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2021 Nissan Altima

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Used Car Price Range
$15,743 - $28,995
$15,743 $28,995
Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2021 2.5 S 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $24,550
2021 2.5 SV 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $25,550
2021 2.5 SR 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $26,550
2021 2.5 SV 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $26,950
2021 2.5 SR 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $27,950
2021 2.5 SL 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $29,990
2021 2.0 SR 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $30,900
2021 2.5 SL 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $31,390
2021 2.5 Platinum 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $34,250
Expert Rating
3.4 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

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 TypeHorsepowerTorqueFuel Economy (Combined)
2.5L 4-Cylinder188 hp180 lb-ft32 mpg
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder248 hp273 lb-ft29 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.

Nissan Altima

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.

Nissan Altima

S - From $25,225

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.

SV - From $26,325

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.

SR - From $27,125

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.

SL - From $30,915

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.

Platinum - From $35,025

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

CarsDirect Tip

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.

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Pros
  • Good value
  • Sharply styled
  • Loads of safety features
Cons
  • Drab interior
  • Pricey turbo engine
  • No hybrid option
  • Dull performance
Expert Rating
3.4 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

More available safety features. After receiving a full redesign in 2019 and some minor changes last year, the 2021 Nissan Altima arrives with some new features. While it continues to come with a variety of standard safety features, Nissan added a new Driver Assist Package to the base S trim that brings even more equipment.

For an additional $475, the package brings rear automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. These are added to the Altima’s standard list that includes forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, driver drowsiness monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additionally, Nissan also offers the Altima with its ProPilot Assist system that can handle most of the driving on the highway.

The 2021 Altima also did incredibly well in crash tests conducted by the NHTSA and the IIHS. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS gave the Altima a Top Safety Pick Plus award – the highest possible.

Comfortable, spacious seats. Without the need to worry about cargo capacity, midsize sedans can focus more on being accommodating for passengers. The Altima doesn’t have the most spacious cabin in the class, but it can ferry four passengers comfortably and five in a pinch.

Passengers in the front will be able to enjoy Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats. They’re incredibly comfortable, offer plenty of support, yet remain comfy on a long drive. The rear seats aren’t as pleasant, but there’s little to complain about in the back. Although, rear leg room is less than the majority of its competitors.

Where the Altima makes up for its tight rear seats is when it comes to cargo space. It has a 15.4-cubic-foot trunk, which is slightly above average for the class.

Nissan Altima

High-value base trims. Pricing for the Altima starts at $25,225 including destination, yet it comes with a lengthy list of standard features. Keyless entry, push button start, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, two USB ports, and six audio speakers are standard. Pair those features with the Altima’s standard safety features and the base S trim represents great value.

The highest we recommend going is the SV trim. It adds an 8-inch touchscreen, upgraded cloth upholstery, LED headlights, rear automatic emergency braking, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert. The SV trim is the first that’s available with all-wheel drive, though it’s a $1,400 upgrade.

Boring base engine, pricey turbo. The engines in the Altima are a mixed bag. The base motor has dull performance, while the available turbocharged engine is incredibly limited. As it sits, the standard motor is the way to go, though it’s not the most enjoyable to drive.

The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It produces 188 horsepower, which isn’t quite enough for a car of this size. All-wheel drive is available, though it doesn’t improve overall handling much. With the low horsepower figure and the CVT, the Altima is hardly a sporty car.

For 2021, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 248 hp is only available on the SR trim with front-wheel drive. While the extra power is great, the trim starts at $31,575, making it an expensive upgrade. The fact that the turbo engine isn’t offered with all-wheel drive reduces its appeal, too.

Final thoughts. The 2021 Nissan Altima shines as a safety-first midsize sedan. It comes packed with the latest safety features and, unlike other competitors, can be fitted with more advanced safety features for the base trim. All-wheel drive availability also gives it an edge over others in the segment.

When it comes to interior space, performance, and fuel economy, the Altima is merely average. In the highly competitive midsize class, that just doesn’t cut it.

The Honda Accord continues to be the benchmark in the segment. It offers nimble handling, powerful engines, an available hybrid model, and has a spacious interior. The Mazda Mazda6 is the classy option in the class. It feels like a luxury vehicle, has a quiet ride, and has agile handling. The Mazda6 is also available with one of the more powerful turbo engines in the segment.

Check prices for the 2021 Nissan Altima »

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 188 HP / 180 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Xtronic 2-spd CVT w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
28 / 39 / 33 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 188 HP / 180 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
28 / 39 / 33 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Aluminum
Fuel Tank
16.2 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$62
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
15.4 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
101 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
192.9 "
Exterior Width
72.9 "
Exterior Height
56.7 "
Front Headroom
39.2 "
Rear Headroom
36.9 "
Front Legroom
43.8 "
Rear Legroom
35.2 "
Front Shoulder Room
58.2 "
Rear Shoulder Room
57.1 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,208 Lbs.
Wheel Base
111 "
Turning Radius
18.0 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Steel / 17.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Accents
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way / (8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way / (8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt Style
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
1
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Rear Side-impact Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front And Rear
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Intelligent Forward Collision Warning With Aeb Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Blind Spot Warning (bsw) Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Warning (ldw) Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Automatic Emergency Braking With Pedestrian Detection (p-aeb) Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Intelligent Driver Alertness (i-da) Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
High Beam Assist (hba) Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Rear
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2021 Nissan Altima for Sale

15 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Nissan
SR FWD
Color: Gray
Price

$15,743

Mileage

83,365 mi

Map location icon

Karplus Warehouse Inc. (23 mi)

Phone: (888) 559-8956
Nissan
S FWD
Price

$16,016

Mileage

69,335 mi

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Audi Valencia (35 mi)

Phone: (888) 885-5748
Nissan
2.5 SL
Color: Black
Price

$17,449

Mileage

52,282 mi

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SC Motors II (30 mi)

Phone: (714) 524-8400
Nissan
2.5 SV
Color: Silver
Price

$17,988

Mileage

64,481 mi

Map location icon

Nissan of Van Nuys (17 mi)

Phone: (866) 558-0449
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