2020 Nissan Altima

Trims for the Altima include S, SR, SV, SL, Platinum, SR VC-Turbo, and Platinum VC-Turbo. The first five trims are available in all-wheel drive. The base S model only comes in all-wheel drive, and the last two trims only come in front-wheel drive. The base model starts off with elements such as power side mirrors and a front V-motion grille with chrome finish. You can unlock even more at higher tiers. The SR, for instance, adds LED headlights and outer chrome accents. Above that, you can choose from options such as heated side mirrors or a power sliding glass moonroof.

The standard powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). Together they produce 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque in all-wheel drive. In front-wheel drive, the numbers jump to 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. Both VC-Turbo trims opt for a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with variable compression turbo element. This raises output to 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.

You can't control the terrain around you, but the Altima certainly helps improve your footing on most. It features active ride control for cleaner damping over bumps as well as all-season tires for year-round versatility in different weather conditions. You can also choose the SR or SR VC-Turbo to get an exclusive suspension designed for a sportier ride. You can feel confident knowing the Altima has the ability to get you from point A to point B with fewer fuel stops along the way. On the highway, this sedan earns well over 30 miles per gallon for each trim. In all-wheel drive, the top performers are the S, SV, and SL with 36 mpg. In front-wheel drive, those same trims return 39 mpg on the highway.

Inside the Nissan Altima is a cabin stocked with stylish accents such as gorgeous cloth upholstery, an interior carbon-fiber finish, and a central infotainment system. The latter boasts an 8-inch touch screen, plus access to hands-free text messaging and a three-month trial for SiriusXM radio. Upgrade to the SR for exclusive sport cloth upholstery or the SL for front heating controls and driver lumbar support. Higher trims toss in options such as leather seating surfaces or a navigation system with real-time traffic alerts.

The 2020 Nissan Altima packs plenty of safety features you can appreciate, including basics such as tire pressure monitoring and rollover-sensing, side-curtain air bags. You'll also find advanced systems designed to provide safer road experiences. These include automatic emergency braking and an intelligent driver alert that detects signs of fatigue. Fancier packages offer even more depending on your choice of trim. The SV adds hands-on driving assistance, while the SL opts for traffic sign recognition. Meanwhile, the Platinum and Platinum VC-Turbo use an exclusive Around View monitor to get a 360-degree view of your surroundings.