Currently on sale, the 2021 Nissan Altima starts at a base price of $24,350 and offers a streamlined model range this year. With the SR trim now ranked above the SV grade, the 2021 Altima's lineup now categorizes as S, SV ($25,450), SR ($26,250), SL (29,990), SR VC-Turbo ($30,700), and Platinum ($34,150), which is in line with the other 2021 Nissan sedans. The 2021 Altima SR VC-Turbo gets an exclusive 248 hp turbo engine, sports-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and much more.
Nissan has priced this model at $30,700. And just like the all-new Versa and Sentra, as well as the flagship Maxima sedan, the 2021 Altima also comes with Nissan's Intelligent Mobility technology – including available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD), ProPILOT Assist, and Nissan Safety Shield 360 technologies. Although the Nissan Altima and Maxima are nearly identical in length, the two sedans have differences. In a battle against the 2021 Honda Accord and the 2021 Toyota Camry, the Nissan Altima is up against Nissan Maxima as well.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Ratings
Pricing And Features
8.0
Engine And Performance
7.8
Fuel Economy
8.0
Interior
7.6
Exterior
7.8
Safety
9.0
Competition
5.8
Final Verdict
8.0
7.5
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
7.5
Overall Rating
"The 2021 Nissan Altima isn't the most alluring or exciting family sedan, but it's competent and available with some unconventional options. "- CarAndDriver
Last redesigned in 2019, the 2021 Altima's starting price of $24,300 for the base S undercuts the entry-level 2021 Accord and 2021 Camry. The 2021 Nissan Altima is offered in a choice of five well-equipped trim levels, with either front-wheel or an Intelligent all-wheel drive. The 2021 Altima offers two powertrain options - a 2.5L NA engine and VC-turbo engine (available with SR trim only).
Nissan equips the 2021 Altima with advanced features like standard Automatic Emergency Braking, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Driver Alertness, ProPILOT Assist, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. For 2021, Nissan has re-shuffled the trims and configurations of the 2021 Altima. A new Driver Assist Package is available for the 2021 Altima S trim.
2021 Nissan Altima front view
2021 Nissan Altima rear view
8.0/10 Pricing and Features
7.8/10 Engine and Performance
8.0/10 Fuel Economy
7.6/10 Interior
7.8/10 Exterior
9.0/10 Safety
5.8/10 Competition
8.0/10 Final Verdict
2021 Nissan Altima Pricing and Features
8.0/10
The 2021 Nissan Altima starts at a price of $24,300 for the base S trim and goes upto $34,100 (MSRP) for the top-tier Platinum trim, which is average for mid-size sedans. A revised 2021 Altima model lineup includes five trim levels – S, SV, SR, SL, and Platinum, available in nine model configurations. All five Nissan Altima trims come equipped with the standard 2.5-liter engine and front-wheel-drive. All grades except S are available with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) at an extra cost of $1,400.
At $24,300, the 2021 Nissan Altima S is the least expensive model you can buy. The next-in-line, the 2021 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV has an MSRP of $25,400. The 2021 Nissan Altima SR, equipped with the standard 188-horsepower 2.5-liter engine costs $26,200 while the advanced 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine (front-wheel drive only) on the 2021 Altima SR starts at $30,650. The luxurious Altima SL model, which has standard leather upholstery, begins at $29,990 in FWD form and $31,390 with AWD. The most expensive 2021 Altima Platinum – equipped with AWD, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a handy 360-degree exterior monitor – starts at $34,100.
Model
S
SV
SR
SL
Platinum
MSRP (FWD/2.5L I4)
$24,300
$25,400
$26,200
$29,990
-
MSRP (AWD/2.5L I4)
-
$26,800
$27,600
$31,390
$34,100
MSRP (FWD/2.0 VC-T)
-
-
$30,650
-
-
Key Features
Intelligent Forward Collision Warning
Adds/upgrades from S:
Adds/upgrades from SV:
Adds/upgrades from SR:
Adds/upgrades from SL:
Automatic Emergency Braking
LED Headlights
Power sliding glass moonroof
9 Speaker Bose Audio
Interior Accent Lighting
Rear View Monitor
Dark Chrome V-Motion Grill
Dual-zone Auto Temperature Control
Leather-Appointed Seats
Driver’s Memory Seat
16” Steel wheels with covers
19” Aluminum Alloys
17” Aluminum Alloys
4 Way power-adjustable front seats
19” Aluminum Alloy
8” Touchscreen Display
Sport-tuned suspension
Nissan Pro-Pilot Assist
Nissan Door to Door Navigation
Around View Monitor
On the 2021 Altima S, a new Driver Assist Package is available at a price of $475, which includes a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert, plus automatic rear braking, a back-up sonar beeper, and an 8-way power driver’s seat. The new addition SV Premium Package comes at $1,800 with a moonroof, LED turn indicators, heated front seats, a leather-covered steering wheel, and shift knob. The package also includes ProPilot Assist. Likewise, the $1,200 SR Premium Package features a moonroof and LED turn indicators, along with heated front seats and 2-way driver lumbar support.
Stand-alone options on the 2021 Nissan Altima include premium paint options ($395), splash guards ($205), a rear spoiler ($420) (except on S), and 17-inch alloy wheels ($910) (on the S, SV, and SL).
At $34,100, the 2021 Altima SR with the 248 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is a true technical marvel. You get a sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch alloy wheels on the Altima SR, plus paddle shifters, sport seats, and a leather-covered steering wheel. It comes with a single-panel moonroof, heated front seats, and heated outside mirrors with LED turn signals.
"The Altima’s engineered for moderate performance, though all-wheel drive and a turbo-4 can alter the equation." - The Car Connection.
For 2021, Nissan Altima has a standard 188 hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and FWD. Optional all-wheel drive lowers output to 182 hp and 178 lb-ft. Available only on 2021 Altima SR, the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine offers 236 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque with regular gas, which increases to 248 hp and 273 lb-ft with premium fuel (93 Octane).
2021 Nissan Altima gets two engine options - a 2.5L naturally aspirated I4 and a 2.0L turbocharged I4
In addition to its standard front-wheel drive, the 2021 Altima also offers Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which is standard on Altima Platinum and available on SV, SR, and SL grade levels equipped with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. With the 2021 Maxima, every model comes with a V-6 and front-wheel drive, unlike Altima.
The 2021 Altima 2.5 goes from 0-60 mph in 8 seconds, which is average in the mid-size vehicle segment. The Altima 2.0 SR models are sportier and improve the 0-60 mph time by almost two seconds. Though Nissan offers an intelligent AWD and VC-Turbo engine, the similarly priced 2021 Accord's 0-60 mph time is the best in the mid-size comparison. However, it's only the Altima and the Camry that offer the optional AWD drivetrain. Regardless of the engine option you choose, the 2021 Nissan Altima is equipped with an XTRONIC CVT transmission.
Models
2021 Nissan Altima S
2021 Toyota Camry
2021 Honda Accord
MSRP
$24,300
$25,425
$24,770
Engine
2.5 Liter Inline-4
2.5-liter inline-four
1.5-liter turbo inline-four
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Transmission
XTRONIC CVT
8-speed shiftable automatic
CVT
Power
188 hp @ 6000 RPM
203 hp @ 6,600 RPM
192 hp @ 5,500 RPM
Torque
180 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM
184 lb-ft @ 5,000 RPM
192 lb.-ft @ 1,600 RPM
0-60 MPH
8 sec
7.6 sec
7.3 sec
Quarter Mile
16 sec
15.7 sec
15.5 sec
Top Speed
119 mph
135 mph
115 mph
Nissan has tuned the Altima's suspension for comfort, however, the Altima SR receives a sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels. Its electric power steering offers linear feedback and lets it track with confidence. Standard brakes on the 2021 Nissan Altima include 11.65 x 11.50 inches (front/rear) power vented discs and solid discs respectively.
2021 Nissan Altima Fuel Economy
8.0/10
The 2021 Nissan Altima gets excellent gas mileage estimates from the EPA, with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at 28 mpg city,39 mpg highway, and 32 combined (FWD). The more expensive SR, SV, and SL trim mpg figures fall to 27/37/31 (city/highway/combined). The Altima's EPA Fuel economy ratings drop to 26/36 mpg City/Highway for the all-wheel-drive model while the heavier SR and Platinum trims bring each of those numbers down by 1 mpg. When compared to Nissan Maxima, lighter weight and all four-cylinder engines of Altima is more fuel-efficient choice. The Maxima's EPA fuel economy of 20/30 mpg city/highway.
Models
2021 Nissan Altima S
2021 Toyota Camry
2021 Honda Accord
MPG (City)
28
29
30
MPG (Highway)
39
41
38
MPG (Combined)
32
34
33
Fuel Capacity
16.2 gallons
14.5 gallons
14.8 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)
454/632/518
442/595/505
444/562/488
The mileage of the Altima SR's VC-Turbo engine is rated at 25 mpg city, 34 highway and 29 combined. Furthermore, the 2021 Nissan Altima gets the best in the class fuel-tank capacity of 16.2 gallons. Even when you are comparing the six-cylinder 300-hp Maxima to the 182-188-hp Altima 2.5 or to the 236-248-hp Altima 2.0 Turbo, Altima offers better mpg ratings.
However, by the slightest of the differences, the 2021 Toyota Camry comes out as the most fuel-efficient vehicle in this mid-size segment. The 2021 Honda Accord's mpg figures help this sedan occupy the second position, while the Nissan Altima ranks last by just a single mile. The 2021 Altima has even better real-world estimates.
"With the Altima, Nissan’s interior designers opted for simplicity and functionality over theater." - KBB
Inside, the 2021 Nissan Altima's interiors have a minimalistic look, and high-quality material, especially in the $34,100 Platinum trim - marked by a "gliding wing" instrument panel and high-contrast colors and trim. Nissan offers a high level of comfort, convenience, and connectivity features in the Altima – including available 7.0-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display, Nissan's Zero Gravity seat design, available perforated leather-appointed seat inserts, remote engine start, and available 8-way driver's seat with memory. When it comes to the interior, 2021 Maxima's higher trims look and feel more upscale than any 2021 Altima. And that makes sense considering Maxima's price is thousands more than the Altima.
2021 Nissan Altima's interior is indeed minimalistic.
Every Nissan Altima seats five passengers with about average interior space. The 2021 Altima offers 43.8 inches of legroom up front and 35.2 inches in the back seat, not as roomy as a Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The 2021 Altima's Cargo space, at 15.4 cubic feet, is similar to that of the Toyota Camry.
Models
2021 Nissan Altima S
2021 Toyota Camry
2021 Honda Accord
Seating Capacity
5
5
5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
39.2/58.2/43.8
38.3/57.7/42.1
39.5/58.3/42.3
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
36.9/57.1/35.2
38.0/55.7/38.0
37.3/56.5/40.4
As for in-car technology and infotainment, the 2021 Nissan Altima dons an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that provides easy access to apple car play and Android Auto smartphone integration. Six-speaker audio is standard. Navigation is included on the SL and Platinum trims, as is a nine-speaker Bose premium audio system. All the Altima trims include a remote engine start.
2021 Nissan Altima Infotainment System
The Altima's NissanConnect infotainment system has quite an easy and quick to respond interface and the visuals and graphics too are quite crisp and clear. Some of the most prominent standard infotainment features of the 2021 Nissan Altima are:
"The Altima wears its family-sedan togs well." - The Car Connection.
The 2021 Nissan Altima continues to look fresh even when it was last redesigned in 2019. The front end is dominated by Nissan's signature thick “V-motion grille” while the rear is highlighted by the “floating-roof” rear roof pillars. Nissan offers sporty Altima SR with a distinguished dark chrome grille, LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, black side-mirror housings, and body-color door handles, though it will cost you $34,100 (MSRP).
The dimensions of the 2021 Nissan Altima are well in line with segment standards. The Altima feels small to drive but is roomy inside. It is 193 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 57 inches tall, with a 111-inch wheelbase. Each of the dimensions is comparable to Accord's and Camry's dimensions. The 2021 Altima's curb weight ranges from 3,207 to 3,462 pounds, that slightly more than the weight range of the Accord, and slightly behind the Camry.
Models
2021 Nissan Altima S
2021 Toyota Camry
2021 Honda Accord
Curb Weight (lbs)
3212
3,241
3,131
Length (in.)
192.9
192.1
192.2
Width (in.)
72.9
72.4
73.3
Height (in.)
56.7
56.9
57.1
Ground Clearance (in.)
5.1
5.7
N/A
Wheelbase (in.)
111.2
111.2
111.4
Available exterior elements in the 2021 Altima include the expressive V-motion grille with dark chrome finish, LED projector headlights with signature Daytime Running Lights, LED fog lights, floating roof with slim pillars, and single panel moonroof. Buyers will be delighted, Nissan offers a range of nine available exterior colors includes Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, Sunset Drift ChromaFlair, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Gun Metallic, Super Black, Pearl White TriCoat, Glacier White, Deep Blue Pearl, and Storm Blue Metallic.
2021 Nissan Altima Safety
9.0/10
The 2021 Nissan Altima earned the highest rating of "Good" for overall safety and is named the Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. The Nissan sedan also received a 5-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The 2021 Altima comes with the Nissan SafetyShield 360 package.
The Nissan Altima has been rated as the Top Safety Pick by the IIHS
The forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard on all Altima models, as is a driver inattention monitor. The base S model is available with a suite of driver-assist features at a cost of $475. Stepping up to SR adds blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning as standard features, while SV (and higher trims) get reverse automatic emergency braking standard. The full range of Nissan's ProPilot Assist, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane-centering is standard on SL and Platinum trims.
Undercutting the 2021 Camry by almost $600, the 2021 Altima is a well-equipped and one of the least-expensive mid-size cars. The reputation of the Camry for reliability and excellent resale is well known, but the Altima offers a wide array of technology and comfort features. Both the sedans offer AWD. The Toyota Camry has the advantage of V6 power, a hybrid powertrain, and its new Safety Sense 2.5+. Toyota is our favorite choice between the two.
2021 Toyota Camry
2021 Nissan Altima Vs 2021 Honda Accord
The 2021 Nissan Altima starting from $24,300 offers a well-rounded package but isn’t really a standout. The Altima's lower pricing and available AWD holds an advantage. The 2021 Honda Accord, however, offers class above driving dynamics, and its 10-speed automatic is better than Nissan's CVT. The Accord remains the class leader.
The 2021 Nissan Altima is worth buying if you are looking for a good family sedan at affordable pricing. At $24,300, the Altima is one of the cheapest cars in the mid-size class which offers competitive features and good comfort. Though there are other well-rounded options as well which score better than the 2021 Altima in various aspects - the 2021 Camry offers assured reliability, while the 2021 Accord has better driving dynamics. Also, in a battle between Altima Vs Maxima, the 2021 Altima offers more drivetrain options, better MPG ratings, and a lighter steering feel. Starting almost $12,000 ahead of Altima, the 2021 Maxima offers a plush cabin, a more powerful engine, and more features.
What new package is available for the 2021 Nissan Altima?
The 2021 Nissan Altima has three option packages including a new SV Premium Package. The Driver Assistance Package (S grade) features Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear Automatic Braking, and Rear Sonar System. Finally, the SR Premium Package includes a single panel moonroof, heated outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, heated front seats, and 2-way driver power lumbar.
What's the warranty plan with the new Nissan Altima?
The 2021 Nissan Altima comes with a regular limited warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles. The company does not even provide any complimentary maintenance package to its customers. The only silver lining is the roadside assistance of 3 years or 36,000 miles.
Is there going to be an AWD Nissan Altima for 2021?
Yes, The 2021 Nissan Altima isn't subject to many changes this year hence it continues to be offered with two engine options and a choice of front-wheel or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive which is a $1400 option.
Does the 2021 Nissan Altima get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity?
For 2021, Nissan shuffles some of the Altima's features between trims. As a result, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are no longer standard in the base S trim but on all other models.
How much is a fully-loaded Nissan Altima?
The price of 2021 Nissan Altima starts at $24,300. Next-in-line models start at $25,400 (SV), $26,200 (SR), and $29,990 (SL). The top-of-the-line Platinum trim starts at $34,100.
Pros - "handles corners well,
5 star safety rating,
good mpg"
Cons - "rear seats don't fold down completely,
cargo space is lesser than camry"
Safe but bigger than my last car I chose this trim based on the advice of the sales person as I wanted a safe option along with good gas mileage but within my budget. i really enjoy commuting to work in my Altima the response from the engine is good. Safety equipment are abundant however there are a few blind spot. Also, desite the rearview camera, parking it hasn't been as plain sailing as my last car Except for the rude behaviour of service department for a bodywork that needed to be done, I've not faced any issues with anyone at the Jack Ingram. I might consider it for my future car purchases as well
Pros - "feature full,
quiet most of the time,
good handling"
Cons - Noisy at higher revvs
Altima's infotaiment and ride quality My Altima is feature loaded with wifi hotspot and Bose audio system and good amount of rear space adding to the comfort. The suspension is well tuned. the handling is impressive and the car stays planted on road I take this oppurtunity to thank everybody that I had to work with at gunter nissan. I got the car I was looking for at the price I had in mind without asking twice for it. They were very helpful and didn't take advantage of the fact that I don't know much about the car buying.
19 inch aluminum alloy wheels and paddle shifters with manual shifting mode are ready for you adventurous ride. The ride is smooth and paddle shifters make handling more convenient. Starting at $27,600, the price is kind of okay. It has sport cloth trimmed seats with plenty of passenger room in both the rows. The steering wheel and shift knob are wrapped with leather. Dark chrome V motion grille, LED projector headlights and LED DRL with cutting lines flowing from front to back impart a muscular look. It is equpped with intellgent All wheel derive, electronic parking brakes and active break limited slip, along with all standard airbags, safety curtains and child protection systems. It has a good reliability. It gave me a no profit no loss deal.
