2021 Nissan Altima Oil Type & Capacity
The 2021 Nissan Altima oil type depends on the engine: the 2.0L takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the 2.5L takes 0W-20 (5.4 quarts qt with filter); the Platinum takes 0W-20 (5.4 quarts qt with filter); the S takes 0W-20 (5.4 quarts qt with filter); the SL, AWD takes 0W-20 (5.4 quarts qt with filter); the SL, FWD takes 0W-20 (5.4 quarts qt with filter); the SV, AWD takes 0W-20 (5.4 quarts qt with filter); the SV, FWD takes 0W-20 (5.4 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 2.0L: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 2.5L: 0W-20, 5.4 quarts with filter
- 2.5L: 0W-20, 5.4 quarts with filter
- Platinum: 0W-20, 5.4 quarts with filter
- S: 0W-20, 5.4 quarts with filter
- SL, AWD: 0W-20, 5.4 quarts with filter
- SL, FWD: 0W-20, 5.4 quarts with filter
- SV, AWD: 0W-20, 5.4 quarts with filter
- SV, FWD: 0W-20, 5.4 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L — 2.0L Eng | Genuine NISSAN Motor Oil SN SAE 5W-30 Engine Oil | 5.00 QTS. | 4.90 QTS. | If SAE 5W-30 motor oil (or engine oil) is not available, a synthetic SAE 5W-30 GF-5 SN motor oil (or engine oil) may be used. |
| 2.5L — SR, 2.5L Eng VIN B, AWD, 2.5L Eng | Genuine NISSAN Motor Oil SN SAE 0W-20 Engine Oil | 5.40 QTS. | 5.00 QTS. | If SAE 0W-20 motor oil (or engine oil) is not available, a synthetic SAE 0W-20 GF-5 SN motor oil (or engine oil) may be used. |
| 2.5L — SR, 2.5L Eng VIN B, FWD, 2.5L Eng | Genuine NISSAN Motor Oil SN SAE 0W-20 Engine Oil | 5.40 QTS. | 5.00 QTS. | If SAE 0W-20 motor oil (or engine oil) is not available, a synthetic SAE 0W-20 GF-5 SN motor oil (or engine oil) may be used. |
| Platinum — 2.5L Eng | Genuine NISSAN Motor Oil SN SAE 0W-20 Engine Oil | 5.40 QTS. | 5.00 QTS. | If SAE 0W-20 motor oil (or engine oil) is not available, a synthetic SAE 0W-20 GF-5 SN motor oil (or engine oil) may be used. |
| S — 2.5L Eng | Genuine NISSAN Motor Oil SN SAE 0W-20 Engine Oil | 5.40 QTS. | 5.00 QTS. | If SAE 0W-20 motor oil (or engine oil) is not available, a synthetic SAE 0W-20 GF-5 SN motor oil (or engine oil) may be used. |
| SL, AWD — 2.5L Eng | Genuine NISSAN Motor Oil SN SAE 0W-20 Engine Oil | 5.40 QTS. | 5.00 QTS. | If SAE 0W-20 motor oil (or engine oil) is not available, a synthetic SAE 0W-20 GF-5 SN motor oil (or engine oil) may be used. |
| SL, FWD — 2.5L Eng | Genuine NISSAN Motor Oil SN SAE 0W-20 Engine Oil | 5.40 QTS. | 5.00 QTS. | If SAE 0W-20 motor oil (or engine oil) is not available, a synthetic SAE 0W-20 GF-5 SN motor oil (or engine oil) may be used. |
| SV, AWD — 2.5L Eng | Genuine NISSAN Motor Oil SN SAE 0W-20 Engine Oil | 5.40 QTS. | 5.00 QTS. | If SAE 0W-20 motor oil (or engine oil) is not available, a synthetic SAE 0W-20 GF-5 SN motor oil (or engine oil) may be used. |
| SV, FWD — 2.5L Eng | Genuine NISSAN Motor Oil SN SAE 0W-20 Engine Oil | 5.40 QTS. | 5.00 QTS. | If SAE 0W-20 motor oil (or engine oil) is not available, a synthetic SAE 0W-20 GF-5 SN motor oil (or engine oil) may be used. |
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More factory specs & repair guides for your Altima
🛞 2021 Nissan Altima Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2021 Nissan Altima Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2021 Nissan Altima Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2021 Nissan Altima Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
8.75 quarts (8.28 L) — Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent. Approximate capacity.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2021 Nissan Altima take?
It depends on the engine: 2.0L uses 5W-30; 2.5L uses 0W-20; Platinum uses 0W-20; S uses 0W-20; SL, AWD uses 0W-20; SL, FWD uses 0W-20; SV, AWD uses 0W-20; SV, FWD uses 0W-20.
What is the oil capacity of a 2021 Nissan Altima?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: 2.0L holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2.5L holds 5.4 quarts with filter; Platinum holds 5.4 quarts with filter; S holds 5.4 quarts with filter; SL, AWD holds 5.4 quarts with filter; SL, FWD holds 5.4 quarts with filter; SV, AWD holds 5.4 quarts with filter; SV, FWD holds 5.4 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2021 Nissan Altima?
Most 2021 Nissan Altima owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Nissan recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2021 Nissan Altima?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2021 Nissan Altima. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.