2021 Honda Civic vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the tradition of being a segment-defining model, with its 10th-generation design still turning heads years after its debut. The Civic was available in various formats, including the sedan, hatchback, and the performance-oriented Type R. However, the two-door coupe was discontinued for this model year. The Civic sedan came in multiple trims, starting with the LX and going up to the Touring, with prices ranging from $21,250 to $28,300, excluding destination charges. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, offered a striking appearance, though opinions on its styling were mixed. Inside, the Civic's cabin was less dramatic than when it first launched, but it still featured quality materials and thoughtful design. The infotainment system, however, showed its age with a maximum screen size of 7 inches.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as Nissan's flagship sedan, set a bold styling precedent with its "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille, which influenced other Nissan models. The Maxima distinguished itself with a steeply-angled front end and a massive grille, giving it a unique presence on the road. The 40th Anniversary Edition added a two-tone exterior, gloss-black alloy wheels, and red leather upholstery, enhancing its interior appeal. The Maxima's cabin was designed with the driver in mind, offering a comfortable and supportive experience with Nissan's "Zero Gravity" seats. However, rear-seat passengers found the space cramped, and the trunk offered only 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the least in its class.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered two engine options. The base LX and Sport trims came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The more desirable turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, standard on EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, delivered 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, providing a more spirited driving experience. The Civic's independent suspension and precise steering made it enjoyable to drive, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels. However, the CVT was a drawback, with its droning nature and unsatisfactory paddle shifters. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 34.8 mpg on a test loop.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, also paired with a CVT. While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima offered a quick and enjoyable driving experience, with the V6 engine providing a satisfying sound. The CVT was one of the better examples, delivering power smoothly. The Maxima handled corners well for a large sedan, but its steering lacked precision and feel, and it was prone to torque steer. Despite these issues, the Maxima was comfortable on highways, with a quiet cabin and a ride that absorbed most road imperfections.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan sat low to the ground, making entry and exit a bit of a workout. Once inside, the front seats offered comfort and adjustability, though the passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats provided ample space and support, but the absence of rear air vents was a downside. The Civic's center console was highly practical, offering plenty of storage options. The trunk was spacious, with 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat comfort, with generous headroom and legroom, but at the expense of rear-seat space. The cabin felt cramped due to the close proximity of the center console. The Maxima's "Zero Gravity" seats were comfortable, though more thigh bolstering would have been appreciated. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the smallest in its class, and the sedan's design limited loading convenience compared to hatchback competitors.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was somewhat outdated. The base LX trim featured a 5-inch LCD screen, Bluetooth, and a basic USB port. The Sport trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker sound system. Higher trims added features like HD Radio, SiriusXM, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim included navigation, but its voice recognition system was unsophisticated.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology also showed its age. It came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. A WiFi hotspot was newly standard, and USB-A and USB-C ports were conveniently located. The available 11-speaker Bose audio system provided good sound quality. However, the infotainment system's graphics and interface were dated, with small icons and confusing notification sounds. The Maxima did offer analog controls for climate and audio, which were appreciated.

The 2021 Honda Civic was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. This included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Civic also featured LaneWatch, a camera-based blind-spot monitoring system, though it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The Maxima did not have Nissan's ProPilot Assist, but its safety features were comprehensive.