2021 Nissan Maxima review

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).