2020 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2020 Nissan Altima, available in S, SR, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, offered a sleek design with a few questionable details. The Platinum trim, equipped with a turbocharged engine, 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, and various extras, was priced at $37,825, including destination charges. The interior was clean and contemporary, featuring a high-mounted touchscreen infotainment system, clearly legible climate controls, and traditional transmission shifter. Materials quality was on par with the midsize sedan segment, with matte chrome detailing and simulated wood trim adding a touch of elegance.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, set the tone for other Nissan models with its bold styling, including a "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille. The Maxima's steeply-angled front end and massive grille gave it a distinctive, almost sinister look. The 40th Anniversary Edition featured a two-tone exterior, 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, and red semi-aniline leather upholstery, among other unique touches. The interior was dressed up with dark-red leather seats and white gauge faces, providing a stylish and functional cabin.

The 2020 Nissan Altima came with a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing up to 188 horsepower, paired with a CVT and FWD, with AWD as an option. The test car featured the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving, but real-world testing showed 26.2 mpg. The Altima's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control, making it a satisfying drive in various settings.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and FWD. While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima felt quick and agile, with a responsive V6 engine and a well-tuned CVT. However, the steering lacked precision, and the front end suffered from torque steer under heavy throttle. Despite these drawbacks, the Maxima offered a comfortable ride and quiet cabin, making it a solid choice for highway cruising.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's seats were designed for superior comfort, inspired by NASA research. However, the lack of a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats was a drawback. The Altima offered heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote engine starter with climate control. Rear-seat passengers had access to air conditioning vents but no heated seats. The trunk provided 15.4 cubic feet of space, with optional grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat comfort, with generous headroom and legroom, but at the expense of rear-seat space. The front seats featured Nissan's "Zero Gravity" design, with eight-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way for the passenger. The Maxima's trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of space, the smallest in its class. Despite the cramped rear seats, the driver enjoyed an expansive view of the road and excellent side visibility.

The 2020 Nissan Altima featured an 8-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available upgrades included satellite radio, a navigation system, a 9-speaker Bose audio system, and NissanConnect Services. The system was user-friendly, with physical and virtual buttons for easy navigation. However, the voice recognition technology required specific commands for desired results.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. An 11-speaker Bose audio system was also available. While the system covered basic features, it was unpleasant to use, with dated graphics and small icons. The Maxima did offer plenty of analog controls, but the notification sounds were jarring and unavoidable.

The 2020 Nissan Altima came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, and automatic high-beam assistance. Additional safety features included a driver monitoring system, road-sign recognition, and a surround-view camera. The Altima received a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver-alertness monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Maxima did not have ProPilot Assist, but its absence was not a significant drawback.