Used 2021 Nissan Maxima for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Nissan Maxima cost?

Prices have softened 13.01% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 401 listings available, which suggests you have a workable 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 features, and they also point to its smooth ride and luxurious interior. The Maxima’s upscale feel and modern touches make it appealing if you want a sedan that feels more premium 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. That means it fits you best if you value comfort, design, and a more premium cabin more than maximum practicality.

The market also looks reasonably accessible, with 29.9% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2021 Nissan Maxima reliable?

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

User feedback also points to reliability, with owners describing it as dependable and a car they can count on over time. The expert review reinforces that impression by calling it a solid choice for buyers looking for a big sedan and noting its strong overall safety and value proposition.

On the ownership side, the Maxima’s warranty coverage helps, but used buyers should still watch for wear items and verify maintenance history carefully, especially on higher-mileage examples.

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

At 58.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. A pre-purchase inspection is worth prioritizing, especially if you’re comparing multiple listings with similar prices. Focus on overall condition, maintenance records, and signs of cosmetic or structural repair before you decide.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base SV, mid-range SR, and top Platinum trim levels differ in equipment, and the 40th Anniversary Edition package adds two-tone exterior treatment, 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, a CVT, and front-wheel drive. It feels quick and the V6 sounds good, 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, 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 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 core Maxima experience at the lowest price. It makes sense if you want the V6 power, standard safety tech, and a lower purchase price without chasing extras.
• SR: This is the best-value trim if you want a more upscale feel without going all the way to the top. It sits in the middle of the lineup and is the natural choice if you want a stronger mix of equipment and price.
• Platinum: This is the trim to choose if you want the most premium Maxima experience, and it’s the one associated with the 40th Anniversary Edition package. It suits you best if style and cabin presentation matter most.

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

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

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

• Deal availability: 29.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 401 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.01% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 58.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $18,670, 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 $18,670 sits slightly below last year's $21,462.

That price decline suggests the Maxima has softened in the used market, which can help you as a buyer but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you buy at the right price and keep the car in strong condition, you can reduce the impact of that depreciation. Well-kept examples with clean history and strong equipment should remain easier to move than rougher ones.

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 safety features include adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver-alertness monitor, and a 360-degree camera system.

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:

• 29.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 58.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.01% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 model year stands out for its 40th Anniversary Edition package and strong safety ratings.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $16,787, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $18,670 average.
• It offers plush accommodations and a potent powertrain.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger current-year market data and the 2021-specific anniversary package, this is the better path. If your priority is saving money up front, the 2020 is the more budget-friendly alternative and still delivers much of the Maxima’s core appeal.

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, more powerful sedan with a premium cabin feel. The Avalon counters with more space and comfort, but its base engine is less compelling and its technology feels dated. If you care most about driving character and upscale design, the Maxima has the edge; if you want room and comfort, the Avalon is the safer bet.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.