“Great family car for someone who isn't interested in an suv. Sleek but still sporty. Easy to clean with great mileage.”
2020 Nissan Altima: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2020 Nissan Altima is wider standard coverage of Nissan’s driver-assist safety suite, which reaches the SR and every higher trim. This is a modest update after the 2019 redesign, not another major overhaul.
About the 2020 Nissan Altima
6th generation, second model year after the 2019 redesign.
Nissan sells the 2020 Altima as a tech-forward midsize sedan for drivers who want a roomy everyday car without moving to an SUV. The big brand themes are driver-assist technology, smartphone-friendly cabin tech, available all-wheel drive, and the unusual VC-Turbo engine on select trims. In a class full of conservative family sedans, Altima’s main differentiators are its available AWD and its strong focus on driver-assist and connectivity features.
The S is the straightforward daily-driver trim, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, remote start, and a power driver’s seat. The SR adds a sportier look with 19-inch wheels, LED lighting, and paddle shifters, while the VC-T SR pairs that theme with the stronger turbo engine. SL and Platinum focus on comfort and technology, with features such as leather seating, Bose audio, navigation, and a 360-degree camera on Platinum.
What changed, by category
Safety
Nissan’s expanded driver-assist safety suite became standard on SR and higher trims. It includes blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and forward automatic braking with pedestrian detection.
Styling
SV, SL, 2.5 Platinum, and VC-T Platinum received more piano-black interior trim.
Tech
The 2.5 Platinum and VC-T Platinum added memory for the driver-side mirror.
2020 Nissan Altima specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 27 mpg | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | 27 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 39 mpg | 39 mpg | 37 mpg | 39 mpg | 34 mpg | 37 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Horsepower | 188 hp | 188 hp | 188 hp | 188 hp | 248 hp | 188 hp | 248 hp |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Nissan Altima?
The biggest change is that Nissan’s expanded driver-assist safety suite became standard on the SR and every higher trim. The rest of the car largely carries over from the redesigned 2019 Altima.
Which 2020 Nissan Altima trims have the expanded safety suite?
The expanded safety suite is standard on the 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, 2.5 Platinum, VC-T SR, and VC-T Platinum. Its features include blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and forward automatic braking with pedestrian detection.
Did the 2020 Nissan Altima get a new engine or redesign?
No, the 2020 Altima did not receive a new engine lineup or another redesign. It remains the second model year of the sixth-generation car introduced for 2019, with the main updates focused on safety equipment and small cabin details.
What interior changes did the 2020 Nissan Altima receive?
SV, SL, 2.5 Platinum, and VC-T Platinum received more piano-black cabin trim. Both Platinum models also added memory for the driver-side mirror.
Was the Altima VC-T Edition One offered for 2020?
No, the VC-T Edition One did not continue for 2020. The turbocharged lineup consisted of the VC-T SR and VC-T Platinum.
2020 Nissan Altima Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Nissan Altima.
4.1
2020 Nissan Altima
(991 reviews)
“I must say I love the look!! It's classy!! I love that it's TURBO!!! It handles well when I accelerate.”
“Reliable car, roomy and quiet interior, good mileage, and excellent safety features.”