2021 Nissan Altima

The Altima is equipped with a cutting-edge, sharp set of headlights and a perfectly matched grille. The sedan is available in five trims: S, SV, SR, SL, and Platinum. The S, while the lowest priced, is far from a budget model, boasting that attractive and sleek body on 16-inch steel wheels. Exterior highlights on the SV trim include LED daytime running lamps and projector headlights along with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust finishers, black side mirrors, and body-colored door handles make the SR stand out even more. The SL trim has heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, LED fog lights, and a power-sliding glass moonroof. Lastly, the Platinum trim comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels on top of peak exterior features.

The 2021 Nissan Altima offers two engine options, each with a continuously variable automatic Transmission (CVT). One is a four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine that produces 188 horsepower in front-wheel drive and 182 horsepower in all-wheel drive. The other engine option, found in the SR trim level, offers 248 horsepower via a turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-liter engine. Front-wheel drive is standard in most cases, and all-wheel drive is available.

The 2021 Altima puts out quite the exciting roar during highway acceleration, but a sedan's best asset for families is often the lighter and more graceful sense of control. The Altima's shifting is pleasantly quick, both up and down the gears, and the firm, linear braking and responsive steering work together to make the Altima a pleasure to drive. For a midsize car, gas mileage estimates are excellent: 28/39 city/highway mpg in front-wheel drive with the starting engine and 25/34 city/highway mpg with the turbocharged engine.

The interior of the 2021 Nissan Altima is appealing at the base trim level, but varies strongly among trims, with plenty of high-quality materials in the most satisfying cabin yet. The usual 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space, comfortable seats, and optimized NissanConnect infotainment system are back, and standard tech features include the 7.0-inch touch screen, two USB ports, voice recognition, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker audio system. Dual-zone automatic climate control is available. Available infotainment system features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an 8.0-inch replacement touch screen, and a navigation system. The SV Premium package, better priced for 2021, adds a sunroof, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and knob, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Nissan Altima has received excellent safety ratings and comes standard with a rearview camera, automatic high-beam headlights, and driver drowsiness monitoring. Adaptive cruise control (in the SV Premium), a 360-degree parking camera system, reverse automated emergency braking, a traffic sign recognition system, and other advanced safety technologies can be added to maximize safety in all manner of situations. Nissan also offers a package called ProPilot Assist that includes beneficial driver aid functions for heavy traffic.