2020 Kia Optima vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

2020 Kia Optima
2020 Kia Optima
$23,390MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Maxima
2021 Nissan Maxima
$37,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Kia Optima
$23,390MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Maxima
$37,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$23,390

MSRP

$37,090

Average price

$15,780

Average price

$23,652

Listings

876

Listings

312
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Powerful engine
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Cramped back seat

2020 Kia Optima Reviews Summary

2021 Nissan Maxima Reviews Summary

The 2021 Nissan Maxima celebrates 40 years on sale, making it one of the oldest Japanese automotive nameplates in continuous use. While it’s impressive for any model to survive four decades, the Maxima has spent most of its history mired in mediocrity.

The Nissan Maxima name first appeared in 1981 as a rebranding of the Datsun 810 sedan. The original Maxima/810 was a true enthusiast’s car, boasting rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a sporty character that led Nissan to declare it a “four-door sports car.” However, that only lasted for a few years.

With its first redesign for the 1985 model year, the Maxima switched to front-wheel drive (FWD) and was positioned as Nissan’s flagship sedan. It’s been that way ever since. Nissan has continued to gesture in the direction of that original RWD model, but for most of its 40 years, the Maxima has been a slightly sportier alternative to full-size sedans like the Toyota Avalon, rather than a BMW beater.

So it is with the current, eighth-generation, Maxima, which debuted for the 2016 model year. It enters the 2021 model year with few changes, the most significant being a 40th Anniversary Edition option package for the top Platinum trim level, which sits above the base SV and mid-range SR trim levels. That’s what we test drove for this review.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.4L 185 hp I4

Engine

3.5L 300 hp V6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

185 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

300 hp @ 6400 rpm

MPG City

24

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

32

MPG Highway

30
2020 Kia Optima
2020 Kia Optima
$23,390MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Maxima
2021 Nissan Maxima
$37,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Kia Optima
$23,390MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Maxima
$37,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$23,390
$37,090
Average price
$15,780
$23,652
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.9
4.9
Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Powerful engine
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Cramped back seat
Summary

The 2021 Nissan Maxima celebrates 40 years on sale, making it one of the oldest Japanese automotive nameplates in continuous use. While it’s impressive for any model to survive four decades, the Maxima has spent most of its history mired in mediocrity.

The Nissan Maxima name first appeared in 1981 as a rebranding of the Datsun 810 sedan. The original Maxima/810 was a true enthusiast’s car, boasting rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a sporty character that led Nissan to declare it a “four-door sports car.” However, that only lasted for a few years.

With its first redesign for the 1985 model year, the Maxima switched to front-wheel drive (FWD) and was positioned as Nissan’s flagship sedan. It’s been that way ever since. Nissan has continued to gesture in the direction of that original RWD model, but for most of its 40 years, the Maxima has been a slightly sportier alternative to full-size sedans like the Toyota Avalon, rather than a BMW beater.

So it is with the current, eighth-generation, Maxima, which debuted for the 2016 model year. It enters the 2021 model year with few changes, the most significant being a 40th Anniversary Edition option package for the top Platinum trim level, which sits above the base SV and mid-range SR trim levels. That’s what we test drove for this review.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.4L 185 hp I4
3.5L 300 hp V6
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
185 hp @ 6000 rpm
300 hp @ 6400 rpm
MPG City
24
20
MPG Highway
32
30
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