2020 Nissan Altima review

2020 Nissan Altima Review: 

The 2020 Nissan Altima gets a couple of big improvements a year after being fully redesigned. A full suite of advanced driver aids, like adaptive cruise control, is now standard on the second-tier SV trim, and many of them are available on the base S trim. Edmunds' editors found these systems to work well, making the 2020 Altima more appealing than the 2019. 

Otherwise, the Altima's primary appeal is its cost. A used Altima can be found for thousands of dollars less than its competitors, and its impressive fuel economy for a non-hybrid just ups its cost-saving value. But if you want a hybrid, you'll have to look elsewhere; the Altima does not come as one. And Edmunds' editors noted the Nissan Altima's build quality isn't up to the same standard as its competition. 

• Technology

• Comfort

• Cargo and storage

• Ease of use

• Driving

What tech does the 2020 Nissan Altima have?

Connectivity

Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard on the Altima. You can also connect your phone using Bluetooth®. There are a pair of USB-A ports at the front of the vehicle. 

Infotainment

This vehicle has been on sale since 2019, and it shows. The standard touchscreen is only eight inches; it works well enough, but it's definitely dated next to newer competitors. 

Driver-Assist Tech

The good news is that the advanced driver aids on the Nissan Altima worked very well in Edmunds' testing. There was praise for adaptive cruise control as well as lane-keeping assistance. The bad news? Most of these features either exist higher up the trim structure or require getting a special package. And the rear camera is quite dated, offering a grainy view out the back of the car. That's especially troublesome because rear visibility in the Altima is already not great. 

How comfortable is the 2020 Nissan Altima? 

Front Seating

The front seats are mostly comfortable, though Edmunds' editors pointed out that they're a bit flat. That could lead to discomfort on long drives. But there's plenty of space in front, offering enough legroom and headroom for even taller occupants. The seats aren't confining, making them more accessible to a wider range of body types, and the steering wheel is easily adjustable, broadening its appeal. Heated front seats are available, but cooled seats are not offered. 

Rear Seating

In the rear is a very roomy bench, though a tall passenger sitting behind another tall passenger may feel cramped. Headroom in the Altima's back seat is good, even with the available sunroof installed. There are no heated or cooled seats available in the second row of the Altima. 

Ride Quality and Interior Noise

You'll always know whether the road is smooth or bumpy when you're behind the wheel of the Nissan Altima. It also doesn't do a great job of suppressing impacts from driving over rocks, divots, or other mediocre surfaces. That said, most of the outside noise stays there; engine noise isn't an issue, and wind noise is suppressed as well as any other midsize sedan. 

Does the 2020 Nissan Altima have good storage?

Cargo 

The 15.3 cubic feet of storage you get in the back of the Nissan Altima is about average. It's less than you get with the Honda Accord but it's more than you get from the Toyota Camry. This is an easy space to slide in a few suitcases thanks to its wide, boxy shape; there are no weird intrusions that make for a funky storage space. The rear seats fold down, but the design of the Altima's chassis intrudes into the storage area, robbing it of what would be some additional storage space.

Storage

There are lots of places to store small items in the Altima. There's a little cubby in front of the gear shifter, and the center console storage bin has a tray that's perfect for storing car keys. The door pockets are also large, though the molded plastic is particularly tough and inflexible compared to competitors, and as such they don't offer much in the way of flexibility. 

How easy is the 2020 Nissan Altima to use?

Entry, Exit, and Car Seats

The doors open very wide in both the front and second rows, which is great for two reasons: It makes it a lot easier to get in and out of the Altima, and installing a car seat is much easier. Edmunds' editors weren't impressed by the hiding of the LATCH anchors underneath the seat cushions; in other cars, they usually stick out a little or are easier to find. However, the editors noted that installing a car seat was hassle-free. 

Interior Layout and Visibility

This is a simple interior. That's both a pro and a con. If this is your first time in a modern vehicle, you won't have a hard time figuring out where the buttons you need are or what they do. It's also a very spartan interior, with lots of black plastic and not much of a mixture of materials. Visibility out the front and side is very good and that stands in contrast to poor rear visibility. It doesn't help that the backup camera is also on the grainy side. 

What’s the 2020 Nissan Altima like to drive?

Driving

This isn't the car for you if you're looking for fun, spirited driving. But the Nissan Altima does just fine driving around town. The engine is responsive, and the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is barely noticeable. Braking is OK, though it took a little longer to stop in panic-braking situations in Edmunds' testing than its primary competitors. It has enough power to get up steep inclines and to get up to highway speeds as long as you're not in a big hurry. 

Fuel Economy/Electric Efficiency

Definitely a highlight of the Nissan Altima. It gets an EPA-estimated 32 mpg in combined driving, which is good for a non-hybrid midsize sedan. Of course, you can't get a hybrid Altima, which may take some of the shine off this number. 

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates