The 2021 Nissan Altima lasts around 200,000 miles with some brake wear and unresponsive steering reported. At $21,475 to $30,998, it’s a good value for a midsize sedan loaded with a lot of the latest technology.
Is the 2021 Nissan Altima a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Nissan Altima since it’s more reliable than earlier years with plenty of technology. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, responsive steering, along with the safety features.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are reasonably nice for a midsize sedan, there’s a lot of passenger room, the trunk is also large for a car its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems on the 2021 Altima. Models from 2013–2017 all have widespread transmission problems, while 2018–2021 are more reliable.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is okay from the standard 4-cylinder engine, while the turbocharged motor is reasonably quick for a midsize sedan.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 Altima is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, along with lane departure warning. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 32 MPG, giving 518 miles of range from the 16.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $37 cheaper than average, at $168 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Nissan Altima is cheaper than many other midsize sedans with similar depreciation rates, giving it a good value score.
What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Altima?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Nissan Altima offers improvements over earlier years of the sedan, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Altima at 4.1/5, enjoying the available safety technology, but doesn’t like the lack of steering feel.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Altima a 4/5, praising the very comfortable seats, but owners don’t like the unresponsive CVT transmission.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Nissan Altima Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Nissan Altima include premature brake wear, unresponsive steering, along with a dead battery. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to some other midsize sedans from the same year, offering improvements in reliability from earlier years for the Altima.
Premature brake wear is the most widespread complaint from 2021 Nissan Altima owners in the first 10,000 miles. The front brakes, in particular, tend to wear out quickly. Replacing the brake pads costs around $120, while a new set of rotors is an additional $150. There are some aftermarket brake pads which cost $150, and tend to last much longer.
Unresponsive steering is another issue reported by 2021 Altima owners at around 15,000 miles. The electronic power steering simply needs to be reset usually, which will allow it to reset and become more responsive. Usually, this can be done for under $50, depending on local labor rates.
A dead battery also shows up on some Altima models in the first 5,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the Altima which sometimes drain the battery while the car is off. Diagnosing the source of the problem costs around $50, while fixing the issue can cost $20 to $100.
There is only one recall on the 2021 Nissan Altima, which is better than some other midsize sedans. The recall covers a tie rod ball joint fastener which was not properly installed. Nissan will adjust and reinstall the fastener for free on affected models.
How Long Will the 2021 Nissan Altima Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Nissan Altima should be able to last over 200,000 miles, which is slightly shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to some other midsize sedans, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $438 per year.
As a used 2021 Nissan Altima reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the windshield washer fluid reservoir for $225, A/C refrigerant pressure sensor costing $300, along with the water pump which costs $575.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good in the 2021 Nissan Altima with a standard 7-inch touchscreen. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with more powerful stereo systems.
Standard safety technology is good offering:
- Rearview camera
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Driver drowsiness monitoring
Optional advanced driver assistance features in Nissan Safety Shield include:
- Rear automatic braking
- Blind spot warning
- 360-degree parking camera system
- LED headlights
- ProPilot Assist, which controls steering, acceleration, and braking
- Traffic sign recognition
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear parking sensors
Is the 2021 Nissan Altima a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Nissan Altima is a good value since it’s cheaper than many other midsize sedans while still offering a lot of great features. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $21,475 to $30,998, making it less than a Honda Accord or Hyundai Sonata. When new, the price range was $24,550 to $34,250. Depreciation is similar to other sedans, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Nissan Altima?
There are five versions of the Nissan Altima offered for the 2021 model year, from the base S all the way through to the more luxurious Platinum. The Altima comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is an optional upgrade.
S is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seats
- Remote Engine Start
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Height-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- 60/40-Split Folding Rear seat
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Six-Speaker Audio System
SV is next in the lineup, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- LED Headlights
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Satellite Radio
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
SR adds upgrades such as:
- 19-Inch Wheels
- Sport-Tuned Suspension
- Paddle Shifters
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Unique Exterior Trim
SL offers more items including:
- Leather Upholstery
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Sunroof
- Heated Front Seats
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Power-Adjustable Passenger Seat
- Rear Air Vents
- Nine-Speaker Bose Stereo System
Platinum is the flagship model which has:
- 19-Inch Wheels
- Driver-Seat Memory Settings
- Ambient Interior Lighting
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirrors
- Standard All-Wheel Drive
What Engines Come In the Nissan Altima?
- The base engine is an average 2.5L four-cylinder which makes 182 horsepower while getting up to 32 MPG. Both engines come standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- An available upgrade is the stronger 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, which produces 248 horsepower at up to 29 combined MPG. Performance is good, taking 5.8 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Nissan Altima Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Nissan Altima?
The 2021 Nissan Altima is renowned for its exceptional comfort, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a relaxing and enjoyable driving experience. Inside the cabin, passengers are greeted with well-cushioned, supportive seats that provide ample space for both the front and rear occupants. The NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats, available in certain trims, offer an ergonomic design that reduces fatigue on long drives, further enhancing comfort.
The Altima also features a smooth and compliant suspension system that effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride even on rough surfaces. Additionally, the cabin is well-insulated from external noise, creating a serene environment that allows for easy conversation or quiet contemplation. In summary, the 2021 Nissan Altima offers a truly comfortable driving experience, which sets it apart from many competitors in the midsize sedan segment.
How Much Storage Space Does the Nissan Altima Have?
The 2021 Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan that offers both style and practicality. One of its key features is the ample storage space it provides for passengers and their belongings. The Altima’s trunk boasts a generous 15.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is more than enough for daily commutes, weekend getaways, or family vacations.
This spacious trunk allows you to comfortably store luggage, groceries, or other essential items without compromising the overall comfort of the cabin. Overall, the 2021 Nissan Altima strikes an excellent balance between style, comfort, and practicality, making it a popular choice among sedan enthusiasts.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The sixth generation of the Nissan Altima came out for the 2019 model year.
2015: 3.5 SV and SL models add a standard touchscreen along with a remote start system.
2016: New SR model introduced, small exterior styling changes, more standard safety technology.
2017: No major changes.
2018: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered, along with more safety technology available.
2019: Fully redesigned for the sixth generation with new interior, exterior, all-wheel drive, along with engines.
2020: Standard driver aids offered on SR model, optional on the S model, updated interior trim available.
2021: Turbo model only offered on the SR model.
How Does the Nissan Altima Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Nissan Altima is a nice midsize sedan, offering better reliability than other years while still being more affordable than many of the competitors.
The Honda Accord is another car available for about $2,000 more. Standard entertainment technology is better in the Honda Accord, while the Nissan Altima offers more safety features on the higher-end models. We recommend the Honda Accord, although both are good choices for the 2021 model year.
The Hyundai Sonata is also available in the same price range. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Hyundai Sonata, while the Nissan Altima has lower predicted ownership costs as it ages. We recommend the Nissan Altima, although both are similar sedans, for the 2021 model year worth testing out to see which you prefer.
