Starting at $25,250
8/10
C/D RATING
Specs
Photos
Chris Doane Automotive
|Car and Driver
8/10 C/D RATING
Specs
Photos
- Highs Generous passenger space, optional all-wheel drive, tons of modern technology.
- Lows Driver assists can be intrusive, can't pair the turbo engine with all-wheel drive, sporty model reduces ride quality.
- Verdict The new-and-improved Altima has the goods to contend with the best family sedans.
Overview
The 2020 Nissan Altima is a stylish mid-size sedan with the comfort and features that families want as well as exclusive content they can't get elsewhere. Along with a spacious cabin and contemporary tech, the Altima is the only sedan in its class with optional all-wheel drive. Nissan also provides a cutting-edge engine called VC-Turbo that attempts to maximize fuel efficiency and performance. Despite these game-changing options, the Altima faces stiff competition from several highly regarded competitors. While alternatives from Honda and Mazda are handsomer and handle better, the Altima still offers surprising athleticism along with Nissan's loyal following.
What's New for 2020?
After being completely redesigned for 2019, the Altima only receives a handful of small updates for 2020. Nissan now offers more available driver-assistance technology on the entry-level S and SR models, which previously only had standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. The 2020 versions can be equipped with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist. Other enhancements include a memory function for the sideview mirrors on the top-of-the-line Platinum model and glossy-black interior accents on the SV model and up.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2020 Nissan Altima starts at $25,250 and goes up to $33,350 depending on the trim and options.
Unlike rivals such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the Altima offers features those two don't: all-wheel drive and a unique VC-Turbo engine. While the benefits of the latter are hard to quantify, the $1350 all-wheel-drive system might attract sedan shoppers who live in the snow belt. We'd skip that option and choose the SR trim level. Along with a sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels that make this family sedan more fun to drive, the SR model has a host of desirable features that include an eight-way power driver's seat, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an upgraded digital gauge cluster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. We'd also spring for the Premium package that adds heated mirrors, heated front seats, and a sunroof.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Likes: Turbo engine has adequate low-end torque, CVT is mostly competent and smooth, available all-wheel drive, impressive cornering grip.
Dislikes: CVT reacts slower than rival automatics, no paddle shifters in Platinum models.
The Altima has a standard 188-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 248 horsepower and also uses the CVT. While Nissan touts the innovative variable-compression technology, only the 2.5-liter engine can be had with all-wheel drive. The standard four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive had predictable, albeit unremarkable, acceleration. The engine grew noisier the harder we pressed the gas pedal, but the four-cylinder Camry we tested was equally loud at times. The VC-Turbo engine makes the Altima significantly quicker. Despite the unconventional turbocharged engine and uncommon all-wheel drive, the Nissan is nowhere near as fun to drive as the Mazda 6 or pretty much any Accord. The Altima SR receives a sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels that make it more entertaining on twisty sections of road. However, these upgrades also reduce the ride quality found on regular Altima models. Surprisingly, the top-of-the-line Platinum model we drove had more cornering grip than the all-new 2019 BMW 330i xDrive we tested. The Nissan also had a comfortable ride that prevented any shudders over undulating pavement. Its steering system was precise by family-sedan standards and doesn't add effort to emulate steering feel. The Altima's brake pedal had linear feedback and prompt responses to our input.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Altima doesn't offer a fuel-saving hybrid or eco-friendly plug-in-hybrid model as do many of its rivals, but its two gasoline engines have lofty EPA fuel-economy ratings and even better real-world results. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has estimates up to 28 mpg city and 39 highway. However, more expensive models are rated as low as 25 mpg city and 34 highway. The EPA estimates that all-wheel-drive models can earn up to 26 mpg city and 36 highway. The VC-Turbo engine is rated at 25 mpg city and 35 highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, the all-wheel-drive Altima achieved an eye-popping 41 mpg, while the VC-Turbo version recorded an impressive 37 mpg. The most fuel-efficient (nonhybrid) Accord and Camry earned 38 mpg and 45 mpg, respectively.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Likes: Finally an attractive interior design, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, back seat is comfortable for adults.
Dislikes: Some tacky trim pieces, road noise makes the back seat loud, folding rear seats could work better.
Inside, the Altima's cabin provides a straightforward dashboard with user-friendly switchgear. Interior materials vary among trim levels, but everything is a significant improvement compared with the previous-generation Altima. Our mid-level SV test vehicle had attractive appointments and hard plastics that drew little attention. Desirable options include ambient interior lighting, memory settings for the driver's seat, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. The flat-bottomed steering wheel and faux carbon fiber were a bit much here, especially since there are no paddle shifters or selectable drive modes on the SV. Still, the soft armrests made cruising and sitting in traffic more tolerable. The front seats can accommodate a wide variety of body types, but we felt that the lumbar support was too aggressive. The back seat was very comfortable, with large seats and ample legroom. We fit six carry-on bags in the Altima's trunk and 17 bags total with the rear seats folded. These numbers matched those of the Toyota Camry we tested, but both fell short of the Honda Accord's 19 bags. Unfortunately, the Nissan's rear seats don't fold completely flat and they must be released using handles in the trunk, which is inconvenient. The Altima has decent storage in the front seat, with narrow albeit deep door pockets and a useful tray at the front of the center console.
View Photos
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Altima—except for the base model—has a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The infotainment interface has a customizable main menu but otherwise few personalization options. While the sound system has useful knobs for volume and tuning, the touchscreen we tested responded slowly to inputs. Along with optional built-in navigation, the Altima's infotainment system can be upgraded with a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
View Crash Test Results
The 2020 Altima earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and it was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). While every Altima has forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, the SR versions and up have standard blind-spot monitoring, high-beam assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. All but the S and SR trims levels are also available with a semi-autonomous drive mode that Nissan calls ProPilot Assist. Other safety features include:
- Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available rear automated emergency braking
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Altima has a competitive warranty coverage that aligns with rivals such as the Accord and Camry. Unfortunately, Nissan doesn't offer any complimentary scheduled maintenance—Toyota provides two years or 25,000 miles.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Shopping Tools
What's My Car Worth?
Car and Driver values are calculated from the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles.
Get Estimate
Insurance Marketplace
See what you can save on car insurance.
Learn More
Auto Loans & Financing
Our finance experts answer any questions you may have about financing a vehicle.
Learn More
Similar Vehicles
2024 Honda Accord / Accord Hybrid
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$28,990
EPA MPG
32–48 combined
C/D SAYS: The Honda Accord is a Car and Driver favorite, winning our praise year after year with its spacious cabin, refined road manners, and first-rate build quality. Learn More
2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$29,535
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: With a fresh face, hybrid-only powertrains, and a redesigned cabin, the 2025 Toyota Camryis revitalized and ready for family sedan duty. Learn More
Toyota Camry Model Years
- View 2025 Camry DetailsStarting at $29,535 · 9/10
- View 2024 Camry DetailsStarting at $27,555 · 8/10
2025 Kia K5
Starting at
$28,145
EPA MPG
27–30 combined
C/D SAYS: Gussied up with an updated design, the 2025 Kia K5 offers a lot of family sedan for the price, and looks great doing it. Learn More
Kia K5 Model Years
- View 2025 K5 DetailsStarting at $28,145 · 9/10
- View 2024 K5 DetailsStarting at $26,745 · 9/10
2025 Hyundai Sonata
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$28,000 est
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: With freshened-up styling, a variety of powertrains, and a feature-packed interior, the Sonata is a versatile sedan at a value price. Learn More
Hyundai Sonata Model Years
- View 2025 Sonata DetailsStarting at $28,000 est · 8.5/10
- View 2024 Sonata DetailsStarting at $28,650 · 8.5/10
2025 Subaru Legacy
7.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$26,065
EPA MPG
26–30 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2025 Subaru Legacy is solid, responsible, practical, safe transport absent anything that will stir up positive emotions if you love to drive. Learn More
Subaru Legacy Model Years
- View 2025 Legacy DetailsStarting at $26,065 · 7.5/10
- View 2024 Legacy DetailsStarting at $26,015 · 7.5/10
2025 Chevrolet Malibu
6
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$26,995
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: The venerable Chevy Malibu cruises into its final production year with no changes, and the result is a steady family sedan that doesn't lead the pack but still performs just fine. Learn More
Chevrolet Malibu Model Years
- View 2025 Malibu DetailsStarting at $26,995 · 6/10
- View 2024 Malibu DetailsStarting at $26,195 · 6/10
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
More From Nissan
2024 Nissan Armada
7.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$58,530
EPA MPG
15–16 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2024 Nissan Armada’s body-on-frame construction and brawny V-8 provide ample utility, towing power, and passenger room—and a robust thirst for fuel. Learn More
Nissan Armada Model Years
- View 2024 Armada DetailsStarting at $58,530 · 7.5/10
- View 2023 Armada DetailsStarting at $52,710 · 7.5/10
- View 2022 Armada DetailsStarting at $51,695 · 7.5/10
- View 2021 Armada DetailsStarting at $50,595 · 8.5/10
- View 2020 Armada DetailsStarting at $48,995 · 8.5/10
- View 2019 Armada DetailsStarting at $48,495 · 7/10
- View 2018 Armada DetailsStarting at N/A · 7/10
- View 2017 Armada DetailsStarting at N/A · 8/10
2024 Nissan Pathfinder
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$38,040
EPA MPG
21–23 combined
C/D SAYS: With a spacious cabin that has room for up to eight people, the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is ready for family transportation duty. Learn More
Nissan Pathfinder Model Years
- View 2024 Pathfinder DetailsStarting at $38,040 · 8/10
- View 2023 Pathfinder DetailsStarting at $36,710 · 8/10
- View 2022 Pathfinder DetailsStarting at $35,975 · 8/10
- View 2020 Pathfinder DetailsStarting at $33,130 · 4.5/10
- View 2019 Pathfinder DetailsStarting at $32,625 · 6/10
- View 2018 Pathfinder DetailsStarting at $32,085 · 6/10
- View 2017 Pathfinder DetailsStarting at $31,285 · 6/10
2024 Nissan Sentra
7.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$22,320
EPA MPG
33–34 combined
C/D SAYS: The Nissan Sentra may not be the most engaging drive on the planet, but this little sedan is packed with value. Learn More
Nissan Sentra Model Years
- View 2024 Sentra DetailsStarting at $22,320 · 7.5/10
- View 2023 Sentra DetailsStarting at $21,340 · 7.5/10
- View 2022 Sentra DetailsStarting at $21,045 · 8/10
- View 2021 Sentra DetailsStarting at $20,605 · 8/10
- View 2020 Sentra DetailsStarting at $20,260 · 6.5/10
- View 2019 Sentra DetailsStarting at $18,915 · 5/10
- View 2018 Sentra DetailsStarting at N/A · 5/10
- View 2017 Sentra DetailsStarting at N/A · 3/10
2024 Nissan Titan
6.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$48,700
EPA MPG
16–17 combined
C/D SAYS: The end is near for the 2024 Nissan Titan full-size pickup that's offered a comfy cabin and a strong 400-hp V-8 powertrain. Learn More
Nissan Titan Model Years
- View 2024 Titan DetailsStarting at $48,700 · 6.5/10
- View 2023 Titan DetailsStarting at $42,360 · 6.5/10
- View 2022 Titan DetailsStarting at $40,705 · 6.5/10
- View 2021 Titan DetailsStarting at $38,745 · 6.5/10
- View 2020 Titan DetailsStarting at $37,885 · 6.5/10
- View 2019 Titan DetailsStarting at $32,285 · 6/10
- View 2018 Titan DetailsStarting at N/A · 6/10
- View 2017 Titan DetailsStarting at N/A · 6/10
2024 Nissan Titan XD
4.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$54,860
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: The 2024 Nissan Titan rides better than heavy-duty trucks but is less capable than some half-ton models, so it draws little interest in no-man's land. Learn More
Nissan Titan XD Model Years
- View 2024 Titan XD DetailsStarting at $54,860 · 4.5/10
- View 2023 Titan XD DetailsStarting at $49,885 · 4.5/10
- View 2022 Titan XD DetailsStarting at $48,275 · 4.5/10
- View 2021 Titan XD DetailsStarting at $47,225 · 4.5/10
- View 2020 Titan XD DetailsStarting at $46,275 · 4.5/10
- View 2019 Titan XD DetailsStarting at $34,385 · 5/10
- View 2018 Titan XD DetailsStarting at N/A · 5/10
- View 2017 Titan XD DetailsStarting at N/A · 5/10
2024 Nissan Versa
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$17,820
EPA MPG
30–35 combined
C/D SAYS: With decent driving dynamics and a fuel-efficient engine, the 2024 Nissan Versa sedan is a handsome and competent daily driver. Learn More
Nissan Versa Model Years
- View 2024 Versa DetailsStarting at $17,820 · 8/10
- View 2023 Versa DetailsStarting at $17,120 · 8/10
- View 2022 Versa DetailsStarting at $16,675 · 8/10
- View 2021 Versa DetailsStarting at $16,075 · 8/10
- View 2020 Versa DetailsStarting at $15,780 · 8/10
- View 2019 Versa DetailsStarting at $13,385 · 3/10
- View 2018 Versa DetailsStarting at N/A · 3/10
- View 2017 Versa DetailsStarting at N/A · 3/10
2024 Nissan GT-R
7
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$122,985
EPA MPG
18 combined
C/D SAYS: The Nissan GT-R has been tweaked (yet again) for 2024 and sees the return of the T-spec trim level as well as a pair of iconic heritage paint colors. Learn More
Nissan GT-R Model Years
- View 2024 GT-R DetailsStarting at $122,985 · 7/10
- View 2023 GT-R DetailsStarting at $117,935 · 7/10
- View 2021 GT-R DetailsStarting at $115,435 · 7/10
- View 2020 GT-R DetailsStarting at $115,335 · 7/10
- View 2019 GT-R DetailsStarting at N/A · 8/10
- View 2018 GT-R DetailsStarting at N/A · 8/10
- View 2017 GT-R DetailsStarting at N/A · 8/10
2024 Nissan Ariya
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$40,980
EPA Est. Range
205–304 miles
C/D SAYS: The newest kid on the block at Nissan, the electric 2024 Ariya, has striking looks, an estimated 304 miles of max driving range, and plenty of passenger space. Learn More
Nissan Ariya Model Years
- View 2024 Ariya DetailsStarting at $40,980 · 8/10
- View 2023 Ariya DetailsStarting at $44,580 · 8/10
2024 Nissan Z
6.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$44,110
EPA MPG
19–22 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2024 Nissan Z sports is an homage to the icons that have come before it, but this time it’s stacked with a 400-horsepower powertrain. Learn More
Nissan Z Model Years
- View 2024 Z DetailsStarting at $44,110 · 6.5/10
- View 2023 Z DetailsStarting at $42,130 · 6.5/10
- View 2020 Z DetailsStarting at $30,985 · 6.5/10
- View 2019 Z DetailsStarting at $31,015 · 7/10
- View 2018 Z DetailsStarting at $30,885 · 7/10
- View 2017 Z DetailsStarting at $30,885 · 7/10
2025 Nissan Kicks
Starting at
$23,000 est
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: The Kicks gets a fully modern glow-up and moves closer to traditional crossover-SUV territory with the addition of all-wheel drive and increased ride height. Learn More
Nissan Kicks Model Years
- View 2025 Kicks DetailsStarting at $23,000 est
- View 2024 Kicks DetailsStarting at $22,730 · 7.5/10
- View 2023 Kicks DetailsStarting at $21,980 · 7.5/10
- View 2022 Kicks DetailsStarting at $21,325 · 7.5/10
- View 2021 Kicks DetailsStarting at $20,895 · 7.5/10
- View 2020 Kicks DetailsStarting at $20,220 · 7.5/10
- View 2019 Kicks DetailsStarting at $19,735 · 8/10
- View 2018 Kicks DetailsStarting at $19,335 · 8/10
2025 Nissan Leaf
6.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$29,280
EPA Est. Range
150–215 miles
C/D SAYS: The 2025 Nissan Leaf’s roomy cabin and comfortable seats can’t hide this pioneering EV’s short range and slow charging rate. Learn More
Nissan Leaf Model Years
- View 2025 Leaf DetailsStarting at $29,280 · 6.5/10
- View 2024 Leaf DetailsStarting at $29,280 · 6.5/10
- View 2023 Leaf DetailsStarting at $29,180 · 6.5/10
- View 2022 Leaf DetailsStarting at $28,495 · 6.5/10
- View 2021 Leaf DetailsStarting at $32,765 · 6.5/10
- View 2020 Leaf DetailsStarting at $32,550 · 6.5/10
- View 2019 Leaf DetailsStarting at $30,915 · 7/10
- View 2018 Leaf DetailsStarting at N/A · 7/10
- View 2017 Leaf DetailsStarting at N/A · 7/10
2025 Nissan Frontier
7.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$33,000 est
EPA MPG
N/A
C/D SAYS: With the full-size Titan discontinued, Nissan's sole pickup truck is the Frontier, which combines rugged styling, practicality, and value in a mid-size package. Learn More
Nissan Frontier Model Years
- View 2025 Frontier DetailsStarting at $33,000 est · 7.5/10
- View 2024 Frontier DetailsStarting at $32,020 · 7.5/10
- View 2023 Frontier DetailsStarting at $30,700 · 7.5/10
- View 2022 Frontier DetailsStarting at $30,025 · 7.5/10
- View 2021 Frontier DetailsStarting at $28,485 · 6/10
- View 2020 Frontier DetailsStarting at $27,940 · 6/10
- View 2019 Frontier DetailsStarting at $20,385 · 5/10
- View 2018 Frontier DetailsStarting at $20,035 · 5/10
- View 2017 Frontier DetailsStarting at $19,385 · 5/10