Toyota Prius vs Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Toyota Prius retained its iconic boomerang-shaped hood and roofline, a design choice that had become synonymous with its identity since its second-generation debut in 2004. Despite advancements in aerodynamic vehicle design, the Prius continued to embrace its unique styling, which was not universally praised. The interior of the Prius was equally unconventional, featuring a central strip of displays near the windshield and a dashboard-mounted toggle lever for transmission controls. The dashboard's dramatic wrap into the door panels and the narrow center console added to the car's quirky aesthetic. The Prius was available in several trims, including L Eco, LE, XLE, 2020 Edition, and Limited, with an optional AWD-e system for the LE and XLE trims. Prices ranged from $24,525 to $32,650, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima set a bold tone with its styling, featuring a steeply-angled front end and a massive grille reminiscent of an Art Deco locomotive. The Maxima's design elements, such as the "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille, influenced other Nissan models. The 40th Anniversary Edition of the Maxima boasted a two-tone exterior, model-specific wheels, and a stylish interior with red leather upholstery and white gauge faces. The Maxima's interior was designed with the driver in mind, offering a comfortable and visually appealing experience. While the Maxima's design was bold, it was toned down in subsequent models, yet it maintained a distinct presence on the road.

The 2021 Toyota Prius was all about fuel efficiency, with the L Eco version achieving an impressive 56 mpg in combined driving, according to the EPA. Other front-wheel-drive models managed 52 mpg, while the AWD-e versions achieved 49 mpg. The Prius 2020 Edition, however, averaged 47.5 mpg during testing. The Prius combined a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total of 121 horsepower. While not powerful, the Prius offered a lively feel due to its electric motor's torque. The car featured Eco, Normal, and Power driving modes, with regenerative braking to enhance efficiency. The Prius handled well on curvy roads, thanks to its Toyota New Global Architecture platform, but its steering lacked road feel, and acceleration was accompanied by powertrain noise.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, offered a different driving experience. The Maxima's CVT was responsive, and the V6 engine provided a satisfying sound. While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima was agile for a large sedan, though its steering lacked precision and feel. The Maxima's front-wheel-drive setup led to some torque steer, but it remained enjoyable to drive. Compared to competitors, the Maxima's sporty design was more coherent, and it excelled in highway cruising with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, despite its stiff suspension.

The 2021 Toyota Prius offered more interior space than expected, accommodating up to five passengers. The seats were comfortable, though the SofTex synthetic leather could be sticky. The test vehicle featured an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers had adequate space, but the lack of air-conditioning vents was a drawback. Cargo space varied by trim, with a maximum of 50.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat comfort, offering generous headroom and legroom for the driver and front passenger. However, rear-seat passengers experienced limited space, with the worst rear legroom among full-size sedans. The Maxima's cabin was designed around the driver, providing excellent visibility and comfort with Nissan's "Zero Gravity" front seats. Cargo space was limited to 14.3 cubic feet, less than competitors like the Kia Stinger and Volkswagen Arteon, which offered hatchback designs for easier loading.

The 2021 Toyota Prius featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Limited trim offered a 10-speaker JBL sound system and an 11.6-inch touchscreen, though it lacked Android Auto. The infotainment system's sound quality was poor, and road noise often overwhelmed it. The digital instrumentation was dated, with unimpressive graphics.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. A WiFi hotspot and USB ports were standard, but the infotainment system was difficult to use due to dated graphics and small icons. The Maxima included analog controls for convenience, but the notification sounds were jarring. An 11-speaker Bose audio system was available, but the overall tech experience was lacking.

The 2021 Toyota Prius came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Safety Connect services were standard for three years. The Prius received favorable marks from the IIHS but lacked an NHTSA crashworthiness rating.

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, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The Maxima did not include ProPilot Assist, but its safety features were comprehensive.