Used 2021 Nissan Altima for Sale nearColumbus, OH

How much does the 2021 Nissan Altima cost?

Prices have softened 8.76% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,897 listings available, which suggests you have a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Nissan Altima a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Nissan Altima earns a 4.9/5 user rating and a 7.2/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its quality, comfort, stylish features, smooth ride, and excellent gas mileage. The review summary also points to advanced safety features as a recurring plus, while noting that some shoppers may miss certain conveniences such as a sunroof.

From an expert perspective, it fits well if you want a midsize sedan with broad appeal, useful technology, and a familiar driving experience. The main trade-offs are that all-wheel drive is not available with the turbo engine, and the stereo is lacking.

With 29.5% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is still room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Nissan Altima reliable?

Owners rate it 4.9/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a car that feels quality-built, comfortable, and easy to live with over time. It also highlights dependable everyday traits like smooth ride quality, strong fuel economy, and advanced safety features, which are the kinds of things that matter when you plan to keep a car for years.

The expert review also emphasizes the Altima’s broad appeal and the sense that it has been steadily improved over time, which supports confidence in its day-to-day durability. If you buy used, the main long-term risk is less about a single glaring flaw and more about choosing a well-kept example with the right equipment and condition.

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

At 67.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. After that, prioritize a pre-purchase inspection so you can check for signs of uneven wear, poor repairs, or neglected maintenance. Focus on overall condition and equipment level, since the Altima’s appeal can vary a lot depending on how it was optioned.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base model feels a little stripped-down, while higher trims add better interior materials, stitching on the dash and seats, and a more polished cabin feel.
• 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 turbo four-cylinder with 248 hp and 273 lb-ft for stronger performance.
• 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-trim shoppers should verify equipment carefully.
• Infotainment: The standard touchscreen is 8 inches on most trims, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all but S models, and Nissan Door to Door Navigation with five-year trial access to Premium Traffic is standard on Platinum and optional on other trims except S.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5-liter engine is rated at 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway with front-wheel drive, while the VC-Turbo is rated at 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

Which 2021 Nissan Altima trim should I buy?

The 2021 Nissan Altima is offered in 5 trim levels: S, SV, SR, SL, Platinum.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the least expensive way into the Altima, but it is also the most stripped-down version, with the lowest levels of tech and safety equipment. It makes sense only if your priority is the lowest entry price.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds Nissan Safety Shield 360 and a more complete feature set without jumping too far up the price ladder.
• SR: This is the sweet spot if you want a more appealing mix of equipment and style, including 19-inch alloys and paddle shifters, while still staying below the luxury-oriented trims.
• SL: This is the right choice if you want a more premium ownership experience, with NissanConnect Services, Bose Premium Audio, and ProPilot Assist.
• Platinum: This is the most fully equipped Altima, adding 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, an around-view monitor, ProPilot Assist, leather seating appointments, and more.

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, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 29.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,897 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.76% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 67.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,174, 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 $16,177 sits slightly below last year's $17,730.

That softer pricing suggests the Altima has become more accessible for used buyers, but it also means future sellers may face a more competitive market. If you buy now, you may benefit from the lower entry cost, but resale gains are likely to depend on condition, mileage, and equipment rather than broad market appreciation.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.9/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Nissan Altima safe?

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

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

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is the core 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-trim shoppers should confirm the equipment list carefully.

ProPilot Assist is available for highway driving support, and it adds intelligent forward collision warning, intelligent lane intervention, traffic sign recognition, intelligent driver alertness, and adaptive cruise control. An Intelligent Around View Monitor is also 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:

• 29.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 67.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.76% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.9/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 Altima offers all-wheel drive, multiple powertrain options, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $14,158, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $16,177 average.
• It adds broader availability of Nissan Safety Shield 360.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $17,277, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $16,177 average.
• It expands Midnight Edition availability on the SR trim.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the right pick if you want a well-rounded Altima with strong owner satisfaction and a softer used price than newer models. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is the better value play; if you want a newer setup and can spend more, the 2022 is the step up to consider.

How does the 2021 Nissan Altima compare to the 2021 Toyota Camry?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Nissan Altima:

• Pros: All-wheel drive available, Multiple powertrain options, Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
• Cons: All-wheel drive not available with the turbo engine, Stereo is lacking.

2021 Toyota Camry:

• Pros: Comfortable, Spacious, TRD trim adds extra performance and style.
• Cons: Outdated technology, Underwhelming base engine.

Our experts score the 2021 Nissan Altima 7.2/10 and the 2021 Toyota Camry 7.8/10. The Altima has the edge if you want AWD availability and more modern phone integration, while the Camry scores higher overall and leans into comfort and space. The Altima’s weaker stereo and the Camry’s outdated tech are the main trade-offs to weigh, along with the Camry’s stronger base engine.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.