2021 Subaru Impreza vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Subaru Impreza presented a more conservative design compared to its predecessors, which had taken bolder styling risks. Despite this shift, the Impreza maintained a handsome appearance with sleek headlights and taillights that enhanced its width, and a nicely-tapered front end. The body sides featured subtle scalloping, and the previously awkward wheel arch sheetmetal was toned down. The Impreza Sport models stood out with specific styling touches, including 18-inch alloy wheels, while the base models came with 16-inch steel wheels. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, shared with models like the Legacy, Outback, Forester, and Ascent, the Impreza benefited from a well-engineered foundation that contributed to its overall refinement. Inside, the Impreza's design was typical of compact cars, with a dashboard split by the infotainment touchscreen and a predominance of plastic materials. The Sport trim added contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedals, while the Limited trim offered leather upholstery and LED headlights.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, set a bold styling precedent for other Nissan models with its "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille. The Maxima distinguished itself with a steeply-angled front end and a massive grille, resembling an Art Deco locomotive. The 40th Anniversary Edition featured a two-tone exterior with Ruby Slate Gray Pearl paint, a black roof, and model-specific 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels. Inside, the Maxima's interior was dressed up with dark-red leather seats and white gauge faces, offering a stylish and functional design. The Maxima's bold design choices were not surprising, given its role as a flagship model, and while it shared some styling elements with other Nissan sedans, it maintained a unique and striking presence on the road.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. This engine configuration allowed for a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability. Most Impreza models featured a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), with a five-speed manual available on select trims. The Impreza Sport offered model-specific suspension tuning and torque vectoring for improved handling. While the Impreza provided a solid and refined ride, it lacked the engagement of competitors like the Honda Civic or Mazda 3. The Sport trim's suspension struck a balance between ride quality and handling, but the steering and engine power limited its appeal as a true driver's car.

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 quick and enjoyable driving experience, with the V6 engine providing a satisfying sound. The CVT was responsive, enhancing the driving experience. In corners, the Maxima showed agility but was hampered by steering issues and torque steer. Despite these limitations, the Maxima remained competitive, with a focus on sportiness from the start. On highways, the Maxima excelled with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, even with its stiff suspension and 19-inch wheels.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza offered reasonable legroom in both sedan and hatchback forms, though headroom was slightly below average. The sedan's trunk space was limited at 12.3 cubic feet, but the hatchback provided 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Impreza included a standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat and roof rails on higher trims. Features like the All-Weather Package, keyless entry, and power driver’s seat added convenience and comfort across various trims.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat space, offering the highest front headroom and legroom in its class, but rear-seat passengers experienced cramped conditions. The seats were positioned inboard, affecting the sense of spaciousness, and some controls were awkwardly placed. The Maxima's "Zero Gravity" front seats provided comfort with power adjustments and bolstering. 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 Subaru Impreza featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on base and Premium trims, while higher trims received an 8-inch screen. An option package for the Limited trim added navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. A secondary display provided additional information, though it seemed redundant. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large icons and straightforward menus, though it lacked advanced features for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as standard. A WiFi hotspot and USB ports were included, along with an optional 11-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was challenging to use, with dated graphics and small icons. However, Nissan provided analog controls for convenience, though the notification sounds were jarring and unavoidable.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza received an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" award, with "Good" scores in crash tests but only "Marginal" standard headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Subaru's EyeSight safety suite was standard on CVT models, offering features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Additional options included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima earned an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with "Good" crash test scores and "Superior" front crash prevention. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. 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, though the Maxima lacked the ProPilot Assist system found in other Nissan models.