Starting at
Starting at
| Yes | Hybrid Option | No |
| 275 | Max Torque (lb-ft) | 273 |
| 16 | Max Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 15.4 |
Singles and couples looking for an intelligent, fuel-efficient sedan don’t need to look any further than here. Today, we will be comparing the popular 2020 Ford Fusion vs 2020 Nissan Altima. Both vehicles are well known, and you’ve probably seen older versions of these models on college campuses and in office building parking lots. They are ideal for going to classes or work, and they are reliable for road trips as well. So which one is better?
Both sedans offer seating for up to five people. However, it can get a bit cramped in the back for three adults. The Ford Fusion is available as a gasoline vehicle, a hybrid model, and a plug-in hybrid model. This makes the trunk space different for each one due to the added battery packs. The standard model is built with a 16 cubic-foot trunk, the hybrid offers 12 cubic feet of space, and the plug-in hybrid has 8.2 cubic feet of room in the trunk. The Nissan Altima does not have a hybrid or plug-in hybrid version, so we will only be comparing the gasoline models for now. The Altima presents a trunk space measured at 15.4 cubic feet. That makes it a bit smaller in the boot than the Ford Fusion.
Want to learn more about these two comfortable sedans? Keep reading!
As we mentioned before, there are three different types of Ford Fusions for the 2020 lineup. Looking at the gasoline models first, you will notice that there is a trio of engine choices. The standard turbocharged 1.5-liter EcoBoost motor generates 181 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. Due to direct injection technology and twin-independent variable cam timing, this powertrain gets 27 MPG combined (23 city/34 highway). It also uses FWD.
The next option is a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that pumps out 231 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. It has an estimated fuel economy set at 25 MPG combined (21 city/31 highway). Lastly, the largest engine in the lineup is a 2.5-liter I-4 motor that produces 175 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. It has the same fuel economy as the second powertrain. It’s also worth noting that each of these engines is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
As for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, both are powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 Atkinson-cycle engine and a battery-fed electric motor. The difference comes with the size of the batteries. The 1.4 kWh hybrid battery allows the vehicle to get 42 MPG combined (43 city/40 highway), and the larger 7.6 kW lithium-ion battery pack on the plug-in hybrid pumps it up to 103 MPGe. It also allows for a 26 miles electric-only driving range. Recharging the plug-in hybrid only takes 2.5 hours with a 240-volt cable.
Now, we can change gears and look under the hood of the 2020 Nissan Altima. The standard powertrain uses a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. Using a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and FWD (AWD is optional), this model gets about 32 MPG combined (28 city/29 highway). For the SR and Platinum trims, you can also opt for a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that pushes out 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
Now that we’ve covered space and engine offerings, it’s time to slip behind the wheels of both vehicles to see what kind of goodies are inside.
The 2020 Ford Fusion gasoline-powered model is available in four trims. The first is the S model. It includes the coveted Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite of safety features. This comes with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, blindspot monitoring, automatic high beams, emergency braking, pre-collision assist, and a rearview camera. Ford didn’t skimp on entertainment either. This model comes with a 4-speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, dual 12-volt power outlets, and the Sync infotainment system displayed on a 4.2-inch LCD monitor. Next, the SE adds two more speakers to the sound system and satellite radio. It also gets FordPass Connect, dual LCD monitors, and the Sync 3 infotainment upgrade.
The mid-level SEL trim replaces the cloth upholstery with stain-resistant ACTIVEX. Heated seats have been added, and the sound system gets a total of 11 speakers. Lastly, the top-of-the-line Titanium trim adds some amazing luxury features like leather upholstery, heated/cooled seats, HD radio, and an upgraded 12-speaker Sony sound system. The steering wheel has been wrapped in leather, and a power moonroof has been installed. There are even a few new safety features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology and a navigation system that uses voice commands.
If you want a Fusion Hybrid, the SE, SEL, and Titanium trims are available. The only difference is that the hybrid trims all come with voice-activated navigation and the SmartGauge with EcoGuide. As for the plug-in hybrid, it is only available in the Titanium trim, and it has the same features as the Fusion Hybrid Titanium.
Turning to the 2020 Nissan Altima, it is offered in five trims. The base is also called the S, but it is much more bare-bones than the Ford Fusion S. The only safety features that are included with this model are a rearview camera, forward collision warning, and emergency braking. It does have push-button start technology and an advanced infotainment interface. Displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen, this system is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth.
Next, the sporty SR comes with blindspot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and lane-departure warning. Also included are steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a revised suspension. The SV adds dual-zone climate control, heated seats, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology. Then we have the SL model that comes with leather upholstery, a Bose sound system with nine speakers, and a navigation system. Finally, the top-tier Platinum model adds ambient cabin lighting as well as a 360° camera system.
In our final battle round, we will explore the exterior styling elements and practical features for each vehicle.
Starting with the 2020 Ford Fusion S, it rides on 16-inch steel wheels, and features LED taillights, a black grille with a 5-bar design, body-colored power side mirrors, and body-colored door handles, and front/rear bumpers. Rolling on 17-inch aluminum wheels, the SE model replaces all of the black and body-colored accents with chrome accents. For the SEL, the wheels have been upgraded to 18-inches, and the chrome accents carry over from the SE. Auto-dimming/heated side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators have also been included. Lastly, the Titanium hits the street on 19-inch wheels. A chrome mesh grille replaces the 5-bar design, and a rear spoiler has been added to the back. As for the various hybrid models and the plug-in hybrid, the only major difference to the exterior is slightly smaller wheels.
Moving on to the Nissan Altima, the S comes with body-colored exterior accents, chrome door handles, power side mirrors, and a chrome V-Motion grille. The SR adds LED headlights, body-colored door handles, black side mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and a dark chrome V-motion grille. The SV adds a moonroof as well as heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators. It also gets the chrome accents back. LED fog lamps have been included on the SL and Platinum models as well as noise-reducing glass.
If you live in or around Cincinnati, OH, then you should head over to Kings Ford to purchase your next vehicle. Our inventory is stocked full of the best new and used models in the area. You won’t find a better selection anywhere else. Our on-site team of finance specialists is also available to assist you with securing a loan. You can find the most competitive monthly rates right here. We also have a team of certified technicians that are here to maintain and service your vehicle. From routine oil changes to major engine repairs or bodywork, we can handle anything. Get in touch with our agents today to schedule a test drive in one of our vehicles!
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
