2020 Toyota Camry vs 2020 Nissan Maxima

The 2020 Toyota Camry, once known for its indomitable reliability and exceptional value, had evolved into a car with a newfound focus on aesthetic appeal in its latest generation. This era of the Camry was characterized by aggressive styling that aimed to recapture hearts that may have wandered to competitors like the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. The front fascia of this Camry was daring, exuding a sporty demeanor with its bold lines and expressive look. Camry’s design grabbed attention, particularly in the TRD model, which sported an imposing wing and aerodynamic body kit. However, even the standard models flaunted a character line reminiscent of BMW’s classic style, showing Toyota’s intent to make a stylish statement.

The 2020 Toyota Camry was offered in 14 exterior colors, with an available black roof option that further enhanced its chic appeal. The interior showcased materials of consistent quality across all trims, and the driver-focused dashboard design brought a semblance of sophistication, ensuring even the base models felt premium. The TRD trim stepped up the game with red accents and red seatbelts, features that drew inspiration from high-end sports cars like Porsche and Ferrari. While this Camry was no Lexus or BMW, its ambition to compete in those circles was evident in the plush leather and wood finishes of the top trims.

Nissan's 2020 Maxima, on the other hand, featured a cohesive look that aligned closely with the brand’s design philosophy. It boasted Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille flanked by jewel-like LED headlights and distinctive daytime running lights. The floating roof design was accentuated by a bold beltline that culminated at the rear with quad-tip exhaust finishers. For a sportier touch, Maxima SR trims came with a striking rear spoiler.

Available in S, SV, SL, SR, and Platinum trims, the Maxima offered standard 18-inch machined-finish aluminum-alloy wheels with painted inserts on its lower trims, while the SR and Platinum levels upgraded to 19-inch gloss black wheels. The interior leaned towards premium with semi-aniline leather in the Platinum Reserve Package, complemented by Satin Bronze interior finishers and a Rakuda Tan steering wheel insert. The cabin atmosphere was upscale, though some might argue that the center console's thickness affected the overall spaciousness.

The Maxima’s cabin design included large front seats and ample room, though rear legroom trailed behind some competitors. While the Maxima's design may have eventually become an identifier for Nissan sedans, its origins were rooted in the quest to provide a premium driving experience with stylish, comfortable interiors.

The 2020 Toyota Camry came with three main powertrain options (excluding the hybrid), beginning with a robust 3.5-liter V6 that generated 301 horsepower. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, was smooth and responsive, reinforcing the Camry's bid to dabble in the luxury segment. However, the TRD model, despite its sporty pretensions, did not harness the V6’s capabilities to the fullest extent due to its more sedate nature. Instead, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower, mated to the same eight-speed automatic, proved to be surprisingly agile, particularly in the lighter XSE trim. All Camrys, including the four-cylinder variants, could now be equipped with AWD, an addition that improved traction without severely impacting fuel economy – front-drive models achieved up to 31 mpg combined, while AWD variants managed 28 mpg. The least efficient was the front-drive V6 TRD, which delivered 25 mpg combined.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Maxima boasted a singular powertrain: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, linked to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This engine offered ample power for various driving conditions and positioned the Maxima favorably against its rivals. The Maxima was pitched as a "four-door sports car,” and while it certainly felt more spirited in its Sport mode, it excelled more as a comfortable cruiser than a true sports sedan. Comfort was its forte, with the car absorbing road imperfections effortlessly. Active noise cancellation and noise enhancement features kept the cabin serene, especially in SL and above trims.

The Maxima’s front-wheel-drive setup and 18-gallon fuel tank provisioned it with EPA fuel economy figures of 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. Despite not offering AWD, the Maxima maintained reliable traction in most situations. Competing sedans like the Chrysler 300 and Lincoln Continental managed similar fuel economy figures, but Nissan's simple and effective powertrain kept the Maxima in the fight.

The 2020 Toyota Camry was designed with user-friendliness in mind. It featured intuitive controls and ample front-seat storage, with legroom and hip room slightly improved from previous generations. However, rear legroom had reduced a bit, making it less spacious compared to rivals like the Honda Accord. Trunk space was another area where the Camry fell short, offering just 15.1 cubic feet—smaller than many competitors.

Conversely, the 2020 Nissan Maxima excelled in providing a spacious and luxurious interior, despite a thick center console that could make the cabin feel a bit tight up front. The front seats were comfortable and well-sized for long drives. Yet, the Maxima lagged behind in rear legroom with the Honda Accord and Toyota Avalon offering significantly more. The Maxima’s headroom was commendable, especially when compared with its rivals equipped with sunroofs or moonroofs.

Cargo capacity was another weak spot for the Maxima, with only 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, overshadowed by the Toyota Camry's 15.1 cubic feet and far behind the Honda Accord’s cavernous 16.7 cubic feet. Despite the limited numbers, the Maxima still managed to meet daily cargo and seating needs efficiently.

Toyota had finally integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in all Camry models by 2020, an overdue but welcome upgrade alongside Amazon Alexa compatibility and a three-month trial of SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system, though functional and responsive, felt dated compared to what’s found in competitors. Lower trims had 7-inch screens, while higher trims could be equipped with 8-inch screens and other features like wireless charging and a 10-inch head-up display. The system included a three-month WiFi Connect trial and a one-year Remote Connect service for higher trims, adding modernibility to the Camry’s tech suite.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima, while equally equipped with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, featured an 8.0-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch driver information display that looked less contemporary. The option to upgrade to a Bose Premium Audio system was available, enhancing the audiophile experience. Moreover, the Around View Monitor system made parking easier, and conveniences like power rear sunshades and keyless entry bolstered the ownership experience. USB-A and USB-C ports across trims enabled versatile charging possibilities, slightly edging out the Camry in this area.

The 2020 Toyota Camry was well-equipped with safety technologies as part of Toyota Safety Sense, including a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, and automatic high beams. Higher trims offered Bird's Eye View, which displayed a 360-degree view around the car, enhancing parking safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Camry a five-star rating, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a Top Safety Pick+ rating, highlighting its robust protection features.

Similarly, the 2020 Nissan Maxima came with Nissan Safety Shield 360 standard on all trims, featuring systems like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. Advanced features like traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control (excluding the base trim) further added to its safety credentials. The Maxima performed excellently in IIHS and NHTSA crash tests, with the IIHS giving its front crash prevention systems a "superior" rating.