What's New
The 2021 Nissan Altima returns largely unchanged, aside from a few feature tweaks. Nissan’s midsize sedan was redesigned two years ago, and it competes against classics like the Honda Accord and Mazda Mazda6.
This year, the SR trim leapfrogs the SV trim to bring the Altima’s trim range in line with other offerings. The optional turbocharged engine is now only available on the SR trim.
Choosing Your Nissan Altima
The Altima comes in five trim levels: S, SV, SR, SL, and Platinum. Starting prices run from $25,225 including destination for the base S model to $35,025 for the Platinum.
Engine Choices
The Altima has two choices of engine, but one is far more common. The base engine is standard on all models, while only the SR offers the more powerful turbo unit for an extra $4,450.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.5L 4-Cylinder | 188 hp | 180 lb-ft | 32 mpg |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 248 hp | 273 lb-ft | 29 mpg |
Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission. The Altima is one of few remaining midsize sedans that’s offered with all-wheel drive. The system is simple, but it should give snow-state buyers some peace of mind. It’s standard on the Platinum and available on the SV, SR, and SL, usually for an extra $1,400.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Altima seats five passengers in relative comfort. This generation lost some space in the second row, and its 35.2 inches of rear leg room can’t match standouts like the Honda Accord.
Cargo capacity is strong for a sedan at 15.4 cubic feet. That’s better than rivals like the Toyota Camry, but again slightly short of the Accord.
Safety Features
The Altima comes with a strong safety record and a full kit of technology. The IIHS was impressed enough for a Top Safety Pick award, and the NHTSA gave it five stars overall. Every Altima gets automatic emergency braking, and all except the base trim get blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Nissan also makes its semi-autonomous ProPilot Assist widely available.
Connectivity
The Altima starts with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, but that’s only for the base trim. Most models get an 8-inch unit compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation, a Bose audio system, and a wi-fi hot spot are available.
The Altima S keeps things basic, but it comes with a few welcome perks. The wheels are simple steel 16-inchers, and the seats are upholstered in cloth. Still, the driver’s seat is power adjustable, and remote start comes standard.
The only package available is the Driver Assist Package ($475), which adds blind-spot monitoring and rear automatic emergency braking.
In addition to the larger infotainment system, the Altima SV gains 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and an additional USB port. All the features in the Driver Assist Package are included as well.
For more luxury, the SV Premium Package ($1,800) adds a power moonroof, heated front seats, power lumbar support for the driver, and Nissan’s semi-autonomous ProPilot Assist system.
The Altima SR prioritizes performance. The base engine is the default, but the SR is the only trim available with the variable-compression turbo engine. To match the extra power, the SR comes with 19-inch wheels, paddle shifters, and a sport-tuned suspension. The interior and exterior get a few sporty accents for a more aggressive look.
The Altima SL brings a few more creature comforts, starting with standard leather upholstery. All the features in the SV Premium Package are included here, as are a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power-adjustable passenger seat. Infotainment gets an upgrade as well, with navigation and a Bose sound system.
At the top of the range is the Platinum trim, which adds all the luxury Nissan can muster. That means 19-inch alloy wheels, a surround-view camera system, interior accent lighting, and memory settings for the side mirrors and driver’s seat.
Compare Altima Trims Side-By-Side
We like the 2021 Nissan Altima SV, which brings the best infotainment and safety features at a reasonable price. If you want more luxury, the Premium Package is a good value for the added kit.