2020 Nissan Maxima vs 2021 Honda Accord

CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Nissan Maxima as 8 out of 10 and the 2021 Honda Accord as 9 out of 10 for their look and feel. The 2020 Nissan Maxima showcases Nissan's signature V-Motion grille, standard jewel-like LED headlights, and a floating-roof design that positions it as the trendsetter within Nissan's sedan lineup. It offers a range of trim levels, with varying wheel sizes and interior quality that leans towards the premium, especially in the Platinum trim. The cabin is spacious and well-equipped with a mix of comfort and technology features, despite the interior showing its age compared to newer models. In contrast, the 2021 Honda Accord receives a mid-generation refresh that brings fresh styling and a wide range of trim levels. It sports a redesigned grille for a more sculpted appearance and improved LED headlights and fog lights for better night visibility. The Accord introduces new alloy wheel designs and a unique Sonic Gray Pearl paint option, enhancing its appeal. Interior quality varies across trims, from cloth to fully leather-trimmed seats, with higher trims offering sophisticated touches without reaching luxury car levels. The Accord's practical and stylish design caters to daily drivability, offering a comfortable and spacious interior for all passengers.

CarGurus experts rate the performance of the 2020 Nissan Maxima 8 out of 10 and the 2021 Honda Accord 9 out of 10. The Maxima is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 300 horsepower and paired with a CVT, focusing on comfortable cruising rather than sporty performance. It offers a decent fuel economy for its class but lacks a hybrid option. The Maxima's front-wheel drive provides a solid drive experience, although it's not the most modern vehicle in terms of driving dynamics. The 2021 Honda Accord offers a choice between a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 252-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four, both offering respectable fuel efficiency and a pleasant driving experience. The Accord emphasizes engaging driving dynamics and maneuverability, with upgraded braking systems for smoother engagement.

According to CarGurus, the 2020 Nissan Maxima rates 7 out of 10 for form and function, while the 2021 Honda Accord rates 9 out of 10. The Maxima aims to provide spacious seating, a large trunk, and modern features. It offers more headroom than rivals but falls short in legroom and cargo space compared to competitors like the Honda Accord. Despite these limitations, it remains practical for everyday needs. The Honda Accord excels in daily drivability with stylish and practical design. It provides ample room, a comfortable seating arrangement for five, and a generous 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior is thoughtfully designed with a focus on convenience and practicality, making the Accord an attractive option for families and daily commuters.

CarGurus experts rate the technology in the 2020 Nissan Maxima 7 out of 10 and in the 2021 Honda Accord 9 out of 10. The Maxima features a standard 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with various connectivity options, although its technology does not represent the cutting edge in the market. It compensates with an extensive list of standard features and available upgrades like the Bose Premium Audio system and Around View Monitor camera system. The Honda Accord, on the other hand, offers an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that is responsive and user-friendly, with a comprehensive suite of standard and available tech features. This includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced options like a wireless phone charger and a head-up display in higher trims, presenting a more modern technology offering than the Maxima.

Safety ratings from CarGurus experts are 9 out of 10 for both the 2020 Nissan Maxima and the 2021 Honda Accord. The Maxima comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering a comprehensive package of safety and driver-assist technologies. It has received high ratings from safety organizations, indicating strong performance in crash tests and preventative safety measures. The Honda Accord is equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist technologies and has earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It demonstrates Honda's commitment to safety with standard and available features designed to protect passengers.

CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Nissan Maxima 8 out of 10. The Maxima offers a good value proposition starting at $34,450. The 2021 Honda Accord scores 10 out of 10 with competitive pricing from new that started at $24,970 and went up to the top-end trim at $36,900.