2021 Nissan Altima
The 2021 Nissan Altima is a midsize car, rated at 32 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.

- Combined MPG
- 32
- NHTSA safety
- Starting price
- $26,000
- Recalls
- 2
Watch: Altima reviews
Full specifications
Identity
SRC · NHTSA vPIC| Make | Nissan |
|---|---|
| Model | Altima |
| Model year | 2021 |
| Vehicle class | Midsize Car |
Engine & drivetrain
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Displacement | 2.5 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City MPG | 28 |
|---|---|
| Highway MPG | 39 |
| Combined MPG | 32 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 281 g/mi |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1950 |
Available configurations
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Altima | 32 MPG combined |
|---|---|
| Altima AWD | 29 MPG combined |
| Altima AWD SR/Platinum | 29 MPG combined |
| Altima SR | 31 MPG combined |
| Altima SR/Platinum | 29 MPG combined |
| Altima SV/SL | 31 MPG combined |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City | 28 MPG |
|---|---|
| Highway | 39 MPG |
| Combined | 32 MPG |
Efficiency vs class average
About 13% below the class average.
- Amount financed
- $23,400
- Total interest
- $4,071
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≈ $1,256/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal
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Cost to own
Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.
Safety ratings & recalls
SRC · NHTSA vPIC- Overall
- Frontal crash
- Side crash
- Rollover
Recalls (2)
- STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY21V138000 · 2021-03-04
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Nissan Altima vehicles. The tie rod ball joint fastener was not tightened properly, which could result in the tie rod ball joint detaching from the steering knuckle.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the left and right-side tie rod ball joint fasteners, or install new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PC795.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA23V628000 · 2023-09-08
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Altima and 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23C3.
Compare with rivals
All model years
Frequently asked questions
What is the MPG of the 2021 Nissan Altima?
The 2021 Nissan Altima is EPA-rated at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 39 highway).
Is the 2021 Nissan Altima reliable?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Nissan Altima. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.
How safe is the 2021 Nissan Altima?
The 2021 Nissan Altima earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 4 stars in the frontal crash test.
How much does it cost to fuel the 2021 Nissan Altima?
At 12,000 miles per year, the 2021 Nissan Altima costs roughly $1,256 per year to fuel, or about $6,281 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.
What type of vehicle is the 2021 Nissan Altima?
The 2021 Nissan Altima is classified as a midsize car. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.
Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC