2021 Nissan Maxima vs 2020 Nissan Sentra

The 2020 Nissan Sentra transformed its image from a plain, cost-conscious vehicle to a more stylish and appealing compact sedan. It adopted a design reminiscent of a scaled-down Altima, which gave it a more substantial presence. The Sentra's exterior featured elegant creases and a V-shaped grille that enhanced its mature and recognizable look. The interior was upgraded with quality materials, such as a leatherette dash and quilted tan leather seats in the SV Premium Package, elevating its class to near-luxury levels. Despite some hard plastic elements, the Sentra's fit and finish were commendable, rivaling the Mazda3's interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima stood out with its bold design, characterized by a steeply-angled front end and massive grille, giving it an Art Deco locomotive appearance. The 40th Anniversary Edition added a two-tone exterior, black trim, and red leather upholstery, enhancing its visual appeal. The Maxima's interior was designed with the driver in mind, offering a spacious front cabin with Nissan's "Zero Gravity" seats for optimal comfort. However, rear-seat space was compromised, and some controls were awkwardly positioned. Despite these drawbacks, the Maxima maintained a sporty and driver-focused cabin.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While it lacked turbocharged engines and manual transmissions, the Sentra offered a smooth and responsive driving experience. Its independent suspension improved handling, providing a flat cornering experience and agreeable ride quality. The Sentra's fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined, making it an economical choice for daily driving.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, also paired with a CVT. 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 dynamics. However, the Maxima's steering lacked precision, and the front-wheel-drive setup led to some torque steer. Despite these limitations, the Maxima excelled in highway cruising, offering a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra provided a surprisingly spacious backseat, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The front seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity cushioning, reducing fatigue on long drives. The Sentra's low windowsills improved side visibility, though the rear window's design limited the rear view. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of space, which was generous for a compact sedan, and the seatbacks folded for additional cargo capacity.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat comfort, offering generous headroom and legroom. However, rear-seat space was limited, making it less accommodating for passengers. The cabin design focused on the driver, with excellent side visibility and a low window line. The Maxima's "Zero Gravity" front seats provided comfort and support, though more thigh bolstering would have been appreciated. The trunk space was 14.3 cubic feet, the smallest in its class, but still functional for everyday use.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra lacked some advanced features like ProPilot and navigation, but it offered standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi on the mid-level SV trim. The SV also included dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, and a proximity-entry key. While the Sentra's technology was basic, it was sufficient for its price point.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age, with an 8-inch touchscreen and standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. A WiFi hotspot and USB ports were included, but the infotainment system's graphics and sounds felt outdated. Despite this, the Maxima provided analog controls for ease of use, and an available 11-speaker Bose audio system enhanced the audio experience.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top ratings. It included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as rear side airbags, forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received top safety ratings, earning an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system.