Used 2021 Nissan Maxima for Sale nearWashington, DC

How much does the 2021 Nissan Maxima cost?

Prices have softened 13.02% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 388 listings available, which gives you a meaningful amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Nissan Maxima a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Nissan Maxima earns a 4.8/5 user rating and a 7.3/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, stylish design, and premium-feeling features, and they also point to the smooth ride and luxurious interior. The Maxima’s use-case is clear: it suits you best if you want a large sedan that feels upscale and relaxed rather than maximally practical. The main trade-offs are its poor fuel economy and cramped back seat, which limit its appeal if you need efficiency or rear-seat space. Even so, 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which suggests there are still attractive opportunities in the market.

Is the 2021 Nissan Maxima reliable?

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

User feedback describes the Maxima as reliable and modern, with owners also emphasizing that it feels comfortable and well put together over time. The expert review reinforces that dependability by noting a solid, composed highway character and a powertrain that responds well in everyday driving. Nissan also includes 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 premium-feeling sedan with a V6 can bring higher running costs than you might expect.

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

At 57.7% 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 had bodywork or suspension repairs. Focus on overall condition, because the Maxima’s appeal depends heavily on how well it has been maintained and whether the cabin and drivetrain still feel tight and refined. If you’re comparing multiple listings, pay close attention to signs of wear that could undermine the upscale feel this model is supposed to deliver.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base SV, mid-range SR, and top Platinum trims are the main versions to compare, and the Platinum can be further dressed up with the 40th Anniversary Edition package. The lower trim is the one most likely to leave you wanting more if you care about the Maxima’s premium presentation.
• Powertrain: The Maxima uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 300 horsepower, a CVT, and front-wheel drive. It feels quick and smooth, but the setup is still tuned more for relaxed power delivery than for sharp sport-sedan response.
• 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, and ProPilot Assist is not offered.
• Infotainment: The standard setup includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. USB-A and USB-C ports are included, and an 11-speaker Bose audio system is available.
• Fuel efficiency: EPA ratings are 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

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 core Maxima experience without the extra appearance and comfort upgrades. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost path into the model, but it is also the trim most likely to feel plain compared with the others.
• SR: This is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it sits in the middle and adds a more upscale, better-equipped feel without jumping all the way to the top trim. If you want the strongest balance of features and price, this is the one to focus on.
• Platinum: This is the trim to choose if you want the most premium presentation, and it is the one associated with the 40th Anniversary Edition package. It suits you best if you care most about style and a richer cabin experience.

Safety Shield 360 is part of the Maxima’s safety story, and the model’s standard driver-assistance coverage is a major part of its appeal.

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

The market looks selective rather than overheated, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 388 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.02% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 57.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $18,541, 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 $18,541 sits slightly below last year's $21,317.

That decline suggests the Maxima has softened in the used market, which can work against future sellers if the trend continues. If you buy now, you may be entering at a more favorable price point than owners did a year ago, but resale strength will still depend on condition, mileage, and how well the car has been maintained. 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 it earned 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. The main caveat is that headlights were only rated “Average” by IIHS, even though the rest of the crash performance was excellent.

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:

• 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 57.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.02% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 stands out for its 40th Anniversary Edition package and strong safety ratings.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $16,680, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $18,541 average.
• It offers a plush cabin and a strong powertrain.

The bottom line: If you want the newer model-year advantages, the 2021 is the better target because it combines strong safety, solid owner satisfaction, and a softer price trend. If your priority is saving money above all else, the 2020 is the more budget-friendly path and still delivers the Maxima’s core strengths.

How does the 2021 Nissan Maxima compare to the 2021 Toyota Avalon?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Nissan Maxima:

• Pros: Stylish design, Powerful engine, Premium interior materials.
• Cons: All-wheel drive not available, Poor fuel economy, Cramped back seat.

2021 Toyota Avalon:

• Pros: Comfortable, Spacious, TRD trim adds extra performance and style.
• Cons: All-wheel drive only available with the I-4 engine, Underwhelming base engine, Outdated technology.

Our experts score the 2021 Nissan Maxima 7.3/10 and the 2021 Toyota Avalon 6/10. The Maxima is the better pick if you want a more stylish cabin and stronger standard power, while the Avalon leans harder into comfort and space. The Avalon’s bigger advantage is roominess, but the Maxima counters with a more premium feel and a more cohesive sporty character.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.