2021 Nissan Altima

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Rating6.9

Ranked #11 in 

Midsize Sedan
Write Review
$24,550 - $34,250
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Capacious cabin

The quality of the cabin is average

Only the SR trim will be eligible for the turbocharged engine

Impressive mileage

Road feel is absent from the steering

S trim gains enhanced safety features

Quite a composed ride

The A-pillars are too thick, limiting visibility outward

Specs & Features

$24,550

price

188 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

180 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm

torque

Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic

transmission

2.5L 4cyl FWD CVT

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Nissan Altima is a part of the USA family and has been since it first landed in 1993. The 2021 Nissan Altima reveals the next step for the modern, full-size family sedan. Upgraded safety systems and a refreshed powertrain help it take off with a sense of confidence and style. Its look, performance, and features all showcase its growing maturity as it readies itself to keep pace with consumer demands and fit into today's lifestyle.

Buying Advice

We recommend skipping the base S model and upgrading to the SV instead since it comes with better infotainment stuff such as Apple CarPlay, safety features, and a few driver assistance aids. In addition, it is the first trim level with AWD. It would be beneficial to try out the SR version, which has more grunt and delivers a refined performance. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The Nissan Altima provides a comfortable ride and exceptional handling. Built with room for up to five passengers, the latest model will come with a handful of small changes pertaining to its powertrain and safety front. Smooth and quiet, this vehicle offers you all that you need to get from place to place without any hassle. It competes with other hotshots, such as the Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, and Honda Accord

Features
6.0/10

The 2021 Nissan Altima is offered in five definitive trim levels namely, S, SV, SR, SL, and Platinum. A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard on all models. There is only one trim with a turbocharged engine, the SR. All-wheel drive is standard on the Platinum trim and available for $1,400 on the SV, SR, and SL trims.

With all of the trims, numerous features come preinstalled. Each trim is equipped with features like leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver's seat, a 7-inch touchscreen, six speakers, voice recognition, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and satellite radio. As part of the driver assistance technology, there is a rearview camera, forward collision warning, front automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and driver drowsiness monitor.

Trims

S

SV

SR

SL

Platinum

MSRP (FWD)

$24,350

$25,450

$26,250

$29,990

-

MSRP (AWD)

-

$26,850

$27,650

$31,390

$34,150

Key Features

7-inch touchscreen

Adds/upgrades the features of S trim

Adds/upgrades the features of SV trim

Adds/upgrades the features of SR Premium trim

Adds/upgrades the features of the SL trim

 

Remote engine start

17-inch alloy wheels

19-inch wheels

Heated steering wheel

19-inch wheels

 

Keyless entry & ignition

LED headlights

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Dual-zone climate control

Driver-seat memory settings

 

Six-speaker audio system

8-inch touchscreen

Unique exterior and cabin styling elements

Leather upholstery

Ambient interior lighting

 

Bluetooth

Satellite radio

Transmission paddle shifters

Rear air vents

360-degree camera system

 

60/40-split folding rear seat

Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Sport-tuned suspension

Navigation

 
 

Height-adjustable driver’s seat

   

9-speaker Bose audio system

 
 

Automatic emergency braking

   

Power adjustable passenger seat

 
 

16-inch steel wheels

       

Which trim should you buy? 

We recommend skipping the base S model and upgrading to the SV instead since it comes with better infotainment stuff such as Apple CarPlay, safety features, and a few driver assistance aids. In addition, it is the first trim level with AWD. It would be beneficial to try out the SR version, which has more grunt and delivers a refined performance. 

Fuel Economy
6.0/10

In terms of fuel economy, the 2021 Nissan Altima is a decent vehicle but not exceptional. It gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway when powered by the 2.5-liter engine. Those are impressive figures for a midsize car. As for the All-wheel-drive models, they achieve 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. Engines with turbochargers get 25 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway.

Models

2021 Nissan Altima

2021 Toyota Camry

2021 Honda Accord

2021 Chevrolet Malibu

MPG (City)

28

29

30

29

MPG (Highway)

39

41

38

36

MPG (Combined)

32

34

33

32

Fuel Capacity (gallons)

16.2

14.5

14.8

15.8 

Range (City/ Highway/ Combined)

454/632/518

442/595/505

444/562/488

458/569/505 

Typically, the fuel ratings of the sedans described above are similar. Although the 2021 Toyota Camry gets the best fuel economy with 34 mpg combined, it isn't by much. Having slightly better mpg figures than the Nissan Altima, the Honda Accord earns second place, while the Altima secures the last position. Chevrolet's Malibu has the lowest highway fuel efficiency among the competition. 

Interior
7.0/10

Stepping inside the 2021 Nissan Altima, you'll find yourself in an intuitively designed cabin that is at home on any road. The sporty steering wheel, dual climate control, and 7-in. multi-function display take center stage. Enjoy the sound of satellite radio while sitting in a premium fabric seat that envelops you in comfort. You'll find some hard-plastic surfaces here and there, however.

When it comes to family-friendly sedans, the quiet and comfortable interior of the Nissan Altima sets it apart. The 2021 Nissan Altima can accommodate up to five people. With both rows of seats being adult-friendly, Altima's Zero Gravity seats rank highly among midsize cars in terms of comfort and support. The trunk of the Altima measures 15.4 cubic feet, which is pretty decent for a short weekend getaway. Although the seats fold up, making it easier to store longer items, the trunk hinges encroach on available trunk space, limiting the amount of cargo you can store.

Models

2021 Nissan Altima

2021 Toyota Camry

2021 Honda Accord

2021 Chevrolet Malibu

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

39.2/58.2/43.8

38.3/57.7/42.1

39.5/58.3/42.3

40.1/58.5/45.3

Second (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

36.9/57.1/35.2

38.0/55.7/38.0

37.3/56.5/40.4

37.5/57.1//38.1

Cargo Volume (cubic feet)

15.4

16.7

15.1

15.7

With regard to the interior and seating, the Chevy Malibu wins the prize for the largest cabin in the segment. Compared to the competition, both the Camry and Accord make good use of the cabin space with the decent rear room, while the Altima offers the least amount of rear space. Standard interior features of the 2021 Nissan Altima include:

  • Keyless entry and push-button start
  • Dual-zone Climate Control 
  • A Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Moonroof
  • Rear air vents
  • Leather-appointed seats
  • Heated front seats
  • 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
  • Memory settings for the driver’s seat and outside mirrors

How intuitive is the 2021 Nissan Altima Infotainment System?

The 2021 Nissan Altima infotainment and technology are designed to make your driving experience more enjoyable. From high-resolution touchscreens to available NissanConnect Services, the innovative cabin shows how much of a car is within your reach. Nissan's user-friendly NissanConnect infotainment system is standard on every Altima. 

Physical buttons and touch controls are both easily accessible while driving, making it simple to bring up the information you need. In the base version, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are no longer standard but have all other connectivity options. All the standard Infotainment features are listed below:

  • 7-inch or 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System 
  • 6-speaker sound system or 9 Speaker JBL Audio System
  • Satellite Radio
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
  • Voice recognition
  • Bluetooth
  • Available navigation

Exterior
6.0/10

The 2021 Nissan Altima delivers the style you want and the technology you need, all at an affordable price. From its distinctive front end to its spacious interior, this sedan commands respect on the road with its sharp and sporty appearance. A strong V-motion grille with boomerang styling, LED headlights, and tailgate spoilers distinguish this sedan. 

Altima's exterior has been reworked to have a more streamlined, aerodynamic appearance. Optimum height and width are now seen on the Altima's front end, as well as a bold, modern grille. Sharp lines surround the headlights and sweep through the corners of the vehicle. The side profile reinforces the Altima's more prominent wheel arches while the dark beltline emphasizes its sleeker appearance. 

Models

2021 Nissan Altima

2021 Toyota Camry

2021 Honda Accord

2021 Chevrolet Malibu

Curb Weight (lbs)

3,212

3,241 

3,131

3126 

Length (inches)

192.9

192.1 

192.2

194.2

Width (inches)

72.9

72.4 

73.3

73

Height (inches)

56.7

56.9 

57.1

57.6

Ground Clearance (inches)

5.1

5.7 

N/A

6.5

Wheelbase (inches)

111.2

111.2

111.4

111.4

Dimensionally, the Nissan Altima 2021 is among the norms of its segment. Malibu is the tallest and longest sedan, and it actually provides more ground clearance than any other model. The 2021 Altima has the shortest wheelbase and is the heaviest. Some standout exterior features of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 include:

  • 16/17/19-inch alloy wheels
  • V-motion grille
  • LED headlights
  • DRLs
  • LED foglights
  • Rear parking sensors

Safety
9.0/10

Overall, the 2021 Altima was rated five stars by the NHTSA, with five stars in the side crash and rollover tests and four stars in the front crash test. IIHS has not carried out testing on the 2021 Altima, but the 2020 model earned every IIHS crash test rating of Good. 

As part of Nissan's Safety Shield 360 and ProPilot Assist system, the 2021 Nissan Altima is equipped with rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane centering and adaptive cruise control. For 2021, the Altima S trim will include pedestrian protection and forward-collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, which are available on all trim levels including the base variant. Standard and available safety features include:

  • Lane departure warning
  • Lane keep assist
  • Rearview camera
  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Forward-collision mitigation
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Reverse automatic emergency braking
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • A 360-degree parking camera system
  • Traffic sign recognition

Competition
7.0/10

2021 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Toyota Camry

The Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry are two of the most popular mid-size sedans on the market. They come with similar pricing, many options, and are quite similar in size. They also have very similar scores from J.D. Power on dependability and overall satisfaction. Unlike the Nissan, the Toyota features a solid, fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, but it also offers a V6 that is more powerful than the Nissan's.

2021 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Honda Accord

The Nissan Altima and the Honda Accord are similar to each other in a lot of ways. They have a similar wheelbase, the same amount of back seat legroom, and they both offer four-cylinder engine options. In fact, drive the two back-to-back, and you're likely to find them equally satisfying. Performance-wise, the Accord has more power and a better steering system than the Altima. However, the Altima offers all-wheel drive, which the Accord lacks.

2021 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Chevrolet Malibu

The Nissan Altima and the Chevrolet Malibu are two sedans that have a lot in common. The base models are identical, with more specialized models offering a few more unique features. While both offer great handling, safety features, and standard comfort options, they also offer a lot of similar performance packages that can change the drive of the car completely. However, the 2021 Malibu offers a roomier and more comfortable cabin with, higher fuel economy than that of Altima. 

Final Verdict
8.0/10

The Nissan Altima has been created with your comfort and convenience in mind. From its roomy interior and intuitive infotainment display to an innovation-packed Powertrain and top-notch safety features, the new Altima ensures that both you and your time are taken care of. The new Altima is a car that will thrill you! If, on the other hand, you are on the hunt for a well-rounded sedan, you would enjoy the Camry and Accord. 

Trims

    S
    $24,550 onwards
    • 16-inch steel Wheels
    • 2 - 1st row LCD monitor
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Remote keyless entry
    SV
    $25,550 onwards
    • 17-inch machined aluminum Wheels
    • Parking assist
    • Siriusxm AM/FM/Satellite, seek-scan Radio
    SR
    $26,550 onwards
    • 19-inch machined aluminum Wheels
    • Cloth/Vinyl Seat trim
    SL
    $29,990 onwards
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Heated mirrors
    • Leather Seat trim
    • Sliding and tilting glass Sunroof
    Platinum
    $34,250 onwards
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Navigation system

Compare to similar cars

Price

$24,550- $34,250

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.88

Horsepower

248 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque

273 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$37,500- $53,100

Gasoline

7.56

272 hp @ 6500 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,170- $36,450

Gasoline

8.12

-

-

5

Read Review

$25,045- $35,620

Gasoline

7.38

208 hp @ 5700 rpm

163 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,050- $29,200

Gasoline

7.23

158 hp @ 6500 rpm

138 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,770- $36,700

Gasoline

8.14

192 hp @ 5500 rpm

192 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,475- $35,900

Gasoline

7.43

187 hp @ 6000 rpm

186 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$37,090- $42,320

Gasoline

6.83

300 hp @ 6400 rpm

261 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,950- $33,950

Gasoline

7.79

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

181 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$36,700- $57,850

Gasoline

7.12

300 hp @ 6400 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

5

Read Review

2021 Nissan Altima vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8.1 sec16.0 sec120 mph
    5.5 sec13.8 sec152 mph
    5.6 sec-155 mph
    6 sec14.4 sec155 mph
    6.3 sec14.7 sec-
    2021 Kia K5

    Ranked #5

    7 sec15.5 sec128 mph

    2021 Nissan Altima vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      28 mpg39 mpg32 mpg16.2 gal.453.6/631.8 mi.
      30 mpg38 mpg33 mpg14.8 gal.444/562.4 mi.
      2021 Kia K5

      Ranked #2

      27 mpg38 mpg32 mpg14.8 gal.429.2/562.4 mi.
      27 mpg38 mpg32 mpg14.8 gal.414.4/562.4 mi.
      29 mpg36 mpg32 mpg15.8 gal.458.2/568.8 mi.
      2021 Mazda 3

      Ranked #3

      28 mpg36 mpg31 mpg13.2 gal.369.6/475.2 mi.

      2021 Nissan Altima vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        192.9 in.72.9 in.56.7 in.4.9 in.111.2 in.
        196.1 in.73.3 in.57.1 in.6.7 in.111.4 in.
        194.6 in.75.2 in.56.4 in.5.3 in.113 in.
        194.2 in.73 in.57.9 in.6.5 in.111.4 in.
        193.6 in.72.2 in.58 in.5.4 in.110.4 in.
        2021 Kia K5

        Ranked #5

        193.1 in.73.2 in.56.9 in.5.3 in.112.2 in.

        2021 Nissan Altima vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          15.4 cu.ft.100.8 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.
          2021 Mazda 6

          Ranked #1

          14.7 cu.ft.99.8 cu.ft.148.9 cu.ft.
          16.7 cu.ft.105.6 cu.ft.134.3 cu.ft.
          14.3 cu.ft.96.4 cu.ft.127.5 cu.ft.
          23.3 cu.ft.93.8 cu.ft.40.9 cu.ft.
          15.7 cu.ft.102.9 cu.ft.39 cu.ft.

          2021 Nissan Altima vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            53.2 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.98 ft.
            13.5 cu.ft.13.5 cu.ft.13.5 cu.ft.-
            40.9 cu.ft.23.3 cu.ft.40.9 cu.ft.-
            5.2 cu.ft.13.5 cu.ft.15.7 cu.ft.-
            -15.1 cu.ft.--
            127.5 cu.ft.14.3 cu.ft.127.5 cu.ft.-

            2021 Nissan Altima vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              -1121 lbs.3208 lbs.
              1000 lbs.948 lbs.3314 lbs.
              --3499 lbs.
              2021 Kia K5

              Ranked #2

              -1239 lbs.3115 lbs.
              -1073 lbs.3612 lbs.
              2021 Mazda 6

              Ranked #2

              -1036 lbs.3437 lbs.

              2021 Nissan Altima Sedan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              2

              Recalls

              2

              Investigations

              50

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              2021 Nissan Altima User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

              JD

              James Dickinson

              2020 Nissan Altima

              S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 1, 2024

              My Nissan went from bad to good

              Pros - ["Gas mileage", "Very roomy"]

              Cons - ["Transmission", "Push start"]

              My car was a lemon from the get go. I drove it off the lot and immediately had to put it in the shop to get a new transmission. After getting the new transmission the car runs good. Gets great gas mileage and is very roomy. Perfect for me and my 3 kids

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review