2021 Nissan Altima Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2021 Nissan Altima is a motor vehicle designed with dynamic style, state-of-the art technology, and competitive pricing. Its exterior structure stands apart from many of its competitors in the automotive industry while offering drivers advanced infotainment systems along with modern safety measures - making it an ideal option for those seeking versatile luxury at an accessible cost.

What's New for 2021?

For this model year, Nissan hasn't made too many changes to the Altima as a whole. One thing that performance-oriented drivers will want to pay attention to is that the turbocharged engine has been taken away from the Platinum trim. If this is something that a customer wants, he or she will have to stick with the SR trim. This move has rearranged the pricing of the various trims. Note that the SV is now cheaper that it was previously, but it also has fewer amenities. There is the opportunity to bump up the SV's level of luxury with the Premium Package.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2021 Nissan Altima – The Pros

1. Turbocharged Engine Available

The Nissan Altima has a range of powerful engine options, from the 2.5-liter four cylinder model with 188 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque to an exciting turbocharged option that is capable of generating up to 248 horsepower and 273 pound feet for those who thrive on quick acceleration. Let your wild side out - experience the thrills behind the wheel.

2. VC-Turbo Is Exciting

Rev up your ride with the SR VC-Turbo model, featuring a turbo engine and paddle shifters that put you in control of when to shift gears. Enjoy greater agility on curves with its sport-tuned suspension system, while 19-inch wheels provide an elevated driving experience. Stylish details include black side mirrors, carbon fiber interior trim for opulence within the cabin and durable yet comfortable sports cloth seat trims to complete this impressive package.

3. Respectable Fuel Economy

The Altima doesn't need to be a hybrid vehicle to still achieve impressive fuel economy numbers. Drivers of the regular model experience up to 39 mpg on highways and 28 in cities, giving it an overall average MPG rating of 32. Those who want more power can opt for turbo engine version that maintains 34 highway/ 25 city averages for an almost 30-mpg combined efficiency rate.

4. A Nice Infotainment system

The base model features a seven-inch touchscreen, and all the other trims have eight-inch touchscreens. Though the base S trim doesn't have Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or SiriusXM Radio, all the rest do. Navigation is available, and it provides people with turn-by-turn directions that take traffic into account. Voice recognition and Siri Eyes Free are standard components, as is Bluetooth. On higher trims, there could be a Bose premium audio system.

5. Sleek Design

The Altima is a beacon of modern design. Its bold LED headlights angle down beneath the signature V Motion grille for an unmistakable appearance, and its aerodynamic roofline creates a dynamic look that will have heads turning everywhere it goes. While staying true to sedan size and shape; chrome accents on exterior components along with dual chrome exhaust finishers give this car power without sacrificing style.

6. Safety Shield

Drivers of the Altima are surrounded by a suite of driver-assist systems designed to keep them safe and sound on any journey. Intelligent Forward Collision Warning instantly detects pedestrians in traffic, while the car's standard Intelligent Lane Intervention warns drivers if they start veering out of their lane. With these features actively monitoring road conditions, you'll be able to stay focused and secure behind the wheel.

On the rest of the trims, there are more features that are included with the safety suite, which the company calls Nissan Safety Shield. The SV and the higher trims all have blind spot and rear cross traffic monitoring. It it seems like the Altima is about to back into an object, the car can automatically apply pressure the brakes. The top-level Platinum has an Intelligent Around View Monitor to provide more information about the car's surroundings.

7. Room for Cargo

With the 60/40 split bench seat in its back, the Altima offers drivers a truly flexible and workable storage space. Boasting 15.4 cubic feet of cargo room available with either one or both sides down, this compact car is anything but impractical - making it an ideal choice for those who value convenience without sacrificing style.

8. Remotely Access the Car

With NissanConnect Services, you can start your engine from the comfort of home or work! This is especially convenient when it's hot and cold outside — so climate control will be at optimum level by the time you get in. Plus with remote access to lock/unlock doors, sound horn & pinpoint car location - staying connected has never been easier. And if that wasn't enough? Use Amazon Alexa voice commands on an Alexa-compatible device and use your voice to get things running without ever taking a step out front door.

9. Stay Comfortable

The Nissan Altima keeps its passengers cozy with a range of settings and features. Choose from remote start systems equipped with climate control, heated seating options for the driver and rear passenger vents to keep everyone at their desired temperature - whether you prefer it hot or cold! Plus, the steering wheel is even available in some trims – complete with optional heating technology that takes comfort levels up another notch.

10. The Key Is Intelligent

All of the Nissan Altimas come with something called a Nissan Intelligent Key. This type of key takes convenience to a new level. The car can sense when the key is in close proximity. If this is the case, someone just has to touch the sensor on the door handle to unlock it. To turn on the car, the key can stay tucked away safely as the driver pushes a button to start the engine. There is a handy lockout protection function that makes it impossible to leave one's keys in the car and lock the doors from the outside.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2021 Nissan Altima – The Cons

1. Can't Have a Turbo Engine and All-Wheel Drive

Nissan's Altima may have placed a barrier between drivers and the ultimate combination of power and control -but that shouldn't discourage those seeking thrilling performance. In engineering, there is often trade-off in ways to maximize desired outcomes; so while you can’t get exactly what you want from an Altima – sacrifices now mean more rewards later on down the road.

2. Second Row Is Small

Leg room in the second row is only 35.2 inches. That's enough for most people to fit back there, but it's far from being what anyone would call spacious. For short trips, many adults would be fine sitting in the back. On longer trips, though, there may be some competition over who gets to sit in the front, where there is up to 43.8 inches of leg room.

3. No Smartphone Compatibility on Base Model

These days, having Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is commonplace. Many automotive companies are integrating these programs into their standard infotainment systems. Nissan has chosen to include smartphone compatibility in the Altima's SV trim and higher. It wouldn't have been difficult to integrate it into the base model as well, but for some reason, Nissan chose not to do so. It's going to be something that potential consumers will notice.

How it Stacks Up to the Competition:

 

2021 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Subaru Legacy

Subaru is known for building safe vehicles. The Legacy does have many driver-assist technologies, but it doesn't have the available 360-degree camera monitoring system that the Altima does. It also doesn't have anything comparable to the Altima's traffic sign recognition ability.

2021 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Mazda6

Even with a turbo engine, the Mazda6 doesn't hit the mark that the Altima SR VC-Turbo has set in terms of horsepower. To some people, a difference of about 20 horsepower is going to matter. Plus, the Mazda6 is only available as a front-wheel-drive vehicle. This is going to be a deal-breaker for customers who feel that they need their next cars to have the extra traction provided by an all-wheel drivetrain.

Final Thoughts

With its unique aura, the 2021 Nissan Altima provides a modern driving experience. Smart car shoppers that seek reliability and advanced technology with an edge of style will find this sedan to be the perfect option for their needs. Take your travels around town up a notch; explore what's possible in the distinguished Altima.