2020 NISSAN Altima MR20DD/QR25DE (L33)

L33 / Sedan / North America, select global markets

MR20DDQR25DEVC-Turbo (variable compression engine code VC-T)Exact year/trim recordSilver

Engine identity

Engine code

MR20DD, QR25DE, VC-Turbo (variable compression engine code VC-T)

Engine summary

The 2020 Nissan Altima was offered with multiple engines depending on market: a 2.5L inline-4 (MR20DD or QR25DE depending on market) and in North America a 2.0L VC-Turbo variable compression turbocharged inline-4 engine.

Displacement

2.0L and 2.5L inline-4 variations; 1997 cc for VC-Turbo and 2488 cc for 2.5L engines

Power

2.0L VC-Turbo: approx. 248 hp; 2.5L naturally aspirated engines: approx. 179 hp

Torque

2.0L VC-Turbo: approx. 273 Nm (201 lb-ft); 2.5L: approx. 245 Nm (181 lb-ft)

Fuel system

Direct injection (VC-Turbo), Multi-point fuel injection (2.5L NA)

Timing drive

Chain drive

OBD port

Verify by VIN and market

Oils and fluids

Oil type

Nissan Genuine SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil

Oil capacity

Approx. 4.2 liters including filter; service-fill with oil filter replacement

Coolant

Approx. 6.5 liters

Fluid

Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3

Differential fluid

Not applicable (front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive version uses standard differential oil per Nissan specs)

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Service and parts data

Manual transmission

Not generally available in North America; may vary by market

Automatic transmission

Xtronic CVT

Spark plugs

Iridium-tipped, gap approx. 0.044 in (1.1 mm)

Service interval

Every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first

Tire sizes

215/55R17, 235/45R18 depending on trim

Wheel torque

Verify by VIN and market

Common and chronic problems

Occasional CVT transmission issues reported in some markets
Variable compression engine complexity requires attentive maintenance

First checks

Inspect CVT fluid condition and level
Check for unusual engine noises given new VC-Turbo technology

Before replacing parts

Save fault codes and freeze-frame data before clearing anything.
Check engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid using the correct temperature and service procedure.
Verify power, ground, connectors, hoses, leaks and live data before replacing expensive parts.

Important notes

Market variations exist: MR20DD primarily in Asian markets, QR25DE mostly in earlier US models; 2020 mainly replaced by VC-T 2.0L in North America.
VC-Turbo engine is a significant innovation with variable compression ratios enhancing efficiency and power.

Common codes

Source and verification notes

Nissan North America 2020 Altima Owner's Manual technical specifications section
Automotive technical reviews and global market engine variation reports 2020

Compatible tools

Verify by VIN and market

FAQ

What engine code does the 2020 NISSAN Altima MR20DD/QR25DE (L33) use? 2020 NISSAN Altima MR20DD/QR25DE (L33) is listed here with engine code MR20DD, QR25DE, VC-Turbo (variable compression engine code VC-T); engine summary: The 2020 Nissan Altima was offered with multiple engines depending on market: a 2.5L inline-4 (MR20DD or QR25DE depending on market) and in North America a 2.0L VC-Turbo variable compression turbocharged inline-4 engine..
What oil and capacity does the 2020 NISSAN Altima MR20DD/QR25DE (L33) use? 2020 NISSAN Altima MR20DD/QR25DE (L33) is listed with Nissan Genuine SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil and oil capacity Approx. 4.2 liters including filter; service-fill with oil filter replacement. Confirm market and engine option before service.
What are common 2020 NISSAN Altima MR20DD/QR25DE (L33) problems? Highlighted checks for 2020 NISSAN Altima MR20DD/QR25DE (L33): Occasional CVT transmission issues reported in some markets, Variable compression engine complexity requires attentive maintenance.

Engine identity

Engine code

MR20DD, QR25DE, VC-Turbo (variable compression engine code VC-T)

Engine summary

Displacement

2.0L and 2.5L inline-4 variations; 1997 cc for VC-Turbo and 2488 cc for 2.5L engines

Power

2.0L VC-Turbo: approx. 248 hp; 2.5L naturally aspirated engines: approx. 179 hp

Torque

2.0L VC-Turbo: approx. 273 Nm (201 lb-ft); 2.5L: approx. 245 Nm (181 lb-ft)

Fuel system

Direct injection (VC-Turbo), Multi-point fuel injection (2.5L NA)

Timing drive

Chain drive

OBD port

Verify by VIN and market

Oils and fluids

Oil type

Nissan Genuine SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil

Oil capacity

Approx. 4.2 liters including filter; service-fill with oil filter replacement

Coolant

Approx. 6.5 liters

Fluid

Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3

Differential fluid

Not applicable (front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive version uses standard differential oil per Nissan specs)

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Service and parts data

Manual transmission

Not generally available in North America; may vary by market

Automatic transmission

Xtronic CVT

Spark plugs

Iridium-tipped, gap approx. 0.044 in (1.1 mm)

Service interval

Every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first

Tire sizes

215/55R17, 235/45R18 depending on trim

Wheel torque

Verify by VIN and market

FAQ

What engine code does the 2020 NISSAN Altima MR20DD/QR25DE (L33) use? 2020 NISSAN Altima MR20DD/QR25DE (L33) is listed here with engine code MR20DD, QR25DE, VC-Turbo (variable compression engine code VC-T); engine summary: The 2020 Nissan Altima was offered with multiple engines depending on market: a 2.5L inline-4 (MR20DD or QR25DE depending on market) and in North America a 2.0L VC-Turbo variable compression turbocharged inline-4 engine..

What oil and capacity does the 2020 NISSAN Altima MR20DD/QR25DE (L33) use? 2020 NISSAN Altima MR20DD/QR25DE (L33) is listed with Nissan Genuine SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil and oil capacity Approx. 4.2 liters including filter; service-fill with oil filter replacement. Confirm market and engine option before service.

What are common 2020 NISSAN Altima MR20DD/QR25DE (L33) problems? Highlighted checks for 2020 NISSAN Altima MR20DD/QR25DE (L33): Occasional CVT transmission issues reported in some markets, Variable compression engine complexity requires attentive maintenance.

2020 NISSAN Altima MR20DD/QR25DE (L33)

Engine identity

Oils and fluids

Service and parts data

Common and chronic problems

First checks

Before replacing parts

Important notes

Scanning Engine...

2020 NISSAN Altima MR20DD/QR25DE (L33)

Engine identity

Oils and fluids

Service and parts data

Common and chronic problems

First checks

Before replacing parts

Important notes