2020 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra retained its bold geometric styling from the previous year, which was a departure from its earlier Genesis Jr. design cues. This restyle was intended to pave the way for the more angular 2021 model. Available in five trims—Essential, Preferred, Luxury, Ultimate, and Sport—the Elantra's pricing ranged from $17,099 to $27,549, excluding a $1,825 destination charge. The Ultimate trim, tested here, showcased a striking black paint job that highlighted its angular design elements, complemented by chrome detailing. Inside, the Elantra received an upscale update with silver trim accents, though some hard plastics remained, reminding buyers of its compact car status.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as Nissan's flagship sedan, set a bold styling precedent with its “floating” roofline and “V-Motion” grille, influencing other models like the Altima and Sentra. The Maxima distinguished itself with a steeply-angled front end and massive grille, reminiscent of an Art Deco locomotive. The 40th Anniversary Edition, though not available in Canada, featured elements like 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels and black exterior trim. The Maxima's design was intended to be sporty, though its appearance was polarizing, much like the Toyota Avalon.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra featured a base 147-horsepower, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), replacing the previous six-speed automatic. The CVT, branded as an “Intelligent Variable Transmission,” offered simulated gear shifts for a traditional feel. Despite Hyundai's claims of improved fuel efficiency, real-world testing showed an average of 8.0 L/100 km, falling short of the expected 6.8 L/100 km. The Elantra Sport trim offered a more engaging drive with a 1.6-litre turbo engine producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, along with an independent rear suspension for better handling.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima came with a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. While not a “four-door sports car,” the Maxima was quick and the V6 engine sounded impressive. The CVT was responsive, enhancing the driving experience. However, the Maxima's steering lacked precision, and torque steer was noticeable under heavy throttle. Despite these issues, the Maxima was agile for a large sedan and offered a comfortable ride on highways, thanks to its stiff suspension and active noise cancellation.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra provided ample space for four adults, with a fifth fitting for short trips. The test car featured power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding centre console armrest. Upper trims included dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, though rear passengers lacked air conditioning vents. The trunk offered 407 litres of space, nearly matching some midsize sedans.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat space, offering the most headroom and legroom in its class, but at the expense of rear-seat comfort. The cabin felt cramped due to the close proximity of the centre console. The Maxima featured Nissan’s “Zero Gravity” front seats, designed for optimal support, with power adjustments for both driver and passenger. However, the Maxima had the least cargo space in its class at 405 litres, compared to hatchback competitors like the Kia Stinger and Volkswagen Arteon.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a USB port. Higher trims offered a larger display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Infinity sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and knobs for easy navigation.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age, despite standard features like an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. A WiFi hotspot and an 11-speaker Bose audio system were also included. However, the system's graphics and notification sounds felt outdated, and the touchscreen was difficult to use while driving. Nissan provided analog controls, but the overall experience was less intuitive.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered advanced driving assistance systems on the Preferred trim, including forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate grade added features like adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection. With full LED headlights, the Elantra earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though there was a concern about rear-door intrusion in side-impact tests.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. The Maxima also offered adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system on higher trims. However, it lacked the ProPilot Assist system available in other Nissan models.