“The Altima SR is a terrific vehicle if you want a performance vehicle and still need room for 4 adults if needed and cargo space. The paddle shifters are a gas and help with driving in traffic when quick downshifting to stay safe is important.”
2021 Nissan Altima: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2021 Nissan Altima is that the VC-Turbo engine is exclusive to the SR performance branch. Otherwise, this is a light lineup update rather than a redesign or broad technology refresh.
About the 2021 Nissan Altima
6th generation (2019-2022 pre-refresh), third model year
Nissan positions the Altima as a stylish midsize sedan that blends everyday comfort with more technology and traction options than many rivals. Its core pitch is simple: a roomy four-door that looks sharper than a typical family sedan, offers uncommon available AWD, and leans heavily on driver-assistance features and easy-to-use tech. In this class, the Altima’s biggest brand differentiators are its available AWD and the SR family’s VC-Turbo performance option.
The lineup ranges from the straightforward S to the well-rounded SV, which has an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and added driver-assistance features. The SL and AWD-only Platinum emphasize comfort with leather seating, navigation, and Bose audio. The 236-hp VC-T SR is the performance model, pairing the turbo engine with a sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The VC-T SR became the only turbocharged Altima, and the former VC-T Platinum was dropped. The non-turbo 2.5 Platinum also changed to standard AWD.
Safety
Lane Departure Warning moved from optional to standard equipment on the base 2.5 S trim.
Tech
On the 2.5 SV, heated front seats and the power moonroof moved from standard equipment to optional equipment.
2021 Nissan Altima specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 39 mpg | 37 mpg | 37 mpg | 37 mpg | 34 mpg | 35 mpg |
| Horsepower | 188 hp | 188 hp | 188 hp | 188 hp | 236 hp | 182 hp |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft | 15.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Nissan Altima?
The biggest change is the consolidation of the VC-Turbo engine into the SR branch. The VC-T SR is the sole turbo model for 2021, while the former VC-T Platinum was dropped.
Was the 2021 Nissan Altima redesigned?
No, the 2021 Nissan Altima was not redesigned. It remains part of the sixth generation introduced for 2019, with no broad exterior, chassis, or infotainment update for this model year.
Which 2021 Nissan Altima has the turbo engine?
Only the 2021 Altima VC-T SR has the turbo engine. Its 2.0-liter VC-Turbo four-cylinder makes 236 horsepower and is paired with a sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, and 19-inch wheels.
What safety equipment changed on the 2021 Nissan Altima?
Lane Departure Warning became standard on the base 2.5 S trim for 2021. There was no new safety feature added as standard across the entire Altima lineup.
Did the 2021 Nissan Altima SV lose any standard features?
Yes. Heated front seats and the power moonroof moved from standard to optional equipment on the 2021 Altima SV. Its key technology still includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
2021 Nissan Altima Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Nissan Altima.
4.2
2021 Nissan Altima
(841 reviews)
“Good car, great value. The only negative is a very cheap flimsy handle for front seat height adjustment.”
“4 cylinder cars are much better to drive than they used to be due to the technological advancements made to the transmission and shifting capabilities.”