How much does the 2021 Nissan Maxima cost?

Prices have softened 7.81% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 416 listings available, which suggests a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $19,432.66, 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 4.8/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 7.33/10.

The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, design, features, smooth ride, and luxurious interior. The Maxima also comes across as a polished, premium-leaning sedan with a distinctive style and a cabin that feels more upscale than many mainstream alternatives.

The trade-offs are clear: all-wheel drive is not available, fuel economy is poor, and the back seat is cramped. For you, that means the Maxima makes the most sense if you value a relaxed, upscale driving experience more than maximum practicality.

With 23.3% 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.

Owners also describe it as reliable and modern, with language that points to a car you can count on over time. The expert evaluation reinforces that impression by describing the Maxima as solid overall and enjoyable to drive, with a powertrain that feels well matched to the car’s character.

Nissan’s three-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty add some ownership reassurance. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about whether the car has been maintained well enough to offset its thirstier nature and premium-sedan expectations.

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

At 59.9% 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 careful inspection of bodywork, panel alignment, and signs of prior repair. Because this model leans premium, condition matters a lot: interior wear, electronics, and evidence of hard use can affect how satisfied you feel after purchase.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base SV trim level starts the lineup, while the SR and Platinum add more upscale equipment and a more premium presentation. The 40th Anniversary Edition package further dresses up the top Platinum trim with two-tone exterior treatment, black exterior trim, model-specific 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, red semi-aniline leather upholstery, white gauge faces, and heated rear seats.
• Powertrain: You get a 3.5-liter V6 with 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. The engine feels strong, and the transmission is one of the better CVT examples, but the car still lacks all-wheel drive.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard and 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 features include adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver-alertness monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Maxima does not get ProPilot Assist.
• Infotainment: The standard setup includes 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.

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:

• SV: This is the entry point, and it gives you the Maxima’s core appeal: the V6 power, standard safety tech, and the upscale feel that defines the car. It makes the most sense if you want the Maxima experience without paying for extras you may not need.
• SR: This trim adds a more assertive personality and sits in the middle of the lineup, making it the best-value choice for many shoppers who want a richer feature set without going all the way to the top trim.
• Platinum: This is the most premium version, and it is the one that can be paired with the 40th Anniversary Edition package. Choose it if you want the most upscale cabin presentation and the most distinctive appearance.

Safety Shield 360 is standard across the lineup, but ProPilot Assist is not offered.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 23.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 416 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.81% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 59.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $19,432.66, 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 $20,247 sits slightly below last year's $21,962.

That softer pricing suggests the Maxima is in a buyer-friendly phase right now, which can help you if you are shopping used. For a future seller, it also means you should expect pricing pressure unless your car is especially clean, well maintained, and attractively equipped.

The Maxima’s premium feel and strong feature content help support demand, but its resale outlook is still shaped by its age, fuel economy, and niche appeal. 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 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with five-star ratings in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests.

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

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard and 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 features include adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver-alertness monitor, and a 360-degree camera system.

One caveat is that headlights were only rated “Average” by IIHS, even though the rest of the crash performance was excellent. The Maxima also does not get ProPilot Assist, so you do not get Nissan’s more advanced lane-centering setup here.

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:

• 23.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 59.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.81% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 stands out for its 40th Anniversary Edition option package and its strong safety performance.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $17,632, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $20,247 average.
• It offers a comfortable ride, spacious accommodations, and standard advanced safety features.

The bottom line: If you want the newer model-year pricing context, stronger safety credentials, and the special 40th Anniversary Edition availability, the 2021 is the better target. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2020 is the smarter value play and still delivers much of the Maxima’s core appeal.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.