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2021 Nissan Maxima review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Nissan Maxima highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Many driver assist features standard
  • Sports-tuned handling
  • Standard active noise cancellation

Cons

  • Visibility is somewhat compromised
  • Small back seat
  • Limited cargo space

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 30 highway, 24 combined

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All Nissan Maxima years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Nissan Maxima generation from 2012 to 2023

What is new for the 2021 Nissan Maxima?

  • Trim Discontinued: [Specify the trim name] has been discontinued, affecting options for buyers.
  • Standard Equipment on all models now includes [list significant standard equipment].
  • New Equipment added: [list new equipment/features that enhance value or performance].
  • Improved fuel efficiency ratings across the lineup, making it a more economical choice.
  • Enhanced safety features introduced as standard across all trims.

2021 Nissan Maxima trims

Curious how Nissan Maxima trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SR:

SV:

Platinum:

Nissan Maxima photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Nissan Maxima

1. Lots of engine power

While the 2021 Maxima may only be available in one engine configuration, it's an impressive one. Specifically, this midsize sedan is equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine that cranks out a whopping 300 hp for plenty of power from underneath the hood. This motivated engine is paired with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth shifting.

2. Standard driver-assistance suite

Every 2021 Nissan Maxima offers a standard suite of driver-assistance features for added convenience behind the wheel. This suite includes frontal collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign reader, rear automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. It also comes with adaptive cruise control so you can effortlessly maintain a consistent distance between the cars in front of you.

3. Plenty of tech features

From a tech standpoint, there's a lot to love about the 2021 Nissan Maxima. Standard on the base SV trim, for example, is an eight-inch touchscreen display and eight-speaker sound system for cranking out your favorite road trip tunes. Meanwhile, you and your passengers will also enjoy standard smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Stepping up to the SR trim adds some additional tech features, including a premium 11-speaker sound system.

4. Smooth and quiet ride

The cabin of the 2021 Maxima is designed with plenty of acoustic glass and other sound-muffling materials to achieve a quieter ride. This midsize sedan is even equipped with active noise cancelation—a feature that is more commonly found on luxury sedans—and utilizes onboard speakers and microphones to cancel out unwanted road noise and other bothersome sounds. Additionally, the 2021 Maxima's suspension helps to deliver a smooth and composed ride, even on rougher roads.

5. Sporty equipment

If you're looking for a midsize sedan with sporty performance, the 2021 Maxima has some surprising features—especially on its SR trim. Specifically, this model features a sport-tuned suspension for even sharper handling. It's also equipped with steering wheel paddle shifters that give you the control and excitement of manual gear-shifting without sacrificing the convenience of the 2021 Maxima's continuously variable transmission (CVT).

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

5 out of 5

1 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Nissan Maxima an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Nissan Maxima 8th out of 13 among Fullsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Nissan Maxima

Nissan Maxima features and specs

Curious how Nissan Maxima trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SV 4D Sedan 2WD

Standard Features

  • Power Seat(s)
  • Leather Seats
  • Smart Key
  • Power Windows
  • Power Mirrors
  • Rear Defroster
  • Air Conditioning
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Remote Start
  • Parking Sensors
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • ABS Brakes
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Rear View Camera
  • Power Locks
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Android Auto
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Navigation System
  • CD Audio
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Apple CarPlay

Optional Features

  • Rear Spoiler

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

300

Torque (ft-lbs)

261

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

18

Wheelbase

109.3"

Overall length

192.8"

Width

73.2"

Height

56.5"

Leg room

F 45"/R 34.2"

Head room

F 39.4"/R 36.7"

Front tires

P245/45VR18

Rear tires

P245/45VR18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Nissan Maxima FAQ

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