For those on the market for a full-size sedan like the Nissan Altima, they should take a serious look at the Kia K5, the Honda Accord, and the Toyota Camry. These vehicles provide similar body styles, prices, and specifications when compared to the Altima.
However, the 2021 Altima does have some appealing specs as well. The 2021 Altima flaunts a sporty exterior, high safety ratings, and AWD options. The Altima provides multiple trim levels, ranging from the base Altima S with a starting MSRP of $24,450 to the Altima Platinum trim with intelligent AWD at $34,250.
The engine options on the Altima range from an economical 2.5 L four-cylinder engine to the SR-VC Turbo engine. According to the engine size, drivers can expect the Altima to get 24-29 MPG in the city and 34-39 MPG on the highway. The Altima boasts a five-star crash test rating, making it one of the safest sedan options available. Nissan also manufactures the Altima with hybrid and electric car options.
Drivers will find the Altima to be a safe choice when considering a new mid-sized sedan. Here is a list of comparable vehicles, including the three I mentioned above.
Chevrolet Malibu
The 2021 Chevy Malibu provides a low starting MSRP, turbo-engine options, and competitive gas mileage like the Altima. The Malibu has a sleek, professional body style that can be customized depending on the trim. However, in terms of engine options and power, the Malibu will not be winning any drag races as it features only a 1.5 Liter and slightly larger 2.0 Liter four-cylinder turbo engine.
The 2021 Malibu averaged a mediocre 7.8 second 0-60 time. The 1.5 Liter engine has 163 horsepower, and the 2.0 boasts 250 horsepower. The starting MSRP for the base trim L is $23,265, while the Luxury trim starts at $34,495. The 2021 Malibu does have a competitive 29 to 36 MPG fuel efficiency. Overall, the 2021 Malibu is not the flashiest vehicle, but it does check all the boxes for a reliable mid-size sedan.
Kia K5
The 2021 Kia K5 is the new model that has taken the place of Kia’s Optima in the mid-sized sedan category. The K5 shares a competitive price, sporty exterior, and AWD options with the 2021 Altima. Kia vastly improved from the Optima with the new K5 model. It comes with a stock 1.6L turbocharged engine with 180 horsepower.
The K5 has a good 0-60 time of seven seconds. The K5 has a GT-turbo trim that provides a bigger 2.5 Liter engine that delivers 290 hp and reaches 60 MPH in 5.3 seconds. The K5 offers a competitive MSRP of $24,585, and the GT trim starts at $31,585. The stock 1.6 L engine sports an impressive 29-38 MPG, while the beefier 2.5 L gets a less efficient 24-32 MPG.
The K5 also scored a five-star rating in its crash test rating, making it one of the safest sedans on the market. With excellent fuel economy, sleek trims, and a luxurious interior, the K5 is an excellent option for car buyers.
Honda Accord
The 2021 Honda Accord provides high safety ratings, a hybrid option, and a smooth driving experience like the Nissan Altima. This car checks all the boxes in style and specifications when compared to price. The Accord has two engine options for drivers. The first is a 1.5 L four-cylinder engine with 192 horsepower.
The second is the larger 2.0 L turbocharged four-cylinder with 252 horsepower. The Accord’s base trim level starts at $25,965, while the highest trim level starts at $37,895. The gas engines’ fuel efficiency ranges from 30 MPG in the city to 38 on the highway. However, the Hybrid model boasts 48 MPG in the city and highway.
This five-seat sedan is slightly more expensive compared to some vehicles on this list, but it provides a lot of bang for your buck, including a 5-star crash test, making it an incredibly safe car as well.
Toyota Camry
Like the 2021 Altima, the 2021 Camry gives drivers a safe vehicle with hybrid options and excellent fuel economy. The Camry has an eye-catching body style paired with some awesome standard features. The basic four-cylinder engine gets excellent gas mileage of 28 MPG in town and 39 MPG on the highway. Some trims use the larger V6 engine with 301 horsepower, which gets a less economical 22 to 33 MPG.
The ultra-efficient hybrid boasts an impressive 51 to 53 MPG. Camry’s base trim level, the LE starts at $26,040, while the highest trim level has a starting MSRP of $33,255. Toyota has made the Camry one of the most spacious in the class, providing a comfortable interior and plenty of trunk space. The Camry also scored well in safety categories, including a 5-star crash test.
The Camry offers many standard features that make it an excellent option when looking for a car like the Altima.
Hyundai Sonata
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata is similar to the Altima because of its smooth handling, sharp-looking exterior, and competitive pricing. The 2021 Sonata is one of the best values amongst mid-sized sedans. This car has a luxury feel and looks without the luxury price tag. The Sonata provides a basic 2.5 L engine that gets 28 to 38 MPG. The 1.8 L turbocharged engine averages 27 to 37 MPG.
The Sonata also has two hybrid options; the Blue Hybrid option boasts an impressive 50 to 54 MPG, while the regular hybrid option gets 45 to 51 MPG. With starting MSRPs that range from $24,955 to $36,305, the Sonata has eight distinct trim levels within those figures. The Sonata also scored highly in safety features with a five-star crash-test review.
The Sonata is a striking option that drivers can feel good about when considering mid-sized sedans.
Volkswagen Passat
Like the 2021 Altima, the 2021 VW Passat is a reliable mid-sized sedan with excellent standard safety features. While the Passat will not win any beauty contests, it is a safe vehicle that will get the job done for those in need of a mid-sized car. The Passat provides only one engine option, a turbocharged 2.0 L four-cylinder engine.
This engine boasts 173 horsepower and a respectable 24 to 36 MPG in city/highway. With three trims ranging from $24,990 to $30,990, drivers can choose the trim that meets their needs based on available features. The Passat is a safe vehicle with good standard safety features even in the least expensive trims.
The Passat does not have any hybrid or electric options. For those seeking a reliable car that is not too flashy, the 2021 Passat could be the best option.
Mazda Mazda6
The Mazda Mazda6 is similar to the Nissan Altima due to its size, safety features, and fuel economy. The 2021 Mazda6 has a luxury vehicle look, yet it has the price tag of a competitively priced sedan. This car uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
The base engine has 187 horsepower, while the turbo engine boasts 250 horsepower. The base engine gets 26 MPG in the city and 35 mpg on the highway; the turbo engine generates a less economical 23 and 31 MPG in town and on the highway. The Mazda6 has six trims ranging from $25,470 to $36,895.
This vehicle has excellent safety marks with a five-star crash test and impressive standard safety features. The luxurious nature of the vehicle’s interior and exterior style make it a fancier option at the midsized-sedan level.
Subaru Legacy
The 2021 Subaru Legacy boasts AWD capabilities, impressive safety features, and a comfortable ride like the 2021 Altima. The Legacy does have standard AWD in all trims, where the Altima has AWD options. The Legacy comes with two engine options, a 187 horsepower four-cylinder engine, and the 250 horsepower turbocharged engine.
The non-turbo engine gets a respectable 27 MPG in town and 35 MPG on the highway. The turbo engine gets great gas mileage as well, boasting 24 MPG city 32 MPG highway. The 2021 Legacy comes in 6 trim levels starting at $23,820. The turbo engine is only available in the two priciest trims of $35,370 and $37,070.
The Legacy is a very safe vehicle garnering accolades for its safety features and crash tests. While the turbo engine provides plenty of oomph, the standard engine does lack some flare. The standard engine posted an abysmal 8.0 seconds 0-60 rating.
Dodge Charger
The 2021 Dodge Charger is similar to the Altima in size, seating, and AWD capabilities. However, in the mid-sized sedan family, the 2021 Charger is the rebellious child. Rather than focus on fuel economy and sleek body styles, the Charger boasts more significant engines and a muscly exterior.
This car has two engine models, a standard V-6 and a massive 5.7 liter V-8. Obviously, these engines are built more for power and less for the economy; the Charger gets 19 MPG in the city and 30 on the highway. It has five different trims ranging from $32,065 to $49,735. The 2021 Charger still has fantastic safety ratings and a five-star crash test rating despite the more aggressive body style and larger engines.
If drivers are looking for a tougher and more power-oriented vehicle, then the Dodge Charger is worth consideration.
Chrysler 300
The 2021 Chrysler 300 is similar in size to the Nissan Altima, and it also provides a comfortable interior and larger engine options. The 300 has a much blockier body style and does not provide any electric or hybrid options. 2021 300 provides a bigger 3.6 L V-6 stock engine with options to upgrade to a beefy 5.7 L V-8.
Due to the larger engine sizes, the 300’s fuel economy is less efficient, only getting 19 to 30 MPG on the city and highway. Customers can expect a price range between $32,865 and $39,815 for the 2021 models with three available trims. Those looking for a sturdy classic looking vehicle should try out the 2021 Chrysler 300.