in the mid-size sedan category, offering a blend of innovative technology, sophisticated design, and engaging performance. For those seeking exceptional value without compromising on essential features and safety, the 2020 Nissan Altima S stands out as a particularly intelligent choice. Building on the Altima’s reputation for reliability and comfort, the S trim delivers a compelling package that caters to the needs of modern drivers and families alike. Let’s delve into what makes the 2020 Altima S a smart sedan and an even smarter choice in its class.
Unpacking the Value: Features of the 2020 Nissan Altima S
The 2020 Nissan Altima S serves as the gateway to the Altima lineup, yet it’s far from basic. Nissan has thoughtfully equipped this trim level with a range of standard features that prioritize safety, convenience, and connectivity. Understanding what comes standard in the 2020 Altima S is key to appreciating its exceptional value proposition.
Standard Safety Shield 360: Peace of Mind Comes Standard
One of the most significant enhancements for the 2020 model year, and a major highlight of the 2020 Nissan Altima S, is the inclusion of Nissan Safety Shield 360 as an available package. Crucially, for the S trim, the Driver Assist Package makes Safety Shield 360 technology accessible, bringing a suite of advanced safety features to a wider range of buyers. This suite includes:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: Helping to mitigate or avoid frontal collisions, even detecting pedestrians in your path.
- Rear Automatic Braking (RAB): Detects stationary objects when you’re backing up and can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent a collision.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Alerts you if your vehicle starts to drift out of its lane.
- Blind Spot Warning (BSW): Provides an alert if a vehicle is detected in your blind spot.
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): Warns you of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space.
- High Beam Assist (HBA): Automatically switches between high and low beams depending on oncoming traffic.
Image: Demonstrating the comprehensive safety coverage of Nissan Safety Shield 360 in the 2020 Nissan Altima.
Beyond Safety Shield 360, the 2020 Altima S also comes standard with:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW)
- Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA)
These standard safety technologies reinforce Nissan’s commitment to driver and passenger security, making the 2020 Nissan Altima S a reassuring choice for safety-conscious buyers.
Efficient and Capable Engine: Performance of the Altima S
Under the hood, the 2020 Nissan Altima S is powered by an advanced 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine. This engine is designed for a balance of fuel efficiency and responsive performance, delivering 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque in front-wheel drive configuration.
This engine is not just about power; it’s about refinement and efficiency. Nissan focused on reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) in this engine, contributing to a smoother and quieter ride in the 2020 Altima S. Paired with the standard Xtronic transmission, the powertrain offers seamless acceleration and optimized fuel economy.
Fuel efficiency for the 2020 Nissan Altima S with front-wheel drive is rated at an impressive 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined. For those needing extra confidence in varied weather conditions, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is available on the 2020 Altima S trim. The AWD model still maintains respectable fuel economy figures of 26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined.
Interior Comfort and Technology: Staying Connected in the Altima S
Stepping inside the 2020 Nissan Altima S, you’ll find a well-appointed interior designed for comfort and convenience. The “gliding wing” instrument panel creates a spacious and modern feel, while the NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats offer exceptional comfort, especially on longer drives.
Standard interior features in the 2020 Altima S include:
- NissanConnect with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™: Seamless smartphone integration for navigation, music, communication, and more via the standard 8-inch multi-touch color display.
- 7-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display: Provides essential vehicle information and customizable displays right in the instrument cluster.
- Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and Streaming Audio: Stay connected safely and enjoy your favorite audio content wirelessly.
- Four USB Charge Ports (Type-A and Type-C): Keep your devices powered up for you and your passengers.
- Remote Engine Start: Start your Altima S remotely to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin for optimal comfort.
- 8-way Power Driver’s Seat: Find your ideal driving position with ease.
- 60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seat: Provides flexibility for carrying passengers and cargo.
- Rear Door Alert: A helpful reminder to check the back seats for children or belongings.
Image: A glimpse into the comfortable and tech-equipped interior of the 2020 Nissan Altima, highlighting features available in the S trim.
While the 2020 Altima S is the base trim, it doesn’t feel basic inside. The focus is on providing essential technology and comfort features that everyday drivers appreciate and utilize.
The 2020 Nissan Altima S in the Lineup: A Strategic Choice
The 2020 Nissan Altima is available in a range of trim levels, each building upon the foundation of the S trim. While higher trims like SR, SV, SL, and Platinum offer even more premium features and luxury appointments, the 2020 Nissan Altima S occupies a sweet spot for buyers who prioritize value and essential features.
For those seeking sporty aesthetics and handling, the SR trim might appeal. For enhanced convenience and advanced technology like ProPILOT Assist, the SV, SL, and Platinum trims offer upgrades. However, the 2020 Altima S provides a compelling starting point, delivering core safety technologies, a fuel-efficient engine, and essential comfort and connectivity features at a more accessible price point.
The availability of Intelligent All-Wheel Drive on the 2020 Nissan Altima S further enhances its appeal, particularly for drivers in regions with varied weather conditions. This option allows S trim buyers to benefit from added traction and control without needing to step up to a higher trim level.
Conclusion: Why the 2020 Nissan Altima S Makes Sense
The 2020 Nissan Altima S is more than just an entry-level model; it’s a strategically designed trim that offers a remarkable blend of value, safety, and essential features. For buyers prioritizing safety technologies like Nissan Safety Shield 360, efficient performance from a refined 2.5-liter engine, and user-friendly technology like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 2020 Nissan Altima S delivers on all fronts.
Choosing the 2020 Nissan Altima S is a smart decision for those seeking a dependable, well-equipped, and affordable mid-size sedan. It proves that you don’t need to compromise on crucial features to get exceptional value in the competitive sedan market. Visit your local Nissan dealer to experience the 2020 Nissan Altima S and discover why it’s the intelligent choice for your next vehicle.
