When you’re browsing for a sedan and looking for options, the obvious sequence of selection would be hovering over to the next brand that rivals the one you’re looking for. Well, the 2020 Nissan Altima has strategically put forth 7 options so you’re going to pass each trim unless it resonates with the features you want.
So what else do you need to know about the Altima? It is stylish, powerful, and the only sedan to offer an All-wheel-drive option. The options are plenty and it is not going to be a walk in the park to make an objective decision so we have simplified this by evaluating the factors to guide your buy.
What powers the 2020 Nissan Altima?
The stylish mid-size sedan from Nissan draws power from two variants of engines, exclusive to different trims. One is the standard 2.5-liter 4 cylinder engine that exerts 188 hp coupled with a torque of 180 lb-ft. This engine pairs with the Continuous Variable Transmission system to execute a delightful drive.
Only the S, SR, SV, and the SL trims have room for the naturally aspirated engine. The power generation is linear for these trims and acceleration is steady.
|
Models |
Nissan Altima Platinum VC-Turbo |
Kia Optima SX |
Hyundai Sonata Limited 1.6T |
Ford Fusion Titanium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
0-60 MPH (sec) |
5.9 |
6.9 |
8 |
6.9 |
|
Quarter Mile (sec) |
15 |
15.1 |
16 |
15.2 |
|
Top Speed (MPH) |
130 |
130 |
130 |
130 |
|
Engine |
2.0L Variable Compression Turbo Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 |
1.6L Turbo Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbo Ecoboost Inline-4 |
The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is optional for the SR VC-Turbo and Platinum trim. Contrary to popular belief, the turbocharged engine generates a little less power of 182 hp coupled with 178 lb-ft of torque. With an abrupt power generation, it can accelerate a little quicker than the standard trim executing the 0-60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. However, the engine can be a little noisy during the drive.
How does the 2020 Nissan Altima fare on the Fuel Economy front?
The 2020 Nissan Altima has a great fuel economy in comparison to the competition. The 2020 Nissan Altima is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class only second to the Sonata.
All trims of the Altima offer the same economy concerning fuel consumption. However, when pitted against rivals not many compare to the Altima.
|
Models |
Nissan Altima Platinum VC-Turbo |
Kia Optima SX |
Hyundai Sonata Limited 1.6T |
Ford Fusion Titanium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (city) |
25 |
21 |
27 |
21 |
|
MPG (highway) |
34 |
30 |
36 |
31 |
|
MPG (combined) |
29 |
24 |
31 |
25 |
|
Fuel Capacity (gallons) |
16.2 |
18.5 |
15.9 |
16.5 |
|
Range (city/ highway/ combined*) (miles) |
405/550/469 |
388/555/444 |
429/572/492 |
346/511/412 |
|
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15k mi/yr) |
5.1 |
6.1 |
4.8 |
5.9 |
Trims and Features available in the Nissan Altima
To cater to the different demands made by customers, Nissan Altima has 7 trims to choose from. All trims have a standard front-wheel-drive and an optional all-wheel-drive which costs $1350 more. The SR VC-Turbo and the Platinum VC-Turbo are exceptions to the All-wheel-drive option and have only the front-wheel-drive. This is odd since an all-wheel-drive would have enhanced the driving capability of the SR VC-Turbo which has the unique VC-Turbo engine.
Nissan offers you more with the Premium package which aims to provide comfort inside offering features such as heated front seats, a sunroof, and heated mirrors.
- S
The base trim model S is priced around $24,100 for the front-wheel-drive. The standard features that come with it are 16-inch wheels, 8-inch infotainment screen, Intelligent Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking. The Continuous Variable transmission system is another standard feature of this trim.
If you wish to add an All-wheel-drive layout, you can avail them for an additional $1350. The upgrade is better for enhancing the driving experience.
- SR
The one that follows the base trim is the SR model which shares similarities with the S trim in presenting the front-wheel-drive and the all-wheel-drive option. The add-ons to this trim are 19-inch alloy wheels, Dark Chrome V-motion Grill, and Sport-tuned Suspension system.
There is not much that the trim offers but the minor enhancements make a significant impact such as the 19-inch alloy wheels and the suspension system provides an off-road capability to soak in bumps on the road with ease. The SR trim with the AWD option is available at $27,050.
- SR VC-Turbo
The trim that stands out unquestionably is the SR VC-Turbo which has a unique 2.0-liter VC-turbo engine to execute the performance of the vehicle. The power generation due to this is immediate and anchors faster acceleration. However, the hiccup in this trim is the drive layout is only a sole front-wheel drive.
The other unique features that the VC-Turbo offers are driver’s seat lumbar support, LED signature headlights, and paddle shifters with manual mode. For $29,750, you can own the SR VC-Turbo trim of the Nissan Altima.
- SV
The trim that follows the VC-Turbo doesn’t share the same engine but is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine. Nonetheless, you get the all-wheel-drive option for this trim so this is good news. The standard features in this trim are power sliding moonroof, Nissan Pro-Pilot Assist, and Dual-Zone Temperature Control.
The 17-inch wheels are another special feature you get in the SV trim that enhances the drive for the sedan. The SV trim costs you $520 less than the VC-turbo engine despite being the superior trim.
- SL
SL is the trim that sits at the top of the SV trim and shares more similarities with it. Most of its enhancements are related to the technology like the 9 speaker Bose Audio system, Leather-appointed seats, 4-way power-adjustable seats, and a door to door navigation system.
The interior upgrades position the SL trim at $31,590 with the AWD option.
- Platinum
Platinum, like the name suggests, is a premium trim package with 19-inch alloy wheels, Driver’s memory seat, and Accent lighting. Like its lower trim-level, the interior features have been improved in this trim and it gives you the all-wheel-drive option for $33,530.
Choosing the higher trim models is a little tricky since the features care subjective to the buyer and only if you wish to add the premium features, you should opt for this one.
- Platinum VC-Turbo
The supreme trim of the 2020 Nissan Altima is the Platinum VC-Turbo. Like SR VC-Turbo it has a 2.0-liter VC-turbo engine that sends it blazing on the road with greater acceleration and power generation. The all-wheel-drive is not an option in this trim as well. So why does it cost $35,180? Well the VC- Compression Turbo engine of the Platinum generates up to 245 hp which is 57 hp more than the standard power. Nissan has integrated advanced safety features which is the Intelligent Lane Intervention. The ORVMs with memory and NissanConnect Services are only exclusive to Platinum. However, we do feel the brand could have offered more for the price.
In terms of the room on the inside, the Altima may have a numerical disadvantage, However, this doesn’t translate into the real world as there is more than enough space for all the occupants on the inside.
|
Models |
Nissan Altima Platinum VC-Turbo |
Kia Optima SX |
Hyundai Sonata Limited 1.6T |
Ford Fusion Titanium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In) |
38/58.2/43.8 |
39.8/58.1/45.5 |
40/57.9/46.1 |
39.2/57.8/44.3 |
|
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In) |
36.7/57.1/35.2 |
37.8/56.4/35.6 |
38.4/56.1/34.8 |
37.8/56.9/38.3 |
The headroom in the Platinum VC-Turbo might not be adequate for tall individuals. It is just average in its class. The Hyundai Sonata has the best interiors concerning seating space and comfort followed by the Kia Optima.
Which trim should you buy?
With plenty of options to choose from, it is hard to decide. The decision of the buy is going to be based on what you are looking for. For a powerful VC-Turbo engine, the SR VC-Turbo trim is what you should buy. If you feel that the front-wheel-drive is not giving you the desired drive, then the SL trim is the most affordable option with the 19-inch alloy wheels that would highlight the AWD.
2020 Nissan Altima Lease Options
If you aren't interested on buying a brand spanking new 2020 Nissan Altima, you can just lease one. The 2020 Altima 2.5 S with Splash & Mats can be Leased for 36 Months at $199/Month and with $2,749 initial payment. The 2020 Altima 2.5 SR AWD with Splash & Mats can be leased for $255 per month, with $2,359 due at signing.
Design of the 2020 Nissan Altima
The styling and design of the Altima are etched on the skin of the lengthy exterior as the vehicle presents itself. The sedan isn’t wide like its rivals and this contributes to the shoulder room available in the cabin and rear seats.
As we delve into the competition, let’s take a look at how the exterior of the Altima fits in its class. With a decent ground clearance, the Altima is quite long and should offer more cargo but surprisingly, that is not the case. Another notable aspect is that it’s lighter despite being longer.
|
Models |
Nissan Altima Platinum VC-Turbo |
Kia Optima SX |
Hyundai Sonata Limited 1.6T |
Ford Fusion Titanium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb weight (lbs) |
3438 |
3558 |
3336 |
3676 |
|
Length (in) |
192.9 |
191.1 |
192.9 |
191.7 |
|
Width (in) |
72.9 |
73.2 |
73.2 |
75.2 |
|
Height (in) |
56.9 |
57.7 |
56.9 |
58.1 |
|
Ground clearance (in) |
5.1 |
5.3 |
5.3 |
N/A |
|
Wheelbase (in) |
111.2 |
110.4 |
111.8 |
112.2 |
How does the Altima go up against the Competition?
The Altima sits in a highly-heated segment of sedans that includes stalwarts like the Ford Fusion, Kia Optima, and the Hyundai Sonata. Here’s how the Altima fares against each of them.
2020 Nissan Altima Vs 2020 Kia Optima SX
The Kia Optima SX competes with the Platinum VC-Turbo trim as they fall under the same price bracket. It generates almost the same amount of horsepower on the road and even comes equipped with the FWD layout. The Optima SX accelerates a little slower compared to the Altima finishing a second behind to reach the 0-60 mph.
In terms of braking, the Optima has bigger rotors for heat dissipation and its curb weight also aids the braking of the vehicle. However, Kia is not as fuel-efficient as the Altima on the city or highway. There are two areas where the Kia overshadows the Altima. The first is the interior and seating arrangement with more headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the cabin and rear. Cargo capacity is the second area where the Optima SX slightly offers more cubic feet of space.
If you’re struggling to evaluate based on the feature alone, the price can help as the Kia Optima SX costs you less and is available at $32,190.
2020 Nissan Altima Vs 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited
Not as powerful as the Altima, Hyundai Sonata generates a meager 180 horsepower with its 1.6-liter turbo inline 4 engine. An 8-speed Automatic transmission comes handy on the road but a lower trim of the Nissan Altima should be able to compete with the Sonata. It takes about 8 seconds to hit the 0-60 mph.
The wide rotors regulate the heat flow during braking and brake from 60-0 at a distance of 118 ft. The fuel-efficiency of the Sonata is the best in class as it covers 36 mpg on the highway. The highlight extends to its interiors which has a more spacious cabin than all its rivals. Nothing comes close to the Sonata as we lift the tailgate to put in the luggage with 16.3 cu.ft of space. The price of the Sonata is $1680 lower than the Nissan Altima.
2020 Nissan Altima Vs 2020 Ford Fusion Titanium
The Ford Fusion Titanium generates the same power as the Kia Optima SX with its 2.0-liter Turbo Ecoboost Inline 4 engine. Like its rivals, it doesn’t offer the All-wheel-drive option and comes with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission system. It has the second-best acceleration in its class only second to the Altima reaching the 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds.
Its braking is as efficient as the Altima as it performs similarly in this aspect with moderately sized rotors. However, it is not the best vehicle in terms of fuel economy with more fuel consumption on the road but the carbon emissions are average. The Fusion Titanium accommodates 5 adults with a decent-sized cabin and rear passenger seats. There’s no hiccup here as it is just adequate for an average adult.
The cargo volume is again a great feature as it is only second to the Sonata in this aspect providing up to 16 cu.ft of space as you lift the tailgate. If you’re intrigued by what the Fusion Titanium offers, you can own the sedan for $34,450.
Why should you buy the 2020 Nissan Altima?
The alterations in the 2020 iteration have been fewer than what the predecessor underwent but they are worth it. As we try to indulge in the specifications that make the Altima a good vehicle to purchase, there is one distinct feature that none of its competition offers and All-wheel-drive layout. Now that you have been assured of its ride and handling, the entry-level trims, S and SL have better safety features than the predecessor.
With better driving assistance, the CV-Turbo engine executes the best in class power generation and makes the sedan more athletic than its rivals. The CVT transmission only adds to the driving assistance as it is more responsive and adaptive. The fuel economy of the Altima is matched by very few in its class as it averages 25 mpg on the highway.
Besides the performance, a family that wishes to buy a sedan would like a great and spacious interior with good seating arrangements. The 2020 Nissan Altima has everything that a normal family wishes in an automobile with a capacity to seat 5 adults with no constrictions in space.
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