2021 Nissan Altima vs. Its Competition

2021 Nissan Altima
Martin Padgett Martin Padgett Editorial Director

The Honda Accord leads the pack, and frankly, doesn’t feel like it’s playing the same sport.

It’s nicer than it needs to be and is a must-try for any buyer.

The Malibu still offers good space for adults with a domestic badge affixed.

The Camry is good, but its hybrid powertrain is the star.

It’s efficient and quiet.

The Legacy was new last year and rides atop a more competent chassis.

The new Sonata has daring looks, a new hybrid model, and makes big leaps in technology and luxury features—as does the replacement for the Optima, the Kia K5.

2021 Nissan Altima2021 Nissan Altima
2021 Chevrolet Malibu2021 Chevrolet Malibu
2021 Honda Accord Hybrid2021 Honda Accord
2021 Hyundai Sonata2021 Hyundai Sonata
2021 Subaru Legacy2021 Subaru Legacy
2021 Toyota Camry2021 Toyota Camry
Quick Specs
6.5
The 2021 Nissan Altima has a plain-spoken appeal, not to mention high safety scores and a great low price.
5.7
The 2021 Chevrolet Malibu swings with great styling and space, but strikes out on safety.
7.0
More tech this year makes the 2021 Honda Accord a compelling buy, but the options can rack up.
7.3
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata wears luxury threads in pricey models, but all versions get excellent safety and warranty coverage.
7.2
The 2021 Subaru Legacy aces its value and safety tests, and gets a pass on the rest.
7.0
The 2021 Toyota Camry elevates its family-sedan game with grabby looks and hybrid power.
MSRP From     
$24,550$22,270$24,970$23,950$22,895$25,045
Gas Mileage     
25 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 48 MPG Hwy23 MPG City / 54 MPG Hwy24 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 53 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Regular Unleaded I-4Turbocharged Gas I4Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded H-4Regular Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
Midsize CarsMidsize CarsLarge CarsLarge CarsLarge CarsMidsize Cars
Style Name     
2.5 S Sedan4-Door Sedan LLX 1.5T CVTSE 2.5LCVTLE Automatic (Natl)
Drivetrain     
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveAll Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
555555
Passenger Doors     
N/A4N/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
SedanSedanSedanSedanSedanSedan
Transmission     
CVT w/ODAutomaticCVT w/ODAutomatic w/ODCVT w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2021 Nissan Altima vs. 2021 Chevrolet Malibu2021 Nissan Altima vs. 2021 Honda Accord2021 Nissan Altima vs. 2021 Hyundai Sonata2021 Nissan Altima vs. 2021 Subaru Legacy2021 Nissan Altima vs. 2021 Toyota Camry