2020 Nissan Altima

The Altima was all-new for the 2019 model year and therefore only receives small tweaks to its trim levels and packaging structures for 2020. Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite of active safety features now comes standard on the SR trim, while a memory mirror has been added to the Platinum trim. A new piano black interior finish is now available for SV, SL and Platinum trims as well.See the 2020 Nissan Altima models for sale

The 2020 Nissan Altima is a well-rounded sedan that's big on value with a generous offering of infotainment and safety tech. For the enthusiast who needs the practicality of a midsize sedan, you won't be disappointed by the Altima's optional VC-Turbo engine, especially in sporty SR guise, which makes for a surprising sport sedan bargain. If you don't care so much about performance and are more concerned about all-weather traction, the fact that AWD is available on every trim (and still allows for impressive fuel economy) is a huge plus, and gives the Altima a genuine competitive advantage when compared to rivals like the Camry and Accord. It's hard to say which model we recommend, since the car's personality can change quite a bit to suit different wants and needs, but we think the Altima SV sits in a sweet spot of safety, features and value that will satisfy most drivers.Find a Nissan Altima for sale

The new Altima is offered in five trim levels: S, SR, SV, SL and Platinum. SR and Platinum models are available with the optional turbocharged engine. Any Altima equipped with the base engine can be optioned with AWD.

The entry-level S trim ($24,795) includes the base engine making 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque linked to a CVT. Some standard driver-assistance tech includes cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a back-up camera and intelligent driver alertness. New to the S trim for 2020 is the Driver Assist Package, which adds rear automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic monitoring and automatic high beams. Beyond this, the Altima S comes with all of the basics like air conditioning and power windows plus standard remote start, a power driver's seat and a nice 8-in infotainment system with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with Bluetooth.

Upgrade to the SR trim ($26,145) and you get a sporty appearance package with 19-in wheels, LED headlights, and a dark chrome grille plus paddle shifters and an impressive sport-tuned suspension. The SR model is also available with the VC-Turbo engine ($30,645), and gets Nissan's suite of active safety features, which the company refers to as Safety Shield 360 as standard for 2020. Other perks of the SR trim include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, sport cloth seat trim and faux carbon fiber interior trim.

The next step up the model range is the Altima SV ($28,975). Perhaps most notable about the SV is the inclusion of Nissan's ProPilot Assist feature, which uses elements of radar cruise control and lane-keeping assist to help you keep your car in your lane at a safe distance from the car in front of you during highway driving, bringing the vehicle to a full stop and starting it again once traffic gets moving. The SV trim also adds automatic dual-zone climate control, back-seat air vents, remote start with intelligent climate control, a universal garage door opener, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, LED fog lights and a power moonroof. Altogether, the SV offers a great mix of safety and comfort without breaking the bank.

The Altima SL ($30,885) further adds to what the SV model throws in. It gets into luxury territory with leather seats, a power adjustable front passenger seat, navigation, Bose premium audio, HD radio, wood tone interior trim, traffic sign recognition and active noise cancellation.

If you want to move up even further, you can upgrade to the Altima Platinum ($32,825), which adds 19-in alloy wheels, an Intelligent Around View Monitor 360-degree camera, a memory driver's seat, and interior accent lighting. The Altima Platinum is a really nice car, but we're not sure it's worth the upcharge over the SL model if you're going with the base engine. However, it's worth noting that the Platinum trim is available with the VC-Turbo engine and the SV and SL trims aren't.