The Nissan Altima entered its sixth generation with a full redesign in 2019. A much-improved vehicle, this latest iteration of Nissan’s midsize mainstay is far more stylish than its predecessor and a better driver too, with new powertrains, optional all-wheel drive and more precise handling. Just as Altima has upped its game, however, so too has the competition.

Family car buyers have been slowly defecting from sedans to crossovers for a decade, and Nissan’s Rogue passed the Altima as the company’s best-selling model in 2016. While some rivals are aging or gone, like the Ford Fusion, a few are better than ever and casting wide nets for sedan fans. They include the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, and Kia K5.

The 2021 Nissan Altima is a looker from every angle and probably the best interpretation of Nissan’s corporate style among the automaker’s sedans. The handsome lines are accentuated by pretty alloy wheel designs on all but the base S trim.  Nissan

It’s hard to stand out in that crowd and the Altima is quite conservative, but it was the sixth-best-selling car in America in 2020 and has plenty of virtues. 2021 brings only minor equipment changes to the Altima’s five trims, S, SV, SR, SL and Platinum.

The base-model S starts at $25,300 and the SV at $26,400, both prices including a $950 destination fee. The upgrade is worth it, as the S comes without many important features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

A 7-inch infotainment screen is standard, but the SV and higher models get an 8-inch unit with those extras standard as well as a 7-inch driver information display and voice command functionality. The SV gets a wider array of standard safety gear than the S and unlocks some active-safety features not offered on the base model, such as Nissan’s ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. That last system is part of an $1,800 SV premium package. Additionally, SVs get nicer interior trim, four USB ports, a power drivers’ seat, and 17-inch alloy wheels, an upgrade from the 16-inch steel wheels on the S.

The Altima does everything you ask of it reliably, quietly and safely, but it isn’t the most engaging driving experience. Nissan

The sportiest Altima, the SR, starts at $27,200 and is the only model that can be had with the optional turbocharged engine. Turbo or no, the SR gets paddle shifters, 19-inch alloy wheels with fatter tires and black exterior trim accents including a dark chrome grille. 

The SL ($29,990) and Platinum ($35,100) bring more luxuries, including dual-zone climate control, a Bose premium audio system, navigation, power front seats, nicer interior materials including leather seating, a sunroof and standard ProPilot Assist. The Platinum also brings surround-view monitoring, a driver’s seat memory system, 19-inch wheels and lighting upgrades.

Almost all Altimas are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. The odd model out is the VC-T SR, which comes with a much livelier turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder packing 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.

The Altima’s interior is cleanly designed and user-friendly, though not as stylized as some competitors, and color choices are almost exclusively black and grey.  Nissan

Both engines are mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with front wheel-drive standard. All-wheel drive is a $1,400 option on the 2.5-liter SV, SR, and SL models and standard on the Platinum, but not available with the 2.0-liter engine.

The 2.5-liter Altimas aren’t fast or exciting, but they’re smooth and relaxing. The CVT doesn’t encourage enthusiastic driving, but it’s mostly free of the droning behavior of some CVTs. There’s always enough power on hand and highway merging is easy.

The VC-T 2.0-liter engine can vary its compression ratio depending on driver input, making more power when needed and using less fuel when power demand is low. The VC-T brings grunt that approaches the Accord 2.0T and Sonata N-line, but the variable power and CVT sometimes seem poorly matched and the 19-inch wheels give the SR a harsh ride. The SR’s paddle shifters don’t make much of a difference to the experience.

The Altima’s back seat is comfortable for two tall adults or three kids, and though headroom is a little reduced from some competitors, it’s not hard to get comfy. There’s plenty of room for large child seats, as well.  Nissan

The 2.5-liter front-wheel drive S returns 28 mpg city, 39 highway, and 32 combined, with the slightly heavier SV/SR front-drivers dropping 1 mpg in most measures and all-wheel drive models dropping 2-3 mpg across the board. The variable-compression VC-T returns 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 29 combined. Those numbers are slightly behind the equivalent Accord but roughly even with the Sonata and K5, none of which offer all-wheel drive.

The previous-generation Altima was a soft boulevardier, but the current one is precise and controlled, with good steering feel and lots of grip. All-wheel drive increases the Altima’s sure-footed feel, but outside of snowy climes, it’ll be hard to notice the difference. The ride is a bit stiff on 17-inch wheels, but not uncomfortable, and the cabin is quiet unless the engine is really pushed.

The interior has the same modern but conservative look as the exterior, and all of the controls are logically placed and easy to use. On all but the S trim an 8-inch infotainment screen sits atop the center stack, retaining physical controls for audio volume, settings, and tuning. The infotainment system is easy to use but can be a little slow to respond to user inputs.

The Altima is often presented in black, white or silver, but Nissan offers some choice colors that look particularly nice, including deep blue pearl, sunset drift orange, and scarlet ember red.  Nissan

The seating position is relatively high, and for tall drivers, front-seat headroom might feel a little restricted. Rear seat headroom is also a little shy thanks to the Altima’s low-down roof, but both the front and rear seats are comfortable for long stretches. There’s a little more room in back than in the Sonata, but considerably less than the Accord. The Altima’s 15.4 cubic-foot trunk isn’t small, but it lags most competitors other than the Camry. 

Every Altima comes standard with a healthy amount of active safety gear that’s comparable to most well-equipped rivals. Forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane departure warnings are standard. SV and higher models add standard blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, rear automatic braking and intelligent trace control. That last system applies minor brake adjustments during cornering. The adaptive cruise control system is optional on the SV and standard on SL and Premium models.