2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2020 Nissan Maxima

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a master of understatement, presenting itself as an unassuming 5-door hatchback. Its stealthy appearance belied the performance potential hidden beneath its modest exterior. With a 2-box design, honeycomb grille, red accents, and twin exhaust outlets, the GTI exuded a subtle yet confident attitude. Available in S, Rabbit Edition, SE, and Autobahn trims, the GTI offered a range of options to suit different tastes. The Rabbit Edition, with its gloss black finish and unique colors, paid homage to GTI heritage, though some found its appearance a bit over the top. Inside, the GTI's straightforward dashboard design and quality materials created a sense of refinement, while the Clark Plaid cloth upholstery added a touch of whimsy.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Maxima shared a design language with other Nissan sedans, featuring the signature V-Motion grille and jewel-like LED headlights. Its floating-roof design and quad-tip exhaust finishers added a sporty touch, especially in the SR trim with its rear spoiler. The Maxima was available in S, SV, SL, SR, and Platinum trims, with the Platinum offering premium features. The interior of the Maxima was well-appointed, with good fit and finish, especially in the Platinum trim. The thick center console created a segmented front row experience, but the cabin was spacious and comfortable. The Maxima's design was not the most modern, but it provided a comfortable and stylish environment for its occupants.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a thrill to drive, thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which produced 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The VAQ limited-slip differential, standard on all GTI models, enhanced traction and handling, making the GTI a joy to drive on twisty roads. The GTI's acceleration was brisk, with the ability to reach 60 mph without shifting into third gear. The ride was firm, with a lowered sport suspension, and the steering was precise, offering a perfect balance of responsiveness and effort. The GTI's brakes, borrowed from the Golf R, provided strong stopping power. Fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg combined, though real-world results varied depending on driving style.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a CVT, the Maxima offered smooth and comfortable cruising, though it fell short of its "four-door sports car" marketing. The Maxima's Sport mode enhanced throttle response and steering feel, but it was more at home as a comfortable cruiser. The Maxima's ride quality was excellent, absorbing road imperfections with ease, and active noise cancellation kept the cabin quiet. Fuel economy was competitive, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The Maxima's performance was solid, but it lacked the sporty edge of the GTI.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI was a versatile vehicle, offering practicality and performance in a compact package. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, with plaid cloth or leather upholstery. The dashboard was well-organized, with clear gauges and controls. Storage was ample, with a large glove box, door-panel bins, and a smartphone tray. The backseat offered decent comfort, though legroom was tight. The GTI's trunk had a capacity of 22.8 cubic feet, though real-world usability was less. Folding the rear seats expanded cargo space to 52.7 cubic feet, accommodating larger items.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima prioritized spaciousness and comfort, with a roomy cabin and large front seats. The thick center console limited storage space, but the Maxima offered a comfortable environment for passengers. The Maxima's rear seat legroom was less than some competitors, but headroom was generous. The trunk provided 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, less than rivals like the Sonata and Accord. Despite these limitations, the Maxima handled everyday cargo and seating needs well, though it was not ideal for larger loads or frequent long-distance travel.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI's infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An upgraded system with an 8-inch display and Fender premium audio was available on higher trims. The GTI's technology was basic but functional, with some connectivity issues reported. Adaptive LED lighting and a semi-autonomous parking assistant were available on higher trims.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima featured an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 7-inch driver information display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with NissanConnect Services available on the Platinum trim. The Maxima offered a Bose Premium Audio system and useful features like the Around View Monitor and power rear sunshade. USB ports were available in both the front and rear, making charging devices convenient.

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The GTI SE added Car-Net Safety & Security services, while the Autobahn trim included adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The GTI received a 5-star NHTSA rating and high marks from the IIHS, though some areas received lower ratings.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and lane intervention were available on higher trims. The Maxima performed well in IIHS and NHTSA safety tests, earning top ratings for front crash prevention.