2021 Nissan Maxima vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite its alien-like exterior design, offered a more appealing look when equipped with the SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint colour. The redesigned model improved the interior quality significantly, replacing the previous version's cheap plastics with soft-touch surfaces. However, the transmission shifter reminded drivers of the Corolla's economy car status, lacking the solid feel found in competitors like Hyundai or Kia. The Corolla's pricing started at a base MSRP of $18,990, with various trims available, including the sportier SE or XSE for those seeking more power and style.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima set a bold tone with its Art Deco locomotive-inspired design, featuring a steeply-angled front end and massive grille. The Maxima distinguished itself from other Nissan sedans with its unique styling elements, such as the "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille. The 40th Anniversary Edition trim, although not available in Canada, showcased features like 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels and black exterior trim. The Maxima's design emphasized a sporty appearance, making it stand out among its competitors.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a choice between a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE trims, and a more powerful 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower for the SE and XSE trims. The latter provided a sportier driving experience with a sophisticated CVT and paddle shifters, along with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The Corolla XSE's independent rear suspension contributed to a smooth and stable ride, although the car lacked adequate sound insulation. Despite its sporty handling, the Corolla XSE struggled with acceleration, particularly when passing slower vehicles or climbing mountains. Fuel efficiency was rated at 7.7 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 on the highway, with an average of 7.9 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, delivered a quick and enjoyable driving experience. The CVT performed well, meting out power efficiently and responding quickly. While the Maxima was agile for a large sedan, its steering lacked precision and feel, and the front end suffered from grip issues and torque steer. Despite these limitations, the Maxima excelled in highway cruising, offering a quiet and comfortable ride. The Maxima's suspension was stiff enough to improve handling without compromising comfort, even with 19-inch wheels.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, though smaller than a Camry, provided adequate space for a family of four during summer trips. However, rear-seat passengers faced discomfort due to the lack of rear air-conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The low seating position and absence of a front seat height adjuster were drawbacks for some drivers. The Corolla's interior lacked storage bins and cubbies, but the trunk offered 371 litres of space, accommodating several suitcases and bags.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat comfort with generous headroom and legroom, but rear-seat passengers experienced cramped conditions. The centre console's proximity to the driver created a confined feeling, although it facilitated easy access to controls. The Maxima's "Zero Gravity" front seats, designed for optimal support, provided comfort with power adjustments and extra bolstering. However, the Maxima's cargo space was limited to 405 litres, the smallest in its class, due to its conventional trunk design.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay compatibility but lacking Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. Higher trims included an 8-inch display and additional features like advanced voice recognition and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Corolla's infotainment system provided essential connectivity, especially for iPhone users, with a 3-year free trial of Safety Connect services.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's infotainment system, while covering basic features like an 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, fell short in functionality. The graphics appeared dated, and small icons made navigation challenging. Despite these drawbacks, the Maxima included a WiFi hotspot, USB-A and USB-C ports, and an 11-speaker Bose audio system. The system's analog controls offered convenience, but the notification sounds were jarring and unavoidable.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring advanced driver-assistance systems like low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The Corolla received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The blind-spot monitoring system was standard on all but the base trims, although it lacked rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Maxima also offered adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system on higher trims. However, it did not include the ProPilot Assist system available in other Nissan models.