The 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Nissan Altima is a medium sized sedan that has eight different trim levels. It has a reliable overall performance and top notch features which come at a reasonable price. The SR Midnight model has an exquisite appearance thanks to some modern features like the rear black spoiler and the 18-inch black alloy wheels. The Nissan Altima houses a four-cylinder engine or a V6 engine beneath its bonnet, and it usually pairs both with the iconic Xtronic CVT. Also, the Active Understeer Control and ZF Sachs shock absorbers boost the handling of the sporty sedan. Aerodynamic performance is also improved in models that have the Active Grille Shutters.

Adding to the list, the car provides various reliable and cutting edge safety features such as six air bags and a Vehicle Immobilizer system, Forward emergency braking and Predictive forward collision Warning system making it be in a class of its own in terms of advanced safety technology.

The Altima 2.5 base model is available at $22,500. The more luxurious model like the Altima 3.5 SL has an MSRP at $32,690. Followed by several other editions that have an MSRP well below $28,600. This includes: 2.5 S at $22,900, the 2.5 SR at $24,470, the SR Midnight Edition at $25,460, the 2.5 SV at $25,460, the 2.5 SL at $28,570, and the 3.5 SR with an MSRP of $27,990.

Performance Specs

Nissan Altima  has remarkable maneuvering capabilities on slippery roads, thanks to its Active Understeer Control. It has an electronic, hydraulic power-assisted steering system which gives it excellent handling on tracks. Also, it has ZF Sachs shock absorbers which help to improve its stability even at high speed.

The Nissan Altima has a unique Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) system which works with a conventional front-wheel drive. It has paddle shifters control which allows the user to define the powertrain to suit different driving conditions. The manual shift mode which can exactly define gear combinations. However, the Xtronic CVT comes with clearly no limit on gear ratios.

Nissan Altimas with the 2.5 badge insignia comes with the QR25DE I-4 engine which outputs 179 horsepower and 177lb-ft of torque. While that of 3.5 SR and 3.5 SL trims, has the VQ35DE V6 engine which generates a maximum of 270hp at 6,400 RPM and 251lb-ft of torque at tachometer of 4,400 RPM. It has a variable induction system which instigates the combustion cycle in both engine blocks. Adding to it, it has a drive-by-wire throttle system with electronic controls which also manages the initial phases of combustion.

Fuel Efficiency

EPA analysis claims, the Nissan Altima 2.5 trims offer a fuel economy of up to 39 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in the city because of advanced features like the Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) and the Active Grille Shutters.

On the other hand, the SR Midnight Edition rated at 37 mpg on the highway and 26mpg in the city which is quite efficient for its stylish features. While the 3.5 brands are at 32 mpg on highways and 22 mpg in cities. In addition, the V6 engine offers a slight decrease in fuel economy, due to the CVTCS technology which controls just the intake phase. Thus its fuel consumption rate is 30 mpg on highways.

Safety And Entertainment Features

All trim levels of Nissan Altima have a distinct Nissan Connect 7-inch display infotainment system which gives access to diverse, engaging applications. A navigational software synced with Google technology to help find directions to a given destination. It has a nine-speaker Bose sound system for improved audio quality.

The Nissan Altima models come with standard and state of the art safety features which makes it very special. It includes; an Intelligent safety shield, predictive forward collision system, blind spot warning system, Rear cross traffic alert turns, Energy absorbing steering, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to help boost driving security and vehicle protection.

Nissan Altima Vs Competition

The Nissan Altima faces stern competition from rivals like Japanese-made sedans, such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Surprisingly, the Camry’s 2.5 L and 3.5 L engines and that of Altima’s engines are the same. However, The Camry’s 7-inch Entune touch screen is easier to navigate than the Altima’s 7-inch NissanConnect monitor. While in the active safety features, Nissan’s Intelligent Safety Shield technology stands out from the Camry, that has no Toyota safety sense suite.

Similarly, the Honda Sensing safety technology matches closely with the Altima’s Intelligent safety shield technology, and both are fairly the same price. On the other hand, the Accord’s unique Continuously Variable Transmission is not as dynamic as the Altima’s Xtronic CVT.

Pros

• Remarkable Infotainment system features
• Active safety features powered by the Intelligent Safety Shield
• Stylish choices for SR Midnight Edition
• All trims levels are well below $33,000

Cons

• Small infotainment system
• Limited standard features in some 2.5 trims