The Nissan Altima is an efficient family sedan with some optional features you don’t always find, such as all-wheel drive and a turbo engine. For the 2021 model year, Nissan adds a new SV Premium Package to the lineup with adaptive cruise control, a leather shift knob, heated front seats, and lane-keep assist. It also comes with the ProPilot Assist features and a sunroof.
Trim Levels (Exterior)
The entry-level Altima S has 16-inch wheels, while the SV adds LED headlights. The SR is the sporty model and comes with 19-inch alloy wheels and a sport-tuned suspension. The 2.0 SR adds a moonroof and integrated turn signals for the outside mirrors to the SR. Stepping up to the SL adds acoustic glass for the front doors and several upgrades in the cabin. At the top of the Alima lineup, the Platinum comes with 19-inch alloy wheels.
Nissan offers several packages for added features. The SR Premium package has a moonroof and LED turn signals for the SR, and the SV Premium Package has these same upgrades for the SV. A rear spoiler is an option for any trim, and you can also get splash guards.
Engine (Power)
The standard engine for the 2021 Altima is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 188 horsepower. This comes with front-wheel drive and a CVT, but you can opt for all-wheel drive. The 2.0 SR has the VC-Turbo engine that generates 248 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.
Performance
Both engines are fuel-efficient in the city and on the highway. You can expect to get up to 36 miles per gallon on the highway with the 2.5-liter and front-wheel drive, and 37 mpg on the highway if you have all-wheel drive. The turbo engine makes the Altima noticeably quicker, and the sport-tuned suspension that comes with the SR makes it fun to drive.
Interior
Five people can sit comfortably in the Altima. A power-adjustable driver’s seat comes standard, along with cloth upholstery. Sporty front seats are an upgrade for the SR, and moving up to the higher-end models adds leather upholstery, heat for the front seats, and a heated steering wheel. You’ll get memory settings for the driver’s seat in the Platinum, which also comes with interior accent lighting.
Technology in the base S trim starts with an 8-inch touch screen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the NissanConnect infotainment system. Bluetooth also comes standard along with satellite radio. Navigation comes standard if you bump up to the SL, and this trim also upgrades to a nine-speaker Bose stereo.
Safety Features
All of the 2021 Altima trims come with forward-collision warning, a rearview camera, and automatic emergency braking. Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of advanced driver aids comes standard on every trim except the S and adds pedestrian detection to the automatic braking system. It also comes with a blind-spot monitor, automatic high beam headlights, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control comes as part of the SV Premium package, and if you bump up to the Platinum, it adds a 360-degree surround-view camera.
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