2021 Toyota Camry vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Toyota Camry worked hard to distance itself from past Camry models, shedding the generic car image. Designers aimed to infuse excitement by adding multiple styling details. Some elements, like flared wheel arches and slim headlights and taillights, effectively provided a visually wider appearance. However, the SE, XSE, and TRD trim levels included fake vents that added visual clutter. The LE and XLE models received a somewhat cleaner grille but still massive. Built on the TNGA-K platform shared with models like the Avalon sedan and RAV4 SUV, Toyota made subtle changes to the front-fascia styling for 2021 without dramatic effects. The TRD performance model featured unique styling elements, such as a larger rear spoiler, and the Nightshade Edition carried over, featuring black exterior trim and wheels. 17-inch alloy wheels were standard on the base LE trim, with 18-inch and 19-inch options on other models. Inside, the dashboard of the SE Nightshade Edition looked mixed and cluttered, combining various trim elements without a clear design theme. The materials felt low-rent, even though XLE and XSE models featured leather upholstery.

Styling for the 2021 Nissan Maxima set a standard for other Nissan models, introducing elements like a “floating” roofline and “V-Motion” grille. The Maxima's bold appearance, with a steeply-angled front end and massive grille, resembled an Art Deco locomotive. The blacked-out trim on our test car added a sinister look. The 40th Anniversary Edition sported a two-tone exterior, Ruby Slate Gray Pearl paint, a black roof, 19-inch gloss-black wheels, black trim, red semi-aniline leather upholstery, and white gauge faces. These elements dressed up the Maxima’s interior with an 80s vibe.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came equipped with various powertrain options. The base engine was a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder producing 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque with FWD, and 202 hp and 182 lb-ft with AWD. The XSE models featured a dual-exhaust system boosting output slightly to 206 hp and 186 lb-ft with FWD and 205 hp and 185 lb-ft with AWD. Both setups used an eight-speed automatic transmission. Toyota offered a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with electric assist for a total of 208 hp. Our SE Nightshade Edition tester featured the base four-cylinder with AWD, which proved to be spirited and eager-to-rev. The chassis struck a solid balance between ride quality and handling, making it fun to drive while remaining comfortable. Although it wasn't as sharp as a Honda Accord or Mazda 6, the Camry still performed above average for the segment. The return of AWD was also noteworthy, enhancing traction without impacting space.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, powered solely by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque, came with a CVT and FWD. Although not quite a “four-door sports car,” the Maxima provided a satisfying driving experience. It felt quick, the V6 sounded great, and the CVT performed impressively, metering out power easily. While agile for a large sedan, the Maxima's steering lacked precision and feel, leading to confidence-sapping torque steer under heavy throttle. While not the sportiest among full-size sedans, it still looked good compared to competitors like the Toyota Avalon TRD and Volkswagen Arteon. During relaxed highway cruising, the ride was quiet and comfortable, despite the stiff suspension aimed at improving handling.

In the 2021 Toyota Camry, rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous headroom and legroom, although this sacrificed front-seat space, which was below average. Fortunately, the front seats offered enough adjustability and comfort. At 15.1 cubic feet, cargo space was average for a midsize sedan, lagging behind the 16.7 cubic feet of the Honda Accord. In-cabin storage was minimal, with small cupholders and door bottleneck holders.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front passenger and driver space at the expense of rear passengers. Front headroom and legroom were the best among its competitors, while rear headroom was near the bottom and rear legroom the worst in its class. Despite supposedly aiding weight distribution, the inboard seat positioning felt cramped due to the close center console. The Maxima provided excellent outward visibility but only 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the least in its set, even though it’s a sedan with a conventional trunk. The Kia Stinger and Volkswagen Arteon, being hatchbacks, offered larger openings for loading and unloading cargo.

The 2021 Toyota Camry featured a standard infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free voice control, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims got a 9-inch touchscreen, WiFi, navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. A 10-inch HUD was available on XSE and XLE trims. The system included various input ports but lacked additional plug points on higher trims. Although functional, the menus were plain, making it less of a standout feature.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's standard infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and a newly standard WiFi hotspot. It also featured USB-A and USB-C ports. An 11-speaker Bose audio system was available. Despite these features, the Maxima’s system was unpleasant to use with dated graphics and small icons. Notifications sounded more like emergency alerts. Analog controls were abundant, reducing reliance on the touchscreen but didn't eliminate the jarring notification sounds.

The 2021 Toyota Camry secured a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. The 2021 model included Toyota’s TSS 2.5+ package with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. Enhanced features provided new capabilities, like aiding lane changes and detecting cyclists. New to 2021, a Rear Seat Reminder helped prevent leaving children or pets in the back seats. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on XLE and XSE trims, optional on LE and SE grades.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima also earned an IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” rating and a five-star NHTSA rating. 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 were adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver-alertness monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. Unlike other Nissan models, the Maxima didn’t include the ProPilot Assist system.