How much does the 2021 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 8.22% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,973 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

If you find a listing below $16,274.96, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Nissan Altima a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Nissan Altima earns a 4.88/5 user rating, and our experts rate it 7.17/10 overall.

The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise the car’s quality, comfort, stylish features, excellent gas mileage, smooth ride, and advanced safety features. That lines up well with the Altima’s use case as a comfortable midsize sedan with available all-wheel drive and a strong technology story.

The trade-offs are more modest: some owners mention the absence of certain features like a sunroof, and the expert review notes that the Altima faces stiff competition in a crowded segment.

Good and great deals account for 28.8% of listings, so you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Nissan Altima reliable?

Owners rate it 4.88/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a car that feels quality-built, comfortable, and dependable enough to inspire confidence over time. The review summary also highlights excellent gas mileage, a smooth ride, and advanced safety features, all of which tend to support a positive ownership experience.

The expert review reinforces that impression by describing the Altima as a well-rounded sedan with a strong comfort-and-technology mix, plus available all-wheel drive for added versatility. It also notes that the model has fans and has evolved steadily over time.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the specific car you choose has been maintained well and hasn’t absorbed hidden wear from prior use.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Nissan Altima?

At 69% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car is priced near the low end of the market. Focus on condition, maintenance records, and whether the equipment level matches what you want, since the Altima’s feature set changes meaningfully by trim.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base model feels a little stripped-down, while higher trims add better interior materials, stitching, and a more polished cabin. Base models also miss some of the richer equipment that makes the Altima feel more upscale.
• Powertrain: Most versions use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, while the SR VC-Turbo uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 248 hp and 273 lb-ft. The turbo model is more engaging, but it is only available with front-wheel drive.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist. It is standard on every Altima SV and above, so base-model shoppers should check equipment carefully.
• Infotainment: The base model gets a 7-inch touchscreen, while other trims use an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all but S models, and wireless phone integration is part of the appeal on higher trims.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5-liter engine is rated at 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway/32 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 25 mpg city/35 mpg highway/29 mpg combined with all-wheel drive. The VC-Turbo is rated at 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined.

Which 2021 Nissan Altima trim should I buy?

The 2021 Nissan Altima is offered in 6 trim levels: S, SV, SR, SL, Platinum, SR VC-Turbo.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The S is the least equipped choice, with the lowest levels of tech and safety, a 7-inch touchscreen, and no all-wheel drive.
• Sweet-spot trim: The SR FWD stands out as the best value for many shoppers because it adds a stronger feature mix without jumping to the highest price tier.
• Premium/top trim: The SL and Platinum bring the most comfort and convenience, including NissanConnect Services, Bose audio, ProPilot Assist, and, on Platinum, an around-view monitor and leather seating appointments.
• Off-road trim: None of the trims are aimed at off-road use, but the SR VC-Turbo is the one to avoid if you want all-wheel drive, since it is front-wheel drive only.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard on every Altima SV and above.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Nissan Altima?

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 28.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,973 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.22% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 69.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,274.96, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Nissan Altima's resale value?

The current average of $16,627 sits slightly below last year's $18,116.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy more confidently now if you plan to keep the car for a while. For a future seller, it also means resale value may depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim choice rather than broad market momentum alone.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.88/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Nissan Altima safe?

The 2021 Nissan Altima received a Top Safety Pick + rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is the named driver-assistance suite, and it includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist. It is standard on every Altima SV and above, so base-model shoppers should verify equipment carefully.

ProPilot Assist is available for highway driving support, and an Intelligent Around View Monitor is available on upper trims to help with parking.

Should I buy a 2021 Nissan Altima or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 28.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 69% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.22% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.88/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines available all-wheel drive, strong safety, and a broad trim range.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $14,560, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $16,627 average.
• It broadened availability of Nissan Safety Shield 360.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $18,035, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $16,627 average.
• It expands the sporty Midnight Edition option package.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and feature availability, the 2021 is the strongest all-around pick. If your priority is spending less, the 2020 is the value play; if you want to pay more for a newer-feeling package, the 2022 is the step-up path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 14, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.