2021 Honda Civic vs. 2021 Nissan Altima
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Honda Civic and 2021 Nissan Altima contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Honda Civic and the 2021 Nissan Altima.
In comparing the 2021 Honda Civic's and the 2021 Nissan Altima's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Honda Civic has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The 2021 Nissan Altima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Honda Civic's and the 2021 Nissan Altima's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Honda Civic is a better car than the 2021 Nissan Altima.
Pricing: A used 2021 Honda Civic ranges from $18,584 to $24,999 while a used 2021 Nissan Altima is priced between $16,273 to $25,499.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Honda Civic loses 23.5 percent of its value and the 2021 Nissan Altima loses 46 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Honda Civic retains 22.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Nissan Altima.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Civic is 9.0 out of 10 while the Nissan Altima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Honda Civic being ranked 5 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Nissan Altima being ranked 5 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Civic is 8.8 out of 10. For the Nissan Altima the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Honda Civic a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Altima.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Honda Civic’s base engine makes 158 horsepower, and the 2021 Nissan Altima base engine makes 182 horsepower. The Civic is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 471 miles. The Altima is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 632 miles.This gives the 2021 Honda Civic the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 Nissan Altima the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2021 Nissan Altima, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2021 Honda Civic, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear head room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Honda Civic and the 2021 Nissan Altima have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$21,250
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$21,197
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$15,295 - $28,695
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$24,550
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
$25,984
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$22,270 - $36,995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$21,806
Price Range:
$18,584 - $24,999
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$21,394
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$13,751 - $30,996
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,347
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
40,024
# Good or Great Deals:
276
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$20,362
Price Range:
$16,273 - $25,499
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
$23,413
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$19,265 - $31,049
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,638
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
50,302
# Good or Great Deals:
434
Honda Civic Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
9.0 / 10
Reliability:
8.8 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Nissan Altima Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Honda Civic
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
7.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
7.1 - 10.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
41.9%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Nissan Altima
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)
7.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)
6.5 - 10
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
13.7%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
16.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.3 - 16.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
1.5 - 13.8
Honda Civic Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 43Ranking
3 out of / 43Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 43Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
5 out of / 43Ranking
5 out of / 43Ranking
6 out of / 43Ranking
7 out of / 43Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 43Ranking
14 out of / 24Ranking
17 out of / 43Ranking
23 out of / 43Nissan Altima Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 13Available Body Styles
Hatchback, Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Honda Civic Trim Levels
Not yet available
2021 Nissan Altima Trim Levels
2.0 SR, 2.5 Platinum, 2.5 S, 2.5 SL, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
158 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
138 foot-lbs @ 4200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
30 / 38 / 33
Range (city/hwy):
372 / 471 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 39 / 32
Range (city/hwy):
454 / 632 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55 inches
Cargo Space:
15.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
97.8 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Cargo Space:
15.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
100.8 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2771 lbs
Width:
70.9 inches
Height:
55.7 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3207 lbs
Width:
72.9 inches
Height:
56.7 inches
Length:
192.9 inches
Wheelbase:
111.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
215/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P215/60R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Blue
Aegean Blue Metallic / Cosmic Blue Metallic
Gray
Modern Steel Metallic
Orange
Molten Lava Pearl
Red
Rallye Red
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Deep Blue Pearl
Gray
Gun Metallic
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White
Interior Colors
Beige
Ivory
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Charcoal
Gray
Not available
