2021 Nissan Maxima vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the 2020 facelift, which was the first major update in nearly a decade. This facelift gave the Passat a strong familial resemblance to the smaller Volkswagen Jetta, resulting in a more understated look compared to its rivals like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry. The Passat's aerodynamic design, with a drag coefficient of 0.28, aimed to enhance fuel efficiency, although the impact was minimal. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches depending on the trim. The R-Line trim added sportier exterior elements but lacked vibrant color options.

Inside, the Passat's design was clean and functional, with a focus on analog controls for ease of use. The dashboard's low profile improved forward visibility, and the low beltline enhanced side visibility. However, the interior might have seemed plain to some, with limited brightwork and basic materials like plastic and cloth upholstery. Despite this, the fit and finish were excellent, aligning with the Passat's positioning as a value option.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as Nissan's flagship sedan, set the tone for the brand's design language with its bold styling elements like the "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille. The Maxima's steeply-angled front end and massive grille gave it a distinctive, almost locomotive-like appearance. The 40th Anniversary Edition featured a two-tone exterior, 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, and red semi-aniline leather upholstery, adding a touch of luxury and nostalgia to the interior.

The Maxima's interior was driver-focused, with dark-red leather seats and white gauge faces that combined style and functionality. The cabin design emphasized the driver’s experience, offering excellent visibility and a comfortable driving position. However, rear-seat passengers might have felt cramped due to limited headroom and legroom.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. While the torque output was impressive, the horsepower was below average compared to rivals. The Passat's power delivery felt uneven, particularly during highway overtakes, but switching to Sport mode or manually selecting gears improved responsiveness. The driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The V6 engine provided quick acceleration and a pleasing sound, while the CVT performed better than expected, offering responsive power delivery. The Maxima handled corners well but suffered from steering issues, including a lack of feel and precision, and torque steer under heavy throttle. Despite these drawbacks, the Maxima felt solid during highway cruising, with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered 39.1 inches of rear legroom, slightly less than the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. However, front legroom and headroom were below average, resulting in an uncomfortable driving position for some. The front seats lacked thigh support, and the rear seats felt flat and hard. The Passat provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than some rivals but less than the Accord and Hyundai Sonata. The layout of controls was a strong point, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat comfort, offering the most headroom and legroom in its class. However, rear-seat passengers had limited space, with the least rear legroom among full-size sedans. The cabin design focused on the driver, with excellent visibility and well-placed controls, although some controls were awkwardly positioned. The Maxima's "Zero Gravity" front seats provided excellent support, but more thigh bolstering would have been appreciated. Cargo space was limited to 14.3 cubic feet, the smallest in its class.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The R-Line trim added HD Radio, built-in navigation, and an eight-speaker Fender audio system. A single USB-A port was standard, with two additional rear USB-A ports on SE models. The touchscreen was small but functional, with analog controls for climate and audio. However, the Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit and MIB3 infotainment system found in other VW models.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima came with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. USB-A and USB-C ports were provided, along with an 11-speaker Bose audio system. While the infotainment system covered basic features, it was unpleasant to use, with dated graphics and small icons. However, Nissan included plenty of analog controls, making it easier to operate without relying on the touchscreen.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all IIHS crash tests, but its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2021 model. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System were also standard.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima earned an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver-alertness monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Maxima did not have the ProPilot Assist system available in other Nissan models.