2021 Nissan Altima — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2021 Nissan Altima is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 37 mpg (UK) / 31 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 35–37 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Nissan Altima workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Nissan Altima: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 37 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 101 cu ft (2,860 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 15 cu ft (425 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 37 combined / 32 urban / 44 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 31 combined / 27 city / 37 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 180 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 7 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,150 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2021 Nissan Altima across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 29 to 31 mpg (US), or 35 to 37 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (25/34) | 193 | $2,300 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (26/35) | 183 | $2,300 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 | 31 (27/37) | 180 | $2,150 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 101 cubic feet (about 2,860 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Nissan Altima
Running Costs: 2021 Nissan Altima
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Nissan Altima at 37 mpg combined, expect roughly 983 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Nissan Altima (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (1), Steering (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Back over prevention — campaign 23V628000, reported 8 September 2023. Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Steering — campaign 21V138000, reported 4 March 2021. Risk: A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 70 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Nissan Altima. The most-reported areas are Forward collision avoidance (22), Electrical system (21), Service brakes (18). Complaints include 7 reported crashes, 1 reported fire, 4 reported injuries. That is well below the median of 232 complaints across the 17 Nissan Altima model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Nissan Altima
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Driver-assist sensors (22 owner complaints) — Check that driver-assist warning lights are off and sensors are clean and undamaged.
- Electrical system (21 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Brakes (18 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Steering (1 recall campaign) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Nissan models in our database average about 29 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Nissan Altima's 37 mpg is 8 mpg above that make average. Its 180 g/km CO₂ figure is 60 g/km lower than the 240 g/km Nissan average.
Of the 17 Nissan Altima model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 3rd for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (37 mpg UK combined, against a high of 38 mpg). See every Nissan Altima year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Nissan Altima
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Nissan Altima have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Nissan Altima: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.5L 4-cyl with a automatic (variable gear ratios).
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Nissan Altima?
The most efficient configuration returns around 37 mpg (UK) combined, or 31 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 35 to 37 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Nissan Altima cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Nissan Altima have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Nissan Altima (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (1), Steering (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Nissan Altima?
Among the 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Forward collision avoidance (22 complaints), Electrical system (21 complaints), Service brakes (18 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2021 Nissan Altima have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 101 cubic feet (about 2,860 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.