A midsize sedan does not have to be boring to look at and uninteresting to drive. This is more so for the Nissan Maxima. It has a greatly styled exterior wrapped around a spacious interior that pushes the mainstream landscape quite close to the premium realm. Drivers who want some excitement behind the wheel will get it with the Nissan Maxima. But the expectations should be lowered well below the benchmark of sports cars. Unlike other big rival sedans, the 2021 Nissan Maxima features only a 300 horsepower engine and a front-wheel drive. Most modern technological conveniences, such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a number of standard driver assists are here and work well. The Nissan Maxima is a great option for anti-SUV consumers who want space for passengers and require the comfort of a large vehicle.

 

Interior Build

 

The Nissan Maxima gives space for five in a great cabin that is replete with many high-end features, simple controls, and soft-touch materials. The front-seat legroom is nearly the best in the class, while the headroom is moderate. The rear space is not as good as it is in bigger opponents. The 2021 Nissan Maxima features a push-button start, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power-adjustable front and driver-passenger seats. One of the smallest trunks in the segment means that the Nissan Maxima has a disadvantage in cargo handling. But its bigger cubbies are great places to store everyday materials. The rear seatbacks fold down to hold bigger materials.

 

Utility

 

The Nissan Maxima tires maintain a fine balance between a car that gives better-than-moderate performance and a near-luxury vehicle. It is not completely successful in both. The interiors are beautiful with a dab of luxury. There are many touch points covered in the premium or soft materials. It also gives a measure of sophisticated performance and handling. But this is nothing that you cannot get from a rival for less money.

 

Technological Changes

 

The 2021 Nissan Maxima features technology that is easy to use. It has Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a couple of USB-C ports, and some regular USB ports. But apart from these, the infotainment feels outdated and behind the curve. The touch screen and stereo are good, especially if you enjoy bass. However, other midsize vehicles cost less and give better audio and more fully-featured systems. Most usual infotainment features can be controlled through verbal commands. But the system is a little finicky about phrasing and word choice. The driver aids are also quite restricted. The adaptive cruise control works well and can bring the vehicle to a complete stop. But the innovative ProPilot package is not offered here.

 

Driving Experience

 

The Nissan Maxima is not the four-door sports car that the manufacturer says that it is. It is not even a sports sedan in the real sense. But it is a sporty midsize sedan with good handling and robust acceleration from the powertrain. But the Nissan Maxima feels heavy at lower speeds but gets more agile and lighter as the speed increases. This sensation mainly happens because of the steering feel. In most vehicles, it is the opposite. The car is lighter at parking-lot speeds and a little heavier at higher speeds. In corners and turns, the Nissan Maxima's dynamic limits are quite low. However, the vehicle communicates well enough that drivers can be sure not to overstep them. Overall, the Nissan Maxima is easy and friendly to drive.

 

Comfort Factor

 

The Nissan Maxima has a quiet cabin. This is a joint effort that involves active noise cancellation, ample sound-deadening materials, and acoustic glass. This gives the vehicle a premium feel on the road. The drive is controlled, firm and the suspension does well at silencing road imperfections and absorbing bumps. A harder sport suspension is available for drivers willing to get sharper handling instead of ride comfort. Overall, the Nissan Maxima drives better than most midsize sedans and is a premium starter. The Nissan Maxima's seats also balance the fine line between long-distance comfort and sporty support. They will keep the passenger in place through swift corners but remain comfortable for lengthy stretches.

 

Conclusion

 

The Nissan Maxima gives a good bridge to premium sedans with a classy interior, above-average performance, and sporty handling. But despite the ample mass, the midsize sedan does not give a lot of space for either things or passengers. Many opponents also give more features and better tech for less money.