2020 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL AWD Quick Information |
2.5-liter four-cylinder (182 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 178 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm) Repeatedly-variable automated transmission, all-wheel drive 26 metropolis / 36 freeway / 30 mixed (EPA Estimated Ranking, MPG) 9.1 metropolis, 6.5 freeway, 7.9 mixed (NRCan Ranking, L/100km) Base Worth: $31,590 (U.S) / $35,098 (Canada) As Examined: $34,855 (U.S.) / $36,283 (Canada) Costs embrace $895 vacation spot cost in the USA and $1,942 for freight, PDI, and A/C tax in Canada and, due to cross-border gear variations, can’t be straight in contrast. |
The Nissan Altima was as soon as within the combine with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord within the mid-size sedan dialog.
That’s now not the case, and hasn’t been for a while.
Nissan is working arduous to get again in that blend, and whereas the 2020 Altima takes the proper strides ahead, there’s nonetheless extra work to be accomplished.
The styling is a begin – the new-for-2019 Altima has sharper appears than its predecessor, each actually and figuratively talking. The creases are extra angular and the automotive appears extra aggressive.
It’s not that the earlier automotive was ugly – it wasn’t, though it didn’t stand out – however this replace is an enchancment.
On-road, the Altima feels extra dialed in and much much less “delicate” than the previous-gen automotive, though it’s nonetheless not as dialed in, from an fanatic’s perspective, as a lot as an Accord, Mazda 6, and even the Camry. It’s not boring, and the steering provides acceptable suggestions and feels well-weighted, however when it comes to dynamics, it’s nearer to mid-pack than the highest of the category.
[Get a price quote for the Nissan Altima here!]
In case you have Walter Mitty fantasies, store elsewhere. When you simply wish to often boost a commute, the Altima might be simply tremendous.
Effective – that’s the phrase I saved coming again to as I drove the automotive. It does all the things tremendous. It rides properly, not too delicate or stiff. It’s quiet, however not a vault. The switchgear is practical, however the cabin, whereas extra aesthetically pleasing than earlier than, isn’t significantly fairly. It’s roomy, nonetheless, and cozy.
Acceleration from the two.5-liter four-cylinder (182 horsepower/178 lb-ft of torque) is sufficient if not thrilling, and the load of the obtainable all-wheel drive system probably has one thing to do with that. The highest two trims can be found with a turbo 4, in case you’re OK with front-drive solely. A minimum of the continuously-variable automated transmission is usually well-behaved.
Then there’s the ProPilot Help system, which Nissan is pleased with. The system is supposed to maintain you focused within the lane, and it could additionally hold you at a set velocity. It will possibly additionally allow you to hold the hole with the automotive in entrance of you, ought to that automotive decelerate. It will possibly even convey you to a whole cease.
When it really works, that’s. It was wonky throughout my time with the automotive, and it’s not the primary time I’ve had points getting it to work. A fast chat with Nissan confirmed to me that it wants clear lane strains on both sides – and Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive, the place I examined it, has a whole lot of strains with pale or fading paint. You additionally want to ensure the system is each turned on and then set. That is sensible, however so doing is trickier than it appears. Lastly, I used to be instructed that even with the clever cruise management working, the system can nonetheless lower out.
When the system labored, it was tremendous, however the inconsistency makes it simpler to simply go away it off. Even when it labored completely every time, it’s nonetheless an help function, probably not meant to do a lot apart from lend a driver an automatic hand. It’s nowhere close to autonomous driving – and to be honest, Nissan doesn’t declare it’s. Personally, I discover it simpler to drive the old school method than use most of those methods, so this isn’t a shot solely at Nissan. Some driver-assist options are helpful, some are usually not, and this one, as presently constituted, actually isn’t.
PPA’s inconsistent performance might have been my largest beef with the automotive, together with the tacked-on infotainment display. In any other case, the Altima is completely tremendous. There’s that phrase once more.
Even the options listing doesn’t scream standout. I drove an SL-trim automotive, which is the second-highest grade. Normal options included ProPilot Help, keyless entry and beginning, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, clever forward-collision warning, rear automated braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, clever lane intervention, high-beam help, rear-view monitor, energy moonroof, premium audio, leather-based seats, heated entrance seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone automated local weather management, distant begin, rear sonar, satellite tv for pc radio, Bluetooth, navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a number of USB ports, traffic-sign recognition, hill-start help, 17-inch wheels, LED fog lamps, chrome exhaust ideas, and LED headlamps.
Choices included splash guards, flooring and trunk mats, floor lighting, inside accent lighting, a rear spoiler, kick-plate lighting, and affect sensors. The value was simply shy of $35Ok.
A tremendous value, for an vehicle that’s simply tremendous, if not tremendous. Our final Altima evaluation advised the automotive is sweet sufficient now to be considered greater than only a first rate alternative on the Enterprise rental lot, and I don’t disagree. However I think about the subsequent time I select to drive one, the phrases “I’ll pay a bit extra for the Nissan” might be stated to an overworked counter agent earlier than I take the keys.
[Images © 2020 Tim Healey/TTAC]
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