2020 Subaru WRX vs 2020 Nissan Maxima

The 2020 Subaru WRX, a performance-oriented offshoot of the Impreza, showcased a bold and aggressive design. It featured a wider stance, a lower front splitter, and a rear deck spoiler, making it stand out in Subaru's lineup. Despite its sporty exterior, the WRX maintained a sleeper appeal, with a cabin that some found a bit plain for a performance car. The model offered various trims, including Base, Premium, and Limited, each adding more features like larger wheels, upgraded infotainment systems, and premium seating options. The WRX STI variant took the performance styling further with additional aerodynamic components and a more powerful engine.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima, while sharing design cues with other Nissan models, stood out with its V-Motion grille and floating-roof design. The Maxima's sporty appearance was enhanced by features like jewel-like LED headlights and quad-tip exhaust finishers. Available in trims such as S, SV, SL, SR, and Platinum, the Maxima offered a range of wheel options and interior finishes. The Platinum trim, in particular, provided a premium feel with semi-aniline leather and advanced technology features. Despite its stylish design, the Maxima's interior was noted for being slightly dated compared to newer sedans.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came with a standard six-speed manual transmission, offering a precise and engaging driving experience. The WRX also offered a CVT option with paddle shifters and multiple drive modes. The all-wheel-drive system varied based on the transmission, with the manual providing a 50:50 torque distribution and the CVT offering a 45:55 split. The WRX was praised for its minimal turbo lag and excellent cornering abilities, making it a favorite for driving enthusiasts. The WRX STI variant featured a more powerful 2.5-liter engine with 310 horsepower, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for enhanced performance.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a CVT, the Maxima offered a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though it was not as sporty as its "four-door sports car" marketing suggested. The Maxima's Sport mode enhanced throttle response and steering feel, but it excelled as a cruiser, absorbing road imperfections and minimizing noise. The front-wheel-drive Maxima achieved an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, comparable to other vehicles in its class. Despite lacking all-wheel drive, the Maxima felt stable in most driving conditions.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility thanks to its simple sedan layout and large windows. The cabin featured a straightforward design with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. Front-row seating provided generous head- and legroom, while the rear seats were adequate for adults on shorter trips. The WRX's cargo space was limited to 12 cubic feet, which was modest compared to other compact sedans but typical for performance-oriented vehicles.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima prioritized spacious seating and comfort. The cabin's thick center console limited some space, but the front seats were comfortable for long journeys. The Maxima offered more headroom than its rivals, though it fell short in legroom and cargo space compared to competitors like the Toyota Avalon and Honda Accord. With 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space and 98.5 cubic feet of passenger space, the Maxima was less roomy than newer models. However, it handled everyday cargo and seating needs effectively, making it suitable for most families.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a user-friendly Starlink infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 7-inch version. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing seamless connectivity. The WRX also had a digital display in the instrument panel and an additional information screen atop the dash, offering key driver information in multiple locations.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen on SV-and-up trims and a standard 7-inch driver information display. While functional, the system's design was not the most modern. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and buyers could opt for a Bose Premium Audio system. The Maxima offered features like the Around View Monitor camera system and power rear sunshade, enhancing convenience and comfort.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came with standard front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. It offered the optional EyeSight suite, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima featured the standard Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features like traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control were available on higher trims. The Maxima performed well in safety tests, receiving high marks from the IIHS and NHTSA.