2021 Honda Accord vs 2020 Nissan Maxima

2020 Nissan Maxima
2020 Nissan Maxima
$34,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Accord
2021 Honda Accord
$24,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Maxima
$34,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Accord
$24,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$34,450

MSRP

$24,970

Listings

205

Listings

1289

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

9.2 out of 10

Pros

  • Standard advanced safety features

  • Powerful engine

Cons

  • Outdated technology

  • Not much cargo space

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great handling

  • Spacious

Cons

  • All-wheel drive not available

  • Outdated technology

2020 Nissan Maxima Reviews Summary

Despite finding itself inside a rapidly shrinking segment, the Nissan Maxima shines through with its plush accommodations, potent powertrain, luxe interior, and spacious trunk. The Maxima has continued to be upgraded since its current generation debuted, making it worthy of a long look if you’re in the market for an SUV alternative. Nissan refreshed the Maxima for the 2019 model year, so changes for 2020 are minimal.

2021 Honda Accord Reviews Summary

For the 2021 model year, Honda is taking the Accord in a more elevated direction. The company has refined the Accord’s features list, added a trim level, and priced it right to compete against other heavyweights in the industry. Honda has made safety a priority in the 2021 Accord, helping this fresh version earn high praise.
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 300 hp V6

Engine

1.5L 192 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

300 hp @ 6400 rpm

Horsepower

192 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

30

MPG Highway

30

MPG Highway

38
2020 Nissan Maxima
2020 Nissan Maxima
$34,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Accord
2021 Honda Accord
$24,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Maxima
$34,450MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Accord
$24,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$34,450
$24,970
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.3

4.8

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

9.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Standard advanced safety features

  • Powerful engine

Cons

  • Outdated technology

  • Not much cargo space

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great handling

  • Spacious

Cons

  • All-wheel drive not available

  • Outdated technology

Summary
Despite finding itself inside a rapidly shrinking segment, the Nissan Maxima shines through with its plush accommodations, potent powertrain, luxe interior, and spacious trunk. The Maxima has continued to be upgraded since its current generation debuted, making it worthy of a long look if you’re in the market for an SUV alternative. Nissan refreshed the Maxima for the 2019 model year, so changes for 2020 are minimal.
For the 2021 model year, Honda is taking the Accord in a more elevated direction. The company has refined the Accord’s features list, added a trim level, and priced it right to compete against other heavyweights in the industry. Honda has made safety a priority in the 2021 Accord, helping this fresh version earn high praise.
Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
3.5L 300 hp V6
1.5L 192 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
300 hp @ 6400 rpm
192 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
20
30
MPG Highway
30
38
Look and feel

2020 Nissan Maxima

8/10

2021 Honda Accord

8/10
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.
Picture of 2020 Nissan Maxima
Picture of 2020 Nissan Maxima
Performance

2020 Nissan Maxima

8/10

2021 Honda Accord

9/10
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.
Form and function

2020 Nissan Maxima

7/10

2021 Honda Accord

9/10
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.
Technology

2020 Nissan Maxima

7/10

2021 Honda Accord

9/10
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

2020 Nissan Maxima

9/10

2021 Honda Accord

9/10
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 highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Nissan Maxima is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Accord scores 9.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Honda Accord is the recommended choice.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Nissan Maxima is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Accord scores 9.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Honda Accord is the recommended choice.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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