How much does the 2021 Nissan Maxima cost?

Prices have softened 7.55% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 415 listings available, which gives you a meaningful amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $19,438.02, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Nissan Maxima a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Nissan Maxima earns a 4.8/5 user rating and a 7.33/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, design, and features, and they also highlight the smooth ride and luxurious interior. The review summary also points to reliability and modern touches, which helps reinforce its appeal if you want something that feels upscale without moving into a luxury badge.

The trade-offs are clear: the Maxima is not available with all-wheel drive, fuel economy is poor, and the back seat is cramped. That makes it a better fit if you value style, comfort, and a premium cabin over maximum practicality.

For shoppers who want a full-size sedan with a more relaxed character and a polished interior, the Maxima’s strengths line up well with that use case. With 25.5% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Nissan Maxima reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The review summary points to reliability and a modern feel, and it also suggests the car is appealing for buyers who want something they can count on. The expert evaluation adds to that impression by describing the Maxima as a solid choice with a strong overall package.

It also benefits from a three-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that a well-equipped sedan like this can become more expensive to keep satisfying if prior maintenance has been inconsistent.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Nissan Maxima?

At 63.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has been in a prior collision. Focus on body condition, panel alignment, tire wear, and any signs that the car has been repaired after damage.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base SV trim level starts the lineup, while the SR and Platinum add more upscale presentation and equipment. The 40th Anniversary Edition package on the Platinum trim adds a two-tone exterior, model-specific 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, black exterior trim, red semi-aniline leather upholstery, white gauge faces, and heated rear seats.
• Powertrain: The Maxima uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive. It feels quick and the V6 sounds great, but torque steer can show up under hard throttle.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver-alertness monitor, and a 360-degree camera system are optional. The Maxima does not get ProPilot Assist.
• Infotainment: The Maxima comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, a built-in WiFi hotspot, and USB-A and USB-C ports. An 11-speaker Bose audio system is available.
• Fuel efficiency: EPA ratings are 24 mpg combined, 20 mpg city, and 30 mpg highway. In testing, it returned 20.6 mpg.

Which 2021 Nissan Maxima trim should I buy?

The 2021 Nissan Maxima is offered in 3 trim levels: SV, SR, Platinum.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The SV gives you the entry point, but you miss out on the more upscale presentation and special-edition touches found higher up.
• Sweet-spot trim: The SR is the best middle-ground if you want a more premium feel without going all the way to the top trim.
• Premium/top trim: The Platinum is the most luxurious choice, and it can be dressed up further with the 40th Anniversary Edition package.

The standard safety package is strong across the lineup, but the Maxima still does not offer ProPilot Assist.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Nissan Maxima?

This is a moderate market, so you can shop selectively without expecting a deep bargain on every listing.

• Deal availability: 25.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 415 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.55% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 63.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $19,438.02, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Nissan Maxima's resale value?

The current average of $20,450 sits slightly below last year's $22,120.

That price movement suggests the Maxima has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right number. If you purchase near the lower end of the current range, you may have a better chance of limiting your loss when it comes time to sell.

The model’s strong equipment, safety reputation, and premium feel can help support demand in the used market. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.8/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Nissan Maxima safe?

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick+” rating, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a five-star overall safety rating with five stars in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. Optional safety features include adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver-alertness monitor, and a 360-degree camera system.

One caveat is that headlights were rated “Average” by IIHS, and the Maxima does not get ProPilot Assist.

Should I buy a 2021 Nissan Maxima or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 25.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 63.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.55% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 brings a 40th Anniversary Edition package and strong safety ratings.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $17,250, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $20,450 average.
• It offers spacious accommodations and a comfortable ride.

The bottom line: If you want the newer model year with strong safety, solid owner satisfaction, and a lower average price than last year, the 2021 is the better default choice. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2020 is the more budget-friendly path and still delivers the Maxima’s core comfort-and-performance appeal.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.