The new generation of the mid-size sedan was launched in 2019. With this class not being very popular because of the rise of crossovers, we won’t see any changes in the 2021 Nissan Altima. The company is going to bring new Maxima, a larger car. Well, the technology the new Altima brought will be used for the rest of the lineup.
There are a couple of things that the new model could get in 2021. For example, the company could add a hybrid drivetrain. We can hear a lot of rumors about this move and experts believe it happens pretty soon. Well, the latest generation of the car introduced the all-new VC-turbo engine. More power drew the attention of younger buyers. Now it is a turn for another step.
The Altima sedan is also attractive because of its trim levels. A total of five different versions is in the offer. Again, Nissan didn’t finish the job here. The Nismo model is another possibility.
2021 Nissan Altima Specs
The base engine for the 2021 Nissan Altima is a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-pot unit. The standard configuration includes a front-wheel drive and the CVT gearbox. The system produces 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, which needs about eight seconds to accelerate 0-60 mph. Fuel economy is one of the main advantages of this car. On the highway, it reaches 39 mpg, which is over 630 miles of range with the full fuel tank.
If you choose an all-wheel drive, the car comes with more traction. However, you will lose 6 ponies, while the torque remains at the same level. The fuel economy drops to 30 mpg combined, which is still good for this kind of vehicle. Upper trim levels are consuming even more gas and the range drops to 560 miles.
VC-Turbo Engine
A 2.5 motor now has an alternative. Top trim levels upgrade the power with a new VC-Turbo unit which is based on a 2.0-liter displacement. For the 2021 Nissan Altima, it is going to produce 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Well, if you don’t use premium gas, the outputs will drop by 12 hp and 6 pound-feet. The new engine returns 29 mpg combined (24/25 mpg highway/city).
The VC engine is the replacement for a V6 unit. The drivetrain is a product of a long development. The result is – performance of a V6 engine and fuel economy of a four-pot mill. The unique system has an adjustable compression ratio. On highways, it brings a better fuel economy, while the acceleration in urban areas will come with a better response.
2021 Nissan Altima Hybrid
Under the bonnet of the new 2021 Nissan Altima, we could find a hybrid system. Well, the company is working on this for too long. But, as the VC engine surprised us with its drive system, we expect the same by the electric battery. However, no one knows what Nissan is up to. Experts are divided, and opinions are that 3.5-liter V6 is a favorite to be electrified. On the other hand, the new VC unit could also get help from a battery. After so long time, the fresh engine should be capable to boost its outputs further. However, engineers must figure out how it would work with a special compression ratio system.
2021 Nissan Altima Models
The entry-level version of the car is Altima S. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Also, push-button start and the emergency braking are available right from the start. The SR model upgrades the vehicle with the sportier look and 19-inch wheels. Special suspension and paddle shifters are there. What is more important, the VC engine is the most important option. This engine also brings noise cancellation and heated front seats with a power moonroof.
The SV model is more expensive. Dual-zone climate control is there with an intelligent system. The heated steering wheel is added, as well as the ProPilot features. A semi-autonomous drive system could reach Level 4 in the near future. At this point, it offers adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and assist for lane centering.
Premium Versions
Top of the line models are SL and Platinum. The first one could disappoint you with a 4-way power passenger’s bucket. However, the SL makes it up with more features on the infotainment end. Navigation and the premium Bose audio are definitely highlights here. Traffic sign recognition is a higher level of autonomous ProPilot system.
The 2021 Nissan Altima Platinum will bring the best the company can offer. There are large 19-inch wheels with special details and the interior gets unique lighting. Surround-view camera improves safety. Besides the sporty SR trim, the Platinum is the only model that will offer you the VC engine.
Colors
There are nine paintjob options for your new Altima. Depending on the trim levels, some of the colors won’t be available. However, here is how the palette looks like: Super Black, Brilliant Silver, Storm Blue, Glacier White, Deep Blue Pearl, Gun Metallic, and premium paintjobs Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, Pearl White Tricoat, and Sunset Drift Chromaflair.
