2021 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Subaru WRX was often critiqued for its youthful design, characterized by a wedge-like front end and a short trunk lid, which gave it a speedy appearance even when stationary. Its aerodynamic bodywork and functional hood scoop added to this impression. Inside, the WRX shared a similar look with other Subaru compact cars from the past decade, focusing on functionality over aesthetics. The interior was filled with hard plastics, which contributed to its less mature reputation compared to competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si. The WRX offered trims such as Base, Premium, and Limited, each adding more features like larger wheels, heated seats, and advanced infotainment systems.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima set a bold tone with its steeply-angled front end and massive grille, resembling an Art Deco locomotive. The 40th Anniversary Edition featured a two-tone exterior, blacked-out trim, and red leather upholstery, giving it a distinctive look. The interior was dressed up with stylish elements like white gauge faces, adding a touch of elegance. Despite its bold exterior, the Maxima's interior was designed with the driver in mind, offering a comfortable and supportive driving experience with its "Zero Gravity" front seats.

The 2021 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT. The WRX's manual transmission was criticized for its vague clutch feel, while the CVT, though not ideal for enthusiasts, kept the engine in the powerband effectively. The WRX featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing its cornering precision. However, its stiff ride was less comfortable compared to rivals like the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima offered a satisfying driving experience with its responsive V6 engine. The CVT was one of the better examples, providing smooth power delivery. However, the Maxima's steering lacked precision, and it was prone to torque steer under heavy throttle. Despite these limitations, the Maxima excelled in highway cruising, offering a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While it provided a comfortable driving position and decent rear-seat space, its interior packaging felt outdated, lacking modern conveniences like accommodating door bottle-holders. The WRX's sedan layout allowed it to comfortably seat four adults, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat space, offering generous headroom and legroom for the driver and front passenger. However, rear-seat passengers experienced cramped conditions, with limited headroom and legroom. The Maxima's interior design focused on the driver, providing excellent visibility and easy access to controls. Despite its spacious front seats, the Maxima's cargo space was limited to 14.3 cubic feet, falling short compared to hatchback competitors like the Kia Stinger and Volkswagen Arteon.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a user-friendly interface despite dated graphics. The Limited trim offered an optional package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. A built-in WiFi hotspot and USB-A and USB-C ports were standard. However, the infotainment system's graphics and notification sounds felt outdated, making it less enjoyable to use. Nissan provided analog controls for climate and audio, offering an alternative to the touchscreen interface.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with advanced safety features. The EyeSight system, including adaptive cruise control and emergency automatic braking, was available on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Other safety options included adaptive high beams and blind-spot monitoring, but only on the Limited trim. All WRX trims featured a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received top safety ratings, earning an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system enhanced safety. However, the Maxima did not include Nissan's ProPilot Assist system.