2021 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

2021 Nissan Altima

#9 in Mid-Size Cars

2021 Nissan Maxima

#10 in Mid-Size Cars

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Select style

2.0 SR Sedan

Style	MPG City	MPG Hwy	Invoice	MSRP
Altima 2.0 SR Sedan	25	34	$28,556	$30,650
Altima 2.5 Platinum AWD Sedan	25	35	$31,764	$34,100
Altima 2.5 S Sedan	28	39	$22,650	$24,300
Altima 2.5 SL AWD Sedan	25	35	$29,244	$31,390
Altima 2.5 SL Sedan	28	39	$27,942	$29,990
Altima 2.5 SR AWD Sedan	25	35	$25,719	$27,600
Altima 2.5 SR Sedan	28	39	$24,418	$26,200
Altima 2.5 SV AWD Sedan	26	36	$24,976	$26,800
Altima 2.5 SV Sedan	27	37	$23,673	$25,400

Select style

Platinum 3.5L

Style	MPG City	MPG Hwy	Invoice	MSRP
Maxima Platinum 3.5L	20	30	$39,497	$42,320
Maxima SR 3.5L	20	30	$39,433	$42,250
Maxima SV 3.5L	20	30	$34,623	$37,090

Show Only Differences

Pricing

Invoice Price

$28,556

$39,497

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price

$30,650

$42,320

Monthly Payment Estimate

$511 / month

$705 / month

The Car Connection's Take

TCC Rating

6.7

Read Our Full Review

6.5

Read Our Full Review

TCC’s Bottom Line

The 2021 Nissan Altima has a plain-spoken appeal, not to mention high safety scores and a great low price.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima slips into sporty territory with a handsome shape and good road manners, but the CVT saps its verve.

TCC Likes

Good value in base versions
Sharp exterior
Standard safety features

Muscly V-6
Handsome looks
Driver-centric cabin

TCC Dislikes

Interior is a little dull
Turbo-4 isn’t worth the cost
Just adequate power with base engine

Aging interior design
Short on head and leg room
Small trunk for its size

Fuel Economy

City

25 mpg

20 mpg

Highway

34 mpg

30 mpg

Vehicle

EPA Classification

Midsize Cars

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room (in)

38.9

Passenger Volume (ft³)

98.8

96.4

Second Hip Room (in)

54.5

53.5

Front Shoulder Room (in)

58.2

56.7

Second Head Room (in)

36.7

35.8

Passenger Capacity

Second Shoulder Room (in)

57.1

55.7

Front Leg Room (in)

43.8

Front Hip Room (in)

54.7

54.2

Second Leg Room (in)

35.2

34.2

Exterior Dimensions

Track Width, Front (in)

62.8

62.4

Min Ground Clearance (in)

5.3

Length, Overall (in)

192.9

192.8

Height, Overall (in)

56.8

56.5

Track Width, Rear (in)

62.8

62.4

Wheelbase (in)

111.2

109.3

Width, Max w/o mirrors (in)

72.9

73.2

Cargo Area Dimensions

Trunk Volume (ft³)

15.4

14.3

Brakes

Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)

11.7

12.6

Drum - Rear (Yes or )

Brake ABS System

4-Wheel

Disc - Rear (Yes or )

Yes

Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)

11.5

12.1

Brake Type

4-Wheel Disc

Rear Drum Diam x Width (in)

Disc - Front (Yes or )

Yes

Fuel Tank

Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal)

16.2

Steering

Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb (ft)

37.4

Steering Type

Rack-Pinion

Tires

Front Tire Size

P235/40VR19

P245/40WR19

Spare Tire Size

Compact

Front Tire Order Code

Spare Tire Order Code

Rear Tire Size

P235/40VR19

P245/40WR19

Rear Tire Order Code

Weight Information

Base Curb Weight (lbs)

3418

3676

Wheels

Spare Wheel Size (in)

Compact

Rear Wheel Material

Aluminum

Rear Wheel Size (in)

19 X 8

19 X 8.5

Front Wheel Material

Aluminum

Spare Wheel Material

Steel

Front Wheel Size (in)

19 X 8

19 X 8.5

Electrical

Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

510

Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)

150

Engine

SAE Net Torque @ RPM

267 @ 4000

261 @ 4400

Engine Order Code

Displacement

2.0 L/120

3.5 L/213

SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM

236 @ 5600

300 @ 6400

Engine Type

Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4

Premium Unleaded V-6

Fuel System

Port/Direct Injection

Gasoline Direct Injection

Mileage

Fuel Economy Est-Combined (MPG)

EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy (MPG)

EPA Fuel Economy Est - City (MPG)

Transmission

Reverse Ratio (:1)

1.80

1.77

Trans Type

Drivetrain

Front Wheel Drive

Trans Description Cont. Again

Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1)

5.25

Trans Order Code

Trans Description Cont.

CVT w/OD

First Gear Ratio (:1)

2.41 - 0.38

Summary

Vehicle Name

Nissan Altima

Nissan Maxima

Body Style

Sedan

Suspension

Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)

Strut

Suspension Type - Rear

Multi-Link

Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)

Multi-Link

Suspension Type - Front

Strut

Emissions

Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year

6.0

7.3

Crash Test Ratings

Overall Rating

Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger

Overall Side Crash Rating

Side Barrier Rating

Side Barrier Rating Driver

Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat

Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat

Combined Side Rating Front Seat

Combined Side Rating Rear Seat

Rollover Rating

2021 Nissan Altima

2021 Altima is here
Lease: From $229 per month for 36 months
Rebates: Up to $2,500 cash back
Finance: From 0% APR for 60 months + $1,500

Get Your Price

2021 Nissan Maxima

2021 Maxima is here; 2020s still available
Lease: From $279 per month for 36 months
Rebates: Up to $3,500 cash back
Finance: From 0% APR for 36 months + up to $3,000 bonus

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