2020 Nissan Altima vs 2020 Nissan Sentra

The 2020 Nissan Altima, available in S, SR, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, showcased a sleek design with the Platinum trim standing out due to its turbocharged engine, extra-cost paint, rear spoiler, and other premium features. Priced at $37,825, the Altima Platinum boasted 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, which enhanced its visual appeal. The redesign from the previous year refined the car's styling, though some details like the door handle alignment and rear diffuser panel could have been better. Inside, the Altima's clean and contemporary design, with ergonomic simplicity, made it user-friendly. The high-mounted touchscreen infotainment system, clear climate controls, and traditional transmission shifter added to its appeal. The interior materials were on par with the midsize sedan segment, with matte chrome detailing and simulated wood trim adding a touch of elegance.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra, particularly in the mid-level SV trim, impressed with its Electric Blue paint and 16-inch alloy wheels. Despite its modest equipment, the Sentra's design was a scaled-down version of the Altima, giving it a more substantial presence. The new Sentra was 2 inches lower and wider than its predecessor, with detailed stampings and a V-shaped grille that added to its mature and recognizable look. The interior featured a flat-bottom leather steering wheel, white-stitched leatherette dash, and knurled climate knobs, giving it a premium feel. The SV Premium Package offered quilted tan leather seats and Infiniti-grade materials, making the Sentra's interior comparable to entry-level luxury cars. The fit and finish were impressive, rivaling the Mazda3's classy interior.

The 2020 Nissan Altima primarily featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing up to 188 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, with an all-wheel-drive option available. The test car, however, had the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, known as the VC-Turbo, delivering 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. This engine, available only in SR and Platinum trims, provided a balance of power and efficiency, achieving 29 mpg in combined driving according to the EPA, though the test car averaged 26.2 mpg. The Altima's suspension, steering, and braking systems contributed to its impressive ride and handling, with features like Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control enhancing the driving experience. The CVT was designed to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, providing a unique driving feel.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra, on the other hand, came with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. Unlike some competitors, the Sentra did not offer all-wheel drive. The engine's acceleration tapered off after 30 mph, partly due to an overly sensitive throttle pedal, which could be subdued using the Eco mode. The CVT mimicked gear changes of a conventional automatic, providing smooth and responsive performance. The Sentra's independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality, with quick steering and good on-center feel. The fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined, though the test car averaged about 30 mpg during mixed driving.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's seats were designed for superior comfort using NASA-inspired technology, though the lack of a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats was a drawback. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote engine starter with climate control were available for cold climates, but heated rear seats were not. The Altima offered substantial in-cabin storage space, though it lacked a wireless smartphone charging pad. The trunk provided 15.4 cubic feet of space, with optional grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle for convenience.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra's backseat was spacious, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The front seats featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity cushioning, reducing fatigue on long drives. The lowered body profile improved side visibility, though the rear window's rake and headrest placement limited the rear view. The driving position and controls were user-friendly, with knobs for volume and tuning. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of space, slightly less than the previous model, but still large for a compact car, with foldable seatbacks for added versatility.

The 2020 Nissan Altima featured an 8-inch infotainment system with a user-friendly interface, including stereo volume and tuning knobs, and physical and virtual buttons for easy navigation. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, a text-messaging assistant, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional features included satellite radio, a navigation system, a 9-speaker Bose premium audio system, and NissanConnect Services. The connected services technology offered various plans, with features like automatic collision notification, emergency calling, and smartphone alerts. The door-to-door navigation function was particularly useful in urban settings. However, the voice recognition technology required specific commands for optimal performance.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra did not offer ProPilot, navigation, or wireless charging, but it came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi on the mid-level SV trim. The SV also included additional USB ports and larger screens. Optional features included LED headlights, a Bose stereo, sunroof, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and 360-degree cameras. The SV trim offered dual-zone climate control, proximity-entry key, adaptive cruise control, and remote engine start. Despite its basic interior, the Sentra provided good value for its price.

The 2020 Nissan Altima came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking as standard on the base S trim, with additional features like pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, and automatic high-beam assistance available on other trims. Additional safety systems included a driver monitoring system, road-sign recognition, and a surround-view camera. ProPilot Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aid, was available but had mixed reviews. The Altima received a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2020 Nissan Sentra had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top ratings. It included rear side airbags, knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, auto high beams, and a driver attention monitor as standard features.