If you’re looking for a stylish, fuel-efficient, spacious midsize car, the 2021 Nissan Altima is for you. This model has been around since 1993, and it’s been impressive since the very beginning. However, its aesthetic appeal has improved greatly over time. The latest Altima is a sporty, street-ready model with an appealing body style. But looks aren’t the only thing that’s changed about the Nissan Altima. Let’s review how much the Altima has changed over the years, and then take a peek at the 2021 Nissan Altima in all its glory. Let’s get started!
Generation By Generation
Today, you can purchase a used 1993 Nissan Altima for under $3,000. The 1993 Altima was much smaller, rounded, and it had a much less sporty vibe. It definitely felt like a work car, and it was good for commuters too since it offered up to 27 miles per gallon on the highway. Many customers claim that their 1993 models are still up and running, even after 27 years of ownership. Right from the start, Nissan hit the nail on the head with this model. Its stellar mileage and classic style continued throughout this entire generation, all the way until the 1998 model, where the second-generation Nissan Altima started.
This Altima was redesigned to be a bit more modern, incorporating more features and power. The 2000 model year Nissan Altima upped its power to 155 horses, and it came with options for larger, 16-inch wheels. Its 5-seater compatibility combined with continued good mileage made it a great family commuter.
Now we’re getting into the sporty upgrades. The third-generation Altima arrived in 2002 and is much truer to our current model, with a sportier visual appeal and an even larger size. This provided drivers with more space and strength, making it safer and easier to see out of. This generation was also the first to offer a muscular V6 engine, boasting an exceptional 250 horsepower. Even the standard models came with more horsepower, landing up to 175 horses.
The 2007 fourth-generation Altima came with a hybrid variant, along with a two-door coupe option. The exterior design was similar to that of the previous generation but a bit different in terms of dimensions. Since it was a newer model, it came with lots of tech features such as navigation, iPod connectivity (because iPods were the bomb back in the day), and standard keyless start.
The fifth-generation was the last generation before our current model and hit the market in 2013. It includes an aerodynamic design that is both appealing and more efficient. These models can get up to 38 miles per gallon on the highway, and they include technologies such as Apple CarPlay, automatic braking, and collision avoidance. You can even get text messaging assist on these models, helping you stay safe while still keeping in touch on long drives. This generation came with a lot of tech upgrades, and it helped to create the sixth-generation Nissan Altima’s new design. After many generations of impressive Nissan Altimas, the newest variant has improved even further. If you thought these models were cool, the 2021 Altima is the car you’ll really want to get your hands on.
The 2021 Nissan Altima’s Performance
You’re probably most interested in performance, so we’ll start there, then move on to aesthetic appeal, tech, and safety. The 2021 Nissan Altima comes in six different trims, in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive version gets better mileage, landing at up to 39 miles per gallon on the highway. However, the all-wheel drive version is better suited for poor driving conditions without losing much regarding fuel economy. Both configurations produce 188 horses standard, but there is the option of upgrading to a 2.0L turbocharged engine with 248 horsepower. What used to be a family car now doubles as a sports car for those who like to play around with speed.
Its Aesthetic Appeal
Now, let’s take a look at the Altima’s aesthetic appeal. The 2021 Nissan Altima comes in nine exterior colors. These include everything from eye-catching hues like Scarlet Ember and Sunset Drift to subtle colors like Super Black and Glacier White. It comes with a variety of exterior options, including 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, chrome accents, and more. You can also opt-in for fun interior aesthetics, including Nissan’s fabulously comfortable Zero Gravity seats. Overall, the 2021 Nissan Altima is like a modern, casual sports car.
Tech and Safety Features
If you want tech and safety features, the 2021 Altima is your car. Let’s start with the fun tech features. The Altima includes door-to-door navigation features, meaning that you can drop directions straight to your Altima’s infotainment system from your smartphone. You’ll also be able to stream music via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition to this, drivers can remotely start their vehicles from their phones as well. The entertainment doesn’t stop here, though. You can also use Amazon Alexa and Google Assist, thanks to NissanConnect. There are tons of hands-free fun to be had here with the 2021 Nissan Altima!
It’s time to look at safety features. Nissan Safety Shield is standard on every trim of the 2021 Altima and includes ProPILOT Assist, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, and Intelligent Lane Intervention. That’s quite a list, and we encourage you to have your local Nissan dealership show you the details of how all this technology works, but the key principle is that this incredible level of safety comes at no additional cost when you buy a 2021 Altima.
If this isn’t enough for you, you can add a variety of optional features such as Rear Automatic Braking and an Intelligent Around View Monitor, keeping you safe in parking lots and driveways as well as on the highway. Finally, the NissanConnect emergency SOS feature allows instant access to emergency personnel in case of an accident or other highway emergency. At the push of a button, your GPS location is made available to the nearest helper. This is especially helpful and comforting if you have a younger or elderly driver.
Cargo and Passenger Space
If you’re buying a midsize car, you’ll probably be hauling stuff around and making lots of grocery trips, so space is important. This is especially true if you plan on traveling with the family. The good news is that the 2021 Nissan Altima seats up to five passengers. It offers a passenger volume of 98.8 cubic feet, with 43.8 inches of front legroom and 35.2 inches of second-row legroom. This model is also generous when it comes to cargo capacity. The Altima’s trunk is spacious, offering 15.4 cubic feet for cargo in the trunk, not to mention backseat space if no passengers are present. Those who want a spacious car should definitely check into the 2021 Nissan Altima.
Why Should You Get A 2021 Altima?
All Nissan cars are great, in our opinion. However, every person needs something different. The Versa is Nissan’s smallest, entry-level car, the Sentra is a compact model, and the Maxima is Nissan’s full-size sedan. The midsize Altima fits in between the Sentra and the Maxima. If you find yourself torn between wanting luxurious features but not wanting to spend more than you need to, the Altima is ideal.
With six different trim options and several drivetrain configurations, there’s plenty of variety. You can get the lowest tier or the highest tier depending on how luxurious you want to go. Even if you buy the most expensive Altima trim, you’ll still be spending under $35,000 for a beautiful car that gets stellar mileage and boasts all-wheel drive. The 2021 Nissan Altima is a great option for a wide variety of drivers. Check out a Nissan dealer today and take this sedan for a test drive.
