2021 Nissan Altima

History/Overview

Despite an early move to load its lineup with SUVs, Nissan has remained faithful to sedan buyers with cars like the mid-sized Altima. The current sixth-generation Altima was introduced in 2019.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

For 2021, Nissan has changed up the Altima’s trim levels. Gone are last year’s entry-grade S and SV trims, which are replaced by SE and SR.

Available Trims

Nissan offers the Altima in the SE and SR configurations mentioned above, plus a top-end package called Platinum. All use a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive.

Standard Features

SE exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic on/off LED headlights, heated side mirrors, chrome door handles, passive keyless entry, and remote engine start.

Inside, there’s air conditioning, power windows/door locks, an eight-way power driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, heated front seats, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, a 7.0-inch driver info screen, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker stereo.

SE trim standard safety items are intelligent forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, rear automatic braking, rear parking sensors, a driver alertness monitor, and automatic high beams.

SR adds 19-inch wheels, a sunroof, body-colour door handles, black side mirrors, a rear spoiler, dual-zone automatic A/C, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear air conditioning vents, a garage door remote, a heated/leather-trimmed steering wheel, leather shifter trim, and navigation.

To the safety situation, Platinum trim adds the ProPilot Assist system, intelligent lane intervention, 360-degree camera views, traffic sign recognition, and automatic brake hold.

Platinum’s convenience additions are interior accent lighting, a power front-passenger seat, leather upholstery, gloss black and wood cabin trim, and a nine-speaker stereo.

Fuel Economy

Nissan’s fuel consumption estimates are 9.1/6.5 L/100 km (city/highway) for SE trim, and 9.3/6.7 for SR and Platinum versions.

Competition

The Altima’s standard AWD helps it stand out next to the likes of Toyota’s Camry and the Kia K5, which are the other family sedans that offer AWD. Other notable competitors are the Honda Accord, Hyundai’s Sonata, the Mazda6, and the Volkswagen Passat.