2021 Nissan Maxima
| MSRP | $39,100 |
|---|---|
| Edmunds suggests you pay | $33,999 |
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2021 Nissan Maxima Review
- Well-made, attractive cabin
- Sharp handling for a midsize sedan
- The back seat and trunk aren't very spacious
- Overly firm ride quality in the SR trim
- Compromised visibility
- Dated infotainment system
- Limited-production 40th Anniversary Edition
- Streamlined trim level lineup
- Part of the eighth Maxima generation introduced for 2015
Drivers with a penchant for performance are usually willing to make sacrifices for a sporty edge. The Nissan Maxima has long catered to this set by offering standard V6 power and sharper handling than the typical midsize sedan. With the 2021 Maxima, you get a 300-horsepower V6 plus lots of standard features. Even the base-trim Maxima comes with leather upholstery, for instance.
Unfortunately, the 2021 Maxima, which is part of the eight-generation car that debuted for 2015, has little else to distinguish itself. Fresher rivals, such as the Honda Accord, Kia K5 and Toyota Camry, offer similar performance potential with fewer compromises. They typically cost less, too. We generally suggest going with one of these rivals, but check out the categories of our Expert Rating to learn more about the Maxima's strengths and weaknesses.
Our verdict | |
The Maxima offers an appealing bridge to luxury sedans with sporty handling, above-average performance and a classy interior. Yet despite its ample mass, this midsize sedan doesn't offer a lot of space for either passengers or things. Many rivals also deliver better tech and more features for less money. | |
How does the Maxima drive? | |
The Maxima isn't quite the "four-door sports car" that Nissan says it is. It's not even really a sport sedan. But it is a sporty midsize sedan, with above-average handling and strong acceleration from a V6 engine. Oddly, the Maxima feels heavy at low speeds but lighter and more agile as speed increases. This sensation largely comes down to the steering feel. In many cars it's the opposite — lighter at parking-lot speeds and heavier with at higher speeds. In turns and corners, the Maxima's dynamic limits are fairly low, but the car communicates well enough that drivers can be confident not to overstep them. Overall, this Nissan is a friendly and easy car to drive. | |
How comfortable is the Maxima? | |
The Maxima's quiet cabin — a joint effort involving acoustic glass, ample sound-deadening materials and active noise cancellation — gives the sedan a premium feel out on the road. The ride is firm and controlled, and the suspension does well at absorbing bumps and road imperfections. (A firmer sport suspension is available for drivers willing to trade ride comfort for sharper handling.) Overall, the Maxima rides better than most midsize family sedans and more like an entry-level luxury car. The Maxima's seats also straddle the line between sporty support and long-distance comfort. They'll keep you in place through fast corners but remain comfortable for long stretches. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The Maxima's interior looks great, the controls are easy to use, and the infotainment system's structure is logical. But there's a price to pay for the Maxima's sleek exterior design. Passenger space is limited, and the cabin feels small. Front passengers get decent headroom, but intrusions in the footwells and high armrests make things feel cramped. Rear passengers endure even less legroom and headroom. And getting in and out of the Maxima, particularly for those in the rear seat, is more work than it should be. Visibility also leaves something to be desired, and the front corners of the car are hard to judge. Useful side mirrors and safety aids help for awareness. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Nissan's technology features are easy to use, but aside from up to two USB-C ports (in addition to two regular ones) and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, the infotainment feels dated and behind the curve. The stereo and touchscreen are adequate, especially if you like bass, but other midsize sedans cost less and offer more fully featured systems and better audio. Most basic infotainment features can be controlled through voice command, but we found the system finicky about word choice and phrasing. Driver aids are also limited. Adaptive cruise control works well and can bring the car to a complete stop, but Nissan's innovative ProPilot package isn't offered. | |
How’s the storage? | |
Considering the Maxima's size, its overall cargo capacity is disappointing. The Maxima lags behind similarly sized cars in both small-item storage and trunk space, but the trunk has a wide and low opening, which makes for easy loading. Additional useful features include hooks for hanging shopping bags and in-trunk pull tabs to release the fold-down seats. The Maxima has four clearly marked lower car-seat anchors across the back seat and sufficient space for most car seats. The downside is the sloping rear door opening that will require some parental contortions for access. | |
How economical is the Maxima? | |
At 24 mpg combined (20 city/30 highway), the Maxima falls short of midsize competitors with upgraded engines. In our time with the car, we had trouble matching EPA numbers, falling short even of the city mpg estimate. The fact that 91 octane is recommended adds even more cost. | |
Is the Maxima a good value? | |
The Maxima tries to thread a line between a near-luxury car and one that delivers better-than-average performance. It doesn't quite succeed at either. Sure, the interior looks nice with a veneer of luxury and many touch points covered in soft or premium materials. It also offers a measure of sophisticated handling and performance, but nothing you can't get from another competitor for less money. | |
Wildcard | |
The Maxima manages to capture a sense of luxury and sportiness in an accessible package, even if it doesn't quite excel at either. It's a car designed to make the driver feel good. Largely it succeeds, even if it's far from the best value. | |
Which Maxima does Edmunds recommend?
Since one of the Maxima's few selling points is its sporty performance, we suggest the SR trim that comes with a stiffer suspension for sharper handling. You also get some comfort and safety features to help justify the added cost.
Nissan Maxima models
The 2021 Nissan Maxima is a midsize sedan that is offered in SV, SR and Platinum trims. Powering all Maxima models is a 3.5-liter V6 engine (300 horsepower, 261 lb-ft of torque) that is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that drives the front wheels. Standard feature highlights include:
Save as much as $5,282 with Edmunds
2021 Nissan Maxima pricing
in Ashburn, VA3.5 SV
3.5L 6cyl CVT
Edmunds Suggested Price$33,999
5 for sale in 20147
3.5 Platinum
3.5L 6cyl CVT
Edmunds Suggested Price$38,006
11 for sale in 20147
3.5 SR
3.5L 6cyl CVT
Edmunds Suggested Price$38,938
7 for sale in 20147
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2021 Nissan Maxima.
Trending topics in reviews
- comfort
- road noise
- appearance
- technology
- safety
Most helpful consumer reviews
5/5 stars, 40th anniversary 4DSC
Johnny A,
3.5 Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Bought it primarily as an upgrade from my 2013 Maxima, which I loved. I was looking for the latest safety features and CarPlay compatibility. But the 40th anniversary package really makes it stand out! Quiet and comfortable, but plenty of power too especially in sport mode.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Maxima safety features:
- Intelligent Forward Collision Warning
- Warns the driver if a front collision is imminent.
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Works with the Intelligent Forward Collision Warning system. Automatically applies the brakes to lessen the impact of a front collision.
- Intelligent Around-View Monitor
- Provides a 360-degree, top-down view of the Maxima to help when parking.
Nissan Maxima vs. the competition
2021 Nissan Maxima
2021 Kia Stinger
Nissan Maxima vs. Kia Stinger
Nissan bills the Maxima as a four-door sports car, but the Kia Stinger actually delivers on that promise. With an available turbocharged V6 engine, rear- or all-wheel drive, and sharp handling, the Stinger is a must-see if you want performance from a sedan. The Maxima does as well as a front-wheel-drive sedan can be expected, but it falls short in terms of value and comfort. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Kia Stinger.
Nissan Maxima vs. Kia K5
The Kia K5 is new in name, though in reality, it's the continuation of the retired Optima. Despite its rather humble beginnings, the K5 is a standout in the class, with aggressive styling, engaging driving dynamics and the kind of value that Kia is known for. The top-of-the-line K5 GT has a stout turbocharged four-cylinder that rivals the Maxima's V6 for power.
Nissan Maxima vs. Mazda 6
In many ways, the Mazda 6 represents what the Maxima could have been. Its sleek styling manages to turn heads and the sporty handling will elicit a smile in spirited driving, yet it costs quite a bit less than the Nissan. The advantages continue to build with the Mazda 6's more modern tech and comfortable seats.
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FAQ
Is the Nissan Maxima a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Maxima both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. You probably care about Nissan Maxima fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Maxima gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Maxima has 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Nissan Maxima. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Nissan Maxima?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Nissan Maxima:
- Limited-production 40th Anniversary Edition
- Streamlined trim level lineup
- Part of the eighth Maxima generation introduced for 2015
Is the Nissan Maxima reliable?
To determine whether the Nissan Maxima is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Maxima. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Maxima's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Nissan Maxima a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Nissan Maxima is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 Maxima and gave it a 7.4 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Maxima is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Nissan Maxima?
The least-expensive 2021 Nissan Maxima is the 2021 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $37,090.
Other versions include:
- 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) which starts at $37,090
- 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) which starts at $42,250
- 3.5 Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) which starts at $42,320
What are the different models of Nissan Maxima?
If you're interested in the Nissan Maxima, the next question is, which Maxima model is right for you? Maxima variants include 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT), 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT), and 3.5 Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT). For a full list of Maxima models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more