2021 Honda Civic vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the legacy of its predecessors by offering a design that was both familiar and polarizing. Over the years, Honda had introduced segment-defining models, and the 10th-generation Civic was no exception. It was available in various formats, including the sedan, hatchback, and the performance-oriented Type R. However, the 2021 model year saw the discontinuation of the two-door coupe and a temporary hiatus for the Civic Si. The Civic sedan, particularly in the Touring trim, was noted for its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, which added to its visual appeal. Despite its daring design in 2016, the interior had started to show its age, especially with the limited 7-inch infotainment screen. Nevertheless, the cabin maintained quality materials and thoughtful detailing, staying true to the Civic's trend-setting reputation.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima set a bold tone with its distinctive styling, characterized by a steeply-angled front end and a massive grille reminiscent of an Art Deco locomotive. This flagship sedan influenced the design of other Nissan models, such as the Altima and Sentra. The Maxima's 40th Anniversary Edition trim, although not available in Canada, showcased elements like 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels and black exterior trim. The Maxima's design was intended to be sporty, and it succeeded in standing out among its competitors, including the equally unconventional Toyota Avalon. While the Maxima's styling was bold, it was also practical, offering a comfortable and quiet cabin, especially during highway cruising.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between two engines. The base models, including the LX, EX, and Sport trims, were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels. However, the turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, standard on the Touring trim, delivered 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, providing a more spirited driving experience. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and steering contributed to its agile handling, although the CVT was criticized for its droning noise and lack of responsiveness. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, achieving an average of 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres, surpassing the estimated 7.1 L/100 km.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine generating 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, also paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. While it didn't quite live up to the "four-door sports car" moniker, the Maxima offered a satisfying driving experience with its quick acceleration and impressive V6 engine sound. The CVT in the Maxima was one of the better examples, providing responsive power delivery. However, the Maxima's handling was limited by its steering, which lacked precision and feel, and the front-wheel-drive setup was prone to torque steer. Despite these drawbacks, the Maxima remained a strong contender in its class, particularly when compared to competitors like the Volkswagen Arteon and Kia Stinger.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, despite its low seating position, offered a spacious interior comparable to a midsize car from a decade ago. The front seats provided comfort with eight-way power adjustment for the driver, although the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Leather upholstery was exclusive to the Touring trim. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, although the absence of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback. The Civic's centre console was highly practical, offering ample storage space, and the trunk provided 428 litres of cargo space, reduced to 416 litres in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat comfort, offering generous headroom and legroom for the driver and front passenger. However, this came at the expense of rear-seat space, with limited headroom and legroom for passengers. The Maxima's seats were positioned inboard, which affected the sense of spaciousness, and some controls were awkwardly placed. Despite these issues, the Maxima's "Zero Gravity" front seats, inspired by NASA research, provided excellent support. The Maxima's trunk offered 405 litres of cargo space, the smallest in its class, but the sedan's design focused on driver-centric features and visibility.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology offerings were somewhat dated, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Touring trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and additional features like HD Radio and SiriusXM. However, the voice recognition system was unsophisticated, and the premium sound system, while nice, wasn't a significant improvement over the standard setup.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology also showed its age, despite offering an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. A built-in WiFi hotspot and an 11-speaker Bose audio system were standard. However, the infotainment system's graphics and interface were dated, with small icons and jarring notification sounds. Nissan provided analog controls for convenience, but the overall experience was hindered by the outdated system.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. However, the Civic lacked a traditional radar-based blind-spot warning system, relying instead on LaneWatch, which had its limitations. Despite these shortcomings, the Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-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 a 360-degree camera system on higher trims, enhancing its safety credentials. However, it lacked the ProPilot Assist system available in other Nissan models, which limited its advanced safety features.