2021 Nissan Altima

The new-gen Altima was more grown-up, more stylish and elegant on the outside as well as more premium on the inside. Above all, it received updated powertrains, improved handling and more overall value to its vault. And yes, it now also gained an optional AWD. With the updates, the sixth-gen Altima is now more closely-packed to its segment leaders. The new Altima also witnessed great mass appreciation with over 200,000 units sold in 2019.

Fresh on the cards and backed with great market-driven motivation, the Altima entered its 2020 model with some bare updated features. With the success script still on the curation and relevantly packed, the Altima is expected to walk into its 2021 model year with no changes again. Not a hard equation to deduce then, we take a quick look here at the possible composition of the 2021 Nissan Altima.

The 2021 Nissan Altima shall continue to roll-down with its five-level trim structure. In the upcoming model year, buyers would still get to choose the Altima either in a S. SR, SV, SL OR Platinum model. A standard 2.5-liter pot and FWD on all trims along with a 2.0-liter optional turbo unit on the SR and Platinum should also remain the same. Even the option of hooking the AWD shall continue to be restricted only with the 2.5-liter engine.

*2020 Data used for reference

Expect price and release date of the 2021 Nissan Altima

While Nissan is yet to make an official announcement on the release of 2021 Altima, we do have our running minds filled with immense optimism. With no probable change in the pipeline, the 2021 Nissan Altima should be production ready soon and is most likely to hit the stores towards the end of 2020. Though the prices too shall remain identical, expect a marginal bump that might push the starting price of the 2021 Nissan Altima to around $25,000.

For 2021, the Nissan Altima would still be available with its two familiar powertrain options. A standard 2.5-liter naturally aspirated pot across the line-up alongside an optional 2.0-liter turbo with the SR and Platinum models. The 2.5-liter makes 188 hp and 180 ft-lbs of torque, the turbo cranks up 248 hp and 280 ft-lbs.

The 2.5-liter unit that would roll out with most of the Altima’s is relaxed and is tuned for efficiency. no firepower for sure, but the engine feels adequately powered to cater to the daily driving needs of this family sedan. However, for those looking for some more zeal and enthusiasm, the 2.0-liter turbo is the pick for them. With added torque and plentiful torque in the bank, the Altima feels swifter off the line and more confident in highway passings. Both the Altima’s engines come mated to a CVT which is smooth and lightning fast in its operation. using the CVT on a day-to-day routine is a hassle-free and fun job.

With severe intent on comfortable daily-driving while churning out optimal efficiency, the midsize sedan is not the segment to look out for power on the cards. Having said that, almost all the three rivals here are somewhat close in their power output. For the sake of numbers though, the Toyota Camry takes the lead among the lot with its 203 hp power figure.

How quick is the 2021 Nissan Altima?

With moderate power running through the veins it won't be fair to expect lightning starts from any of the midsize sedans. In that regard, the Nissan Altima is no different. 2021 Nissan Altima. Well definitely you cannot expect much out of the 4 cylinder engine, but a decent performance is what you’d get.

Talking numbers, the 2021 Nissan Altima has a 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds which is okay, considering the wide body and the drag.

While the Altima’s acceleration figures might seem moderate on paper, the equation is very similar with the other cars in the lot as well. However, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord do post better 0-60 times. Thanks to the Camry’s extra power and the punch from the Accord’s standard 1.5-turbo.

How good are the brakes??

The braking is the department which has constantly improved in the Altima over the years. Its 2019 redesign further enhanced its braking suite with larger discs, 4-wheel ABS and emergency braking assist. With these enhancements, a present 2020 Nissan Altima stops from 60 mph to 0 in just 120 feet.

With no probable physical or mechanical changes on the rounds, the 2021 Nissan Altima should also offer similar braking efficiency. 

The brake pedal in the Altima feels firm and responsive with no fade and good bite. While the Altima does seem good on its braking performance considering its class, its rivals are even better. The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord accomplish the same 60-0 braking task in 118 and 116 feet respectively. A larger set of discs on the Camry and enhanced efficiency alongside good power-to-weight ratio on the Accord is what helps the Altima’s rivals.

How well does the 2021 Nissan Altima Handle?

The handling of the 2021 Nissan Altima has hit a sweet spot. With an updated chassis and retuned suspension, the sixth-gen Altima vastly gains upon its on-road manners. With a comfort-tuned suspension and super-comfy zero gravity seats, the Altima gets as comfortable as a midsize sedan could. Road noise and body-movements are fairly restricted as well and it glides around corners pretty confidently with minimal body roll. However, the soft-damped suspension does avidly translate the communication with larger obstacles inside the cabin. 

However, grab the SR or Platinum trim with re-worked suspension and the Altima gains even more agility. Though, the extra confidence does come with some traded-off ride comfort. Though the light steering wheel lacks on-center feel, it's quite precise in its business and does allow easy maneuverability. Overall, the 2020 Nissan Altima has a nicely balanced on-road composure that should cater very well to buyers in its segment. For its class, it has the right amount of athleticism, comfort and composure. We strongly expect the 2021 Nissan Altima to exhibit very similar traits. 

One of the important deal-breakers in the midsize sedan segment is the fuel economy for sure. This is something that the Altima learned and polished with its sixth-gen revision. With refreshed smaller and refined pots on tap, the present day Altima has significantly gained upon its mpg output. Talking of numbers, the 2020 Nissan Altima offers 32 mpg combined output which is very fair and acceptable in the class. 

Needless to say, fuel economy is an aspect where the sixth-gen Altima very closely keeps up with its rivals. Among its rivals, the Toyota Camry delivers exactly 32 mpg combined as the Altima. However, the Honda Accord gets a hair better with its 33 mpg combined. Thanks to Accord’s smaller 1.5-liter standard engine. 

Similar to those of its rivals, the sixth-gen Nissan Altima incorporates a minimal yet upscale cabin. The interior layout is clean with a simplistic dash that houses an infotainment screen and physical control for climate controls. The cabin is also nicely decorated with soft-touch materials and premium touches.

Soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard, door panels and center-console with contrast stitching do add a premium vibe into it. A faux wood trim and silver accents on the dash, steering and door panels further enhance the upscale ambience. However, you will encounter some cheap materials in some places of contact. While it's somewhat similar to the Accord in orientation, the Camry does feel more premium than the Altima. 

To disappoint, the midsize Altima does have a large windshield and good seat height, but the thick roof-pillars obstruct outward visibility. Talking about the seats, well the Nissan zero gravity seats are one of the most comfortable in the segment and offer great support over longer journeys. the seats get very good padding with thick bolstering and under-thigh support. Even the leather surfacing on the seats feels soft and comfortable but is surely not as fine as the Honda Accord. You also get an 8-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support and a 4-way powered passenger seat. Heating is also available for the front seats. 

At first, the cabin of the Nissan Altima does feel spacious but pitch it against rivals and you do notice that it's not the most spacious out there. While the room at the front and rear seats, the rivals have more to offer. The Altima does offer the best in class front legroom and even the front headroom is better than the Camry. However, where it struggles is at the rear seat. It has the least second row headroom and legroom which might be a bit troublesome for taller occupants.

What about the infotainment system of the 2021 Nissan Altima?

The sixth-gen Nissan Altima comes standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen sitting atop the dashboard. Mostly controlled via touch inputs, it also gets physical shortcut buttons for navigation, audio, etc. High on connectivity features, the system comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, inbuilt-navigation, 4G-LTE hotspot, Bluetooth and satellite radio.

For audiophiles, the lower trims get a 6-speaker audio while the higher models enjoy a 9-speaker Bose premium audio. The infotainment system itself is crisp and sharp with good graphics and large icons making it very easy to use. Above all, the system is also quite energetic in its responses. We expect the infotainment set up to be the same in the 2021 Nissan Altima. 

Infotainment Features:

• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• SiriusXM Satellite radio
• Bluetooth and USB connectivity
• In-built navigation
• 9-speaker Bose premium audio
• NissanConnect Services
• Speed-sensing volume 

How much cargo can the 2021 Nissan Altima carry?

While the Nissan Altima might not be most spacious on the inside, it does get a fairly large cargo compartment for its class. That's an essential utility that you ought to have if you are seeking a high sales figure. Theories and context apart, the 2020 Nissan Altima offers a 15.4 cu-fts of cargo space which is fairly adequate for its size and class.

Place it against its rivals and the Nissan Altima does not disappoint at all. Although it might not have as generous cargo bay as the Honda Accord’s 16.7 cu-fts, it's marginally better than the Camry’s 15.1. High on utility, all the three cars in the lot here do get split-folding rear seats to open up an even larger loading area.

What are the other storage spaces inside?

In terms of in-cabin storage spaces, the Nissan Altima gets the regular share of convenient storage. There are door-pockets in the front and rear doors alongside the regular set of two-cupholders in the center-console. It also has overhead console storage alongside front seatback storage. Thankfully, the glove-box is of decent size and so are the door-compartments which can easily house a liter-bottle. Even the cup-holders are large enough to comfortably hold your medium-sized coffee mugs.

Interior Features:

• 8-way power driver and 4-way power passengers seat
• Heated front seats
• Dual-zone automatic temperature control
• Tilt and telescoping steering column
• Driver's memory seat
• Leather seating surfaces
• Heated and Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors and extensions
• Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
• Interior accent lighting
• Faux wood and silver interior accents

Another significant update that the sixth-generation Altima received with its 2019 redesign was its exterior styling. With grown-up dimensions, the new-gen Altima is more stylish, bold and elegant than its previous generations. A long side profile with a sloping roof and large and raised wheel arches make it look old yet premium. 

A larger chrome studded V-motion grille that almost covers the entire front face along with the sculpted hood lines gives it tasteful aggression. A slim LED headlamp unit integrating with the chrome grille-surround adds a strong sense of style as well. Aligning with its overall stance and class,, the rear end gets a minimal touch. The rear face is highlighted by slim tail lamps, a lip spoiler sitting on the trunk-lid and an either blacked out or body-colored rear bumper with chrome highlight, based upon the trim.

Overall, the modern day Nissan Altima flaunts a very balanced exterior appeal. Take a look at one down the lanes and its strong presence does tell you about its premium quotient. With the updates in its sixth-gen, the Altima is more in line with the design philosophies of its rivals. While the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord emphasize higher upon elegance and style respectively, the Nissan Altima presents a nice blend of both these elements put together along with some added boldness.

Exterior Features:

• LED headlights and fog lamps
• Heated outside mirrors with led turn signal indicators
• Chrome V-Motion grille
• Acoustic laminated glass
• Intelligent auto headlights
• Rear lip spoiler
• External ground lighting
• Hands-free entry

A great safety mechanism is now almost synonymous with Japanese offerings and the Nissan Altima pretty much validates that notion. In fact, one of the major highlights of the sixth-generation Nissan Altima is its extensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features on board. Above these features, the enhanced modern-day Altima’s enjoy extended safety aided by their updated architecture and overall dynamics. Proving its safety mettle, the 2020 Nissan Altima scored a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick recognition by IIHS. With no tampering of any kind for its upcoming model year, the 2021 Nissan Altima is expected to offer a similarly rich safety suite. Until it's re;leased and we finally know what's on cards, the highlighted safety features of the 2020 Nissan Altima are listed below for reference.

Safety Features:

• Surround-View Camera
•  ProPilot Assist
• 10 standard Airbags
• Vehicle Dynamic Control
• Traction Control System
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Forward Collision Warning
• 4-wheel ABS
•  Advanced Autonomous Braking

Nissan Altima vs Toyota Camry

Both the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima are closely packed in this competition. Both the cars focus significantly greater on class, comfort and efficiency. However, against the Altima, the Toyota Camry comes out as a much better overall sedan. Not only is the Camry more powerful than the Altima, it is also the better driving sedan.

The Camry also looks classy, has a more premium and upscale interior fit and finish alongside better cabin space than the Altima. Above all, the Toyota Camry serves you with a build-quality and reliability that is almost unparalleled in the industry.

Nissan Altima vs Honda Accord

Up against the Honda Accord, the Nissan Altima falls short by a very large margin. Yes, the Nissan Altima has evolved very nicely over the years, but going against the Accord definitely needs some preparation to back your courage. To put it in simple words, the Accord is more stylish, premium, reliable and efficient than the Altima.

Along with impeccable fit and finish and luxury wrapping, its punchy set of engines makes the Accord also the best handler in its class. not only is the Accord quicker and comfortable than the Altima, but it is also more generous in terms of cabin and cargo space.

The current sixth-gen Nissan Altima is no doubt a very nicely put together sedan. It offers good comfort, has an elegant presence, is fuel efficient and also offers satisfactory agility and driveability. It also has a net and premium interiors along with a comfortable yet dynamic ride along with two-powertrains on tap. However, if these are the traits taken into consideration, its primary rivals, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are much more promising than the Altima in all the aforementioned departments. Where it all boils down to, is the exterior looks which seem tasteful to you. All the three cars in the lot here do look premium but with their own distinctive appeal. The Camry is all about class and elegance, the Accord leaps ahead with its style statement while the Altima puts forth a nice amalgamation of elegance, style and boldness put together.