2020 Honda Civic Hatchback vs 2019 Nissan Maxima

The 2019 Nissan Maxima showcased a refined evolution of Nissan's V-shaped design, which had become more acceptable over time. The model featured new projector-beam LED headlights with intricate reflector patterns, an edgier grille, and a silver bumper strip beneath enlarged fog-lamp enclosures. The tinted black LED taillights and quad tailpipes added to its stylish appearance. Inside, the Maxima boasted upgraded materials, with the SV trim offering contrast stitching, polished black console trim, and minimal hard plastic. The all-black interior exuded quality, rewarding drivers with upscale textures and comfort.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback received subtle styling tweaks, including body-color crossbars on the fake air intakes, a new grille, and smoked headlights. The Sport Touring trim, with its Platinum White Pearl paint, garnered admiration for its glossy black detailing. Inside, the Civic featured stitched leather on the steering wheel and quality materials, though hard plastic was still present. The six-speed manual gearbox added a sporty touch, and the Civic's pricing was competitive, offering a range of trims to suit different budgets.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima was powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a CVT, it provided smooth and immediate thrust, effectively managing torque steer. Despite its powerful engine, the Maxima's mushy brake pedal and over-boosted steering detracted from the driving experience. The suspension offered a near-perfect balance of ride quality and nimble response, making it enjoyable to drive. Fuel economy was decent, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 30 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback, equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, produced 174 horsepower in lower trims and 180 horsepower in Sport and Sport Touring trims. The engine was quiet and refined, with the CVT and manual transmission offering different torque outputs. While not as performance-focused as the Civic Si, the Hatchback provided a comfortable and compliant ride, making it suitable for daily driving. The Civic Hatchback achieved an impressive 32 mpg in combined driving, showcasing its efficiency.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima featured a single 8-inch display integrated into the dash, offering quick response times and easy operation. The trunk space was limited at 14.3 cubic feet, but passenger room was ample, with comfortable front seats designed to reduce muscle fatigue. The seating position was driver-oriented, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback offered 25.2 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing the HR-V Touring. While the driver's seat was low, the Sport Touring's heated leather seats provided comfort. The center console storage was versatile, accommodating various items. Rear seat comfort was good, though the lack of air-conditioning vents and tinted glass could lead to discomfort.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima came with an updated navigation system, customizable infotainment home screen, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It featured a high-speed USB-C port and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. However, it lacked ProPilot Assist, a notable omission for a 2019 model.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback included a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system in the Sport Touring trim. While not a technology powerhouse, it offered automatic climate control and Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock, providing convenience and peace of mind.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima offered standard safety features like forward-emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection. It received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback came with the Honda Sensing suite, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Civic received top marks for crash-test performance but did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating due to headlight performance.