2020 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2020 Subaru WRX, a performance variant that evolved from the Subaru Impreza, maintained its aggressive styling with a wider stance, lower front splitter, and a functional air intake. Despite its sporty exterior, the WRX's cabin was considered somewhat plain for a new car in 2021. The model offered three trims: Base, Premium, and Limited, each adding more features like larger wheels, heated seats, and leather upholstery as you moved up the line. The WRX STI variant took the performance and styling further with a more powerful engine and additional aerodynamic components.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima, as Nissan's flagship sedan, showcased bold styling with a steeply-angled front end and a massive grille, giving it a distinctive presence. The 40th Anniversary Edition added unique touches like a two-tone exterior and red leather upholstery, enhancing its interior appeal. While the Maxima's design was striking, it was also noted for its practicality, offering a comfortable and stylish cabin with features like heated rear seats and a focus on driver-centric design.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT, both paired with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive. The manual transmission provided a more engaging driving experience, with precise feedback and smooth clutch operation. The WRX excelled in handling, with minimal turbo lag and precise steering, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The WRX STI variant upped the ante with a 2.5-liter engine producing 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for even sharper cornering.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. While it wasn't a "four-door sports car," the Maxima offered a satisfying driving experience with its responsive V6 engine and agile handling. However, its steering lacked precision, and the front-wheel-drive setup led to some torque steer. Despite these limitations, the Maxima provided a comfortable ride with a quiet cabin, making it well-suited for highway cruising.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility thanks to its simple sedan layout and function-first design. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. Front-row seating provided plenty of space, while rear-seat space was adequate for adults on shorter trips. However, its 12 cubic feet of cargo space was limited compared to other compact sedans, though comparable to sports cars.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat comfort with generous headroom and legroom, but rear-seat passengers experienced cramped conditions. The cabin was designed around the driver, offering an expansive view of the road and excellent side visibility. The Maxima's "Zero Gravity" front seats provided comfort and support, though more thigh bolstering was desired. With 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the Maxima had the least storage in its class, but its sedan trunk design was practical for everyday use.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came with a standard 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, upgradeable to a 7-inch version, both featuring the user-friendly Starlink system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The tech was straightforward and didn't overwhelm, with additional digital displays providing key driver information.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age, with an 8-inch touchscreen that, while functional, had dated graphics and small icons. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot, with an available 11-speaker Bose audio system. Despite analog controls for ease of use, the system's notification sounds were jarring, detracting from the overall experience.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite added advanced driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received the highest safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with standard features under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 banner, including automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system enhanced safety, though the ProPilot Assist system was not available.