2020 Nissan Maxima vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Nissan Maxima had a design that closely mirrored other models in Nissan’s lineup, featuring the brand’s signature V-Motion grille and jewel-like LED headlights. Its floating-roof design, accented by a heavy beltline, culminated in quad-tip exhaust finishers at the rear. The Maxima SR models added a sporty rear spoiler. The Maxima was the pioneer of this design era for Nissan sedans, influencing the Altima, Sentra, and Versa. The Maxima was available in S, SV, SL, SR, and Platinum trims, with the Platinum trim offering premium features and materials. The interior of the Maxima was spacious, with a thick center console that created a segmented front row experience. Standard features included an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a host of other modern conveniences.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out with its Sensuous Sportiness design language and Parametric surfacing, characterized by sharp creases and dramatic angles. The Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors was a unique design cue that helped the Elantra stand out. The Elantra was available in SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims, with a hybrid powertrain option for the SEL and Limited. The interior of the Elantra featured a driver-focused dashboard and center console, with higher trims offering more luxurious materials and advanced technology. The Limited and Hybrid Limited trims had a modern and upscale look, with light gray seats and contrasting black cabin elements. The Elantra’s interior was spacious, with best-in-class rear-seat legroom and useful storage space.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. Despite being marketed as a "four-door sports car," the Maxima was more comfortable as a cruiser, with Sport drive mode and paddle shifters available only in the Maxima SR. The Maxima offered a smooth ride, with active noise cancellation in SL and higher trims, and active noise enhancement in the SR grade. It had front-wheel drive and an 18-gallon fuel tank, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The Maxima did not offer a hybrid option, unlike some of its competitors.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options, including a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The Elantra Hybrid used a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine combined with an electric motor, producing 139 horsepower and achieving up to 54 mpg in combined driving. The Elantra N Line featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, while the high-performance Elantra N had a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The Elantra N offered a thrilling driving experience with its electronically controlled suspension, larger brakes, and performance tires. The Elantra’s fuel economy varied by model, with the standard engine achieving 35 mpg combined and the Elantra N averaging 19.4 mpg in mixed driving.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima offered spacious seating and a large trunk, with comfortable seats and modern features. The thick center console created a segmented front row experience, and the infotainment screen tilted toward the driver. The Maxima had enough room for passengers to feel comfortable, though it was outmatched in legroom by competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Avalon. The Maxima provided more headroom than its rivals, with up to 39.4 inches. The trunk space was 14.3 cubic feet, less than the Sonata, Avalon, and Accord. Despite these limitations, the Maxima handled cargo and seating needs well during testing.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offering a roomy interior. The driver’s seat was height-adjustable, and the steering wheel was tilt/telescopic, making it easy to get comfortable. The Elantra had best-in-class rear-seat legroom, with plenty of leg clearance and foot space for adults. However, the backrest shape and angle left something to be desired in terms of upper back support. The Elantra’s trunk measured 14.2 cubic feet, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. Some versions included a hands-free trunk lid release, though the Elantra lacked a grab handle inside the trunk.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 7-inch driver information display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all models, with NissanConnect Services available on the Platinum grade. The Maxima offered a Bose Premium Audio system, Around View Monitor camera system, power rear sunshade, and keyless entry. USB-A and USB-C ports were available in the front and rear, making charging on the go easy.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on SE, SEL, and N Line trims. The Limited trim had a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation screen. This setup included a dynamic natural voice recognition system and a Sounds of Nature function. The Elantra also offered a Bose premium sound system and Hyundai Digital Key, which allowed for remote access and control of the vehicle using an Android-based smartphone.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, and a driver alertness monitor. Traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control were standard on all trims except the base model. The Maxima performed well in IIHS and NHTSA safety tests, with top ratings for front crash prevention.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. Every Elantra was equipped with SmartSense, Hyundai’s suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention warning system. Additional safety features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Warning. Upgrades included cyclist detection, junction turning assistance, adaptive cruise control, rear automatic braking, and Highway Drive Assist.