2021 Nissan Altima Review

July 12, 2021

The new 2021 Nissan Altima is an accessible alluring family sedan with great features. At times, the midsize Altima is skipped over its more popular competitors like the Honda Accord or the Mazda 6, which is unfortunate because Nissan packs plenty of value in each of their automobiles, and their 2021 Altima is no exception. In this car review, we’ll cover what’s new with the 2021 Nissan Altima, its price, interior, performance, and more. If you’re interested in driving one yourself, contact Dick Hannah Nissan in Gladstone. A friendly sales associate will gladly take you on a Nissan Altima test drive.

Highs

• Available in all-wheel drive
• Excellent highway fuel economy
• Large cargo space
• VC-Turbo engine is a technical marvel
• Roomy, comfortable seats

What’s New?

Nissan has plenty of new things for the 2021 Altima series. For starters, the 2021 VC-Turbo engine is now only available in the SR model. The S model received more standard safety features, including pedestrian protection, Driver Assist Package, blind-spot alert, and a rear cross-traffic alert. The SV model dropped its starting price by $2740 and is now repositioned between S and SR, and the new SV Premium Package received upgraded comfort and high-tech features.

Price

Nissan does a great job at keeping its prices affordable while still offering high-end features. Unlike rivals such as the Accord and Toyota Camry, the Altima provides features those two don’t: all-wheel drive and that unique VC-Turbo engine.

• S – $25,400
• SV – $26,500
• SR – $27,300
• SL – $30,940
• Platinum – $35,200

Nissan Altima Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Under the aluminum hood is a standard 188-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). An optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder option is available and produces up to 248 horsepower with premium fuel and uses the CVT. The all-wheel-drive option is only available with the 2.5-liter engine, unfortunately. On test drives and road tests, the 2021 Nissan Altima accelerated gracefully, though the motor did seem a bit noisier; other similar big brand vehicles test-driven were equally loud. Nevertheless, the VC-Turbo engine makes the Altima significantly faster. The Altima SR received some sporty upgrades, too; 19-inch wheels improve handling on twisty roads and a sport-tuned suspension. Overall, the 2021 Nissan Altima displays precise steering and smooth driving.

Interior and Tech

The 2021 Nissan Altima has a stylish, comfortable interior. Its upright infotainment center comes in a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android capabilities. The 2021 Altima’s infotainment center can be upgraded with a Wi-Fi hotspot, as well as a nine-speaker Bose stereo system.

The interior material varies among trim levels, but overall, the 2021 Altima boasts a new and improved interior compared to its previous generations. The sporty flat-bottom steering wheel and carbon fiber are a nice touch and create a fun experience for the driver. The front seats are a bit wider, making them accessible for various body types. The back seats are comfortable and provide plenty of leg space. The 2021 Altima’s trunk space is spacious and can fit 17 bags total with the rear folded seats.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

This year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has presented the 2021 Nissan Altima with a five-star crash-test rating. For all Nissan’s safety features, look into the SV model or higher. While every Altima has a forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, the SV versions and up have standard blind-spot monitoring, high-beam assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.

Other key safety features:

• Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available rear automated emergency braking
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Altima has a competitive warranty coverage that aligns with rivals such as the Accord and Camry. Unfortunately, Nissan doesn’t offer any complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• The limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Conclusion

Nissan has been on a remarkable streak lately with the production of many model-wide upgrades. The 2021 Altima continues to be a top contender in the midsize car class, and more and more people flock to its new look and affordable price. If you are looking for a family-sedan filled with stylish, modern features and great mechanics, the 2021 Altima is an outstanding value with a price that can’t be beaten. Don’t just take our word for it; visit Dick Hannah Nissan in Gladstone for a friendly test drive/road test with one of our store associates. Thanks for reading our review of the new 2021 Nissan Altima.