The 2020 Nissan Altima lasts around 200,000 miles with some windshield and automatic braking issues reported. At $19,550 to $30,998, it’s cheaper than many other midsize sedans, making it a good choice for shoppers on a budget.
Is the 2020 Nissan Altima a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Nissan Altima since it offers a lot of technology and improved reliability. Owner reviews praise the low fuel costs, safety systems, along with the smooth suspension.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are okay for a midsize sedan, there’s plenty of passenger room, there’s also a large truck for the car’s size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 Altima. Avoid models from 2013–2017 since they have transmission failures. Models from 2018–2021 are more dependable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the four-cylinder engines, but it’s not as quick as some competitors.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2020 Altima is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard features include a rearview camera along with automatic braking. Optional upgrades include ProPilot Assist, as well as adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 32 MPG, giving 518 miles of range from the 16.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $49 cheaper than average at $135 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Nissan Altima is a good midsize sedan since it’s cheaper than many of the competitors, giving it a high value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Altima?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Nissan Altima offers a great cabin with comfortable seats and decent owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Altima at 4/5, enjoying the available safety technology, but doesn’t like the poor visibility with the large roof pillars.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Altima a 4/5, praising the advanced entertainment technology system, but owners don’t like the relatively weak turbo engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Nissan Altima Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Nissan Altima include the windshield cracking for no reason, the automatic emergency randomly engaging, along with clunking noises from the front suspension. Overall, these problems are a bit worse than other midsize sedans, but repair costs are reasonably affordable.
The windshield cracking for no reason is the most widespread complaint from 2020 Nissan Altima owners. There was a batch of bad glass which was more likely to break in heating and cooling cycles than normal glass. Replacing the windshield costs around $450, depending on local labor rates.
Automatic emergency braking randomly engaging is another problem mentioned by 2020 Altima owners in the first 30,000 miles. The front braking sensor is overly sensitive and when it gets dirty it fails. Cleaning the sensor is the first thing you should try. If that doesn’t fix it, then you may need to replace the sensor, costing around $550.
Clunking noises from the front suspension have been reported on some Altima models within the first 1,000 miles. Some owners have reported dealerships not removing the suspension blocks from the front shocks, which most will fix for free. There are also some rare reports of damaged shocks, which cost around $350 to replace.
There are four recalls on the 2020 Nissan Altima, which is similar to other midsize sedans. The most serious recall is for the tie-rod ball joints which may come loose, which leads to a loss of steering. Nissan will tighten and fix the joints for free on affected models. Other recalls cover the tires along with the rear window glass.
How Long Will the 2020 Nissan Altima Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Nissan Altima can last around 200,000 miles, which is around 100,000 less than the top-rated Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than other midsize sedans, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $480 per year.
As a used 2020 Nissan Altima reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the A/C refrigerant line for $575, alternator voltage regulator costing $425, along with the exhaust manifold gasket which costs around $200.
Yes.I. Wish it has the maps built in. I don't have weather and sometimes I can't fit a 3rd passenger in the back row.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great in the 2020 Nissan Altima with a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a more powerful Bose stereo system.
Standard safety technology is good for a sedan offering:
- Forward collision warning
- Driver attention monitor
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Rearview camera
Optional driver assistance features include
- Blind spot monitoring
- Nissan Safety Shield
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Lane departure warning
- Traffic sign recognition
- ProPilot Assist automatic driving
- Automatic high beam headlights
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
- Rear parking
- Intelligent lane intervention (lane centering)
- Rear automatic emergency braking
Is the 2020 Nissan Altima a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Nissan Altima is a good value since it’s less expensive than many other midsize sedans. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $19,550 to $30,998, making it cheaper than a Subaru Legacy or Hyundai Sonata. When new, the price range was $24,300 to $35,180. Depreciation is similar to other sedans, losing around 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Nissan Altima?
There are five models of the 2020 Nissan Altima offered form the base S all the way through to the well-equipped Nissan Altima Platinum. The Altima is also available with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
S is the entry-level model with:
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Cloth Seats
- 60/40-Split Folding Rear Seat
- Rearview Camera
- Push-Button Start
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Two USB Ports
- Bluetooth Connectivity
SR is a step up, adding:
- Sport Suspension
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Transmission Paddle Shifters
- Unique Exterior Styling Elements
- Heated Front Seats
- Sunroof
SV is next in the lineup with:
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Noise-Reducing Side Windows
- Nissan’s ProPilot Assist Technology
SL adds features such as:
- Leather Seating
- Navigation System
- Nine-Speaker Bose Audio System
Platinum is the flagship model with:
- 19-Inch Wheels
- 360-Degree Camera System
- Ambient Interior Lighting
What Engines Come In the Nissan Altima?
- The base engine in the 2020 Nissan Altima is a weak 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 188 horsepower at up to 32 MPG. All Altima models come with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- An available upgrade is an average 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder which produces 248 horsepower while getting up to 29 MPG. Performance is good, taking 6.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Nissan Altima Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Nissan Altima?
The 2020 Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan that offers a comfortable and pleasant driving experience. The car’s interior is well-designed and spacious, with plenty of room for both the driver and passengers. Let’s take a closer look at some of the features that contribute to the Altima’s comfort.
The Altima provides comfortable seating for up to five passengers, with supportive and well-cushioned seats. The front seats are adjustable, allowing drivers of all sizes to find a comfortable position. The seats are also available in leather upholstery in higher trim levels, providing an extra touch of luxury.
The Altima’s cabin is designed to be quiet and free from excessive noise and vibration. The car’s suspension system effectively absorbs road bumps, providing a smooth ride, and its sound-insulating materials keep road noise at bay.
How Much Storage Space Does the Nissan Altima Have?
The 2020 Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan that provides ample storage space for its passengers. The trunk space is the primary storage area, and it can hold various items, including luggage, groceries, and sports equipment. The Altima’s trunk has a capacity of 15.4 cubic feet in most trims, providing enough space for everyday use.
It’s important to note that storage capacity may vary depending on the specific configuration and equipment of the car. For example, the Altima SR trim has a sport-tuned suspension that may affect trunk space. Additionally, storage space may be affected if seats are folded down, or if a spare tire is used instead of a tire repair kit.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The sixth generation of the Nissan Altima was launched for the 2019 model year.
2015: 3.5 SV and SL models have a standard touchscreen and remote ignition.
2016: Small exterior styling changes, new SR model introduced, more safety technology.
2017: No major changes.
2018: More safety technology added, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered on the touchscreen
2019: Fully redesigned for the sixth generation with new exterior, interior, all-wheel drive, and engines.
2020: Standard driver aids on the SR model, optional on S, updated interior trim.
2021: Turbo motor only available on SR model.
How Does the Nissan Altima Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Nissan Altima is a decent midsize sedan for shoppers on a budget, although predicted long-term reliability ratings are lower than some of the competition.
The Nissan Maxima is a larger sedan offered by Nissan which costs around $2,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Nissan Maxima, while the Nissan Altima offers more standard driver-assistance technology. We recommend the Nissan Altima since it’s a safer choice, although both have similar reliability ratings.
The Toyota Camry is another midsize sedan which is available for about $4,500 more. Reliability ratings are higher on the Toyota Camry, while the Nissan Altima offers a more engaging driving experience. We recommend the Toyota Camry since there are fewer problems reported as they age.
Do Owners Recommend the Nissan Altima?
Yes. Drives great and feels like a safe compact car. Has the rear view camera too, but wish it had google maps built in.