2021 Nissan Maxima vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out in the compact sedan category with its bold and distinctive design, characterized by sharp creases and dramatic angles. This styling was a result of Hyundai's Sensuous Sportiness design language, which included unique features like the Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors, intended to break conventional design rules and give the Elantra a unique character. The Elantra was available in SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims, with a hybrid powertrain option for the SEL and Limited. The interior of the Elantra was driver-focused, with a modern and upscale look, especially in the Limited or Hybrid Limited trims, which featured light gray seats and contrasting black cabin elements.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, set a bold tone with its styling elements like the “floating” roofline and “V-Motion” grille, which were later adopted by other Nissan models. The Maxima distinguished itself with a steeply-angled front end and massive grille, giving it a striking presence on the road. The 40th Anniversary Edition added a two-tone exterior and unique interior features like red semi-aniline leather upholstery and white gauge faces. The Maxima's interior was designed with a focus on the driver, offering a comfortable and stylish experience, although rear-seat passengers might have found it cramped.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, including a standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and a high-performance Elantra N with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 276 horsepower. The Elantra N was particularly notable for its dynamic driving experience, featuring an electronically controlled suspension and a variable-valve exhaust system. The Elantra Hybrid combined a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering 139 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, although real-world mileage varied depending on driving conditions.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While the Maxima was not a "four-door sports car," it offered a quick and enjoyable driving experience, with the V6 engine providing a satisfying sound. However, the Maxima's handling was limited by its front-wheel-drive setup, with some torque steer and a lack of steering precision. Despite these limitations, the Maxima was comfortable for highway cruising, with a quiet cabin and a suspension that balanced handling and ride comfort.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was classified as a midsize car by the EPA, offering a spacious interior with a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The Elantra boasted best-in-class rear-seat legroom, although the backrest shape and angle could be improved for better support. The trunk provided 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the Elantra lacked some features like rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports for rear-seat passengers.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat space, 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 rear passengers. The Maxima's interior was designed around the driver, with a focus on comfort and visibility. The "Zero Gravity" front seats provided excellent support, although more thigh bolstering would have been appreciated. The Maxima's trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the least among its competitors, but still functional for everyday use.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured a range of technology options, with SE, SEL, and N Line trims offering an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited trim upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrumentation screen, providing a high-tech experience. The Elantra also offered a Bose premium sound system and Hyundai Digital Key for added convenience.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology offerings included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a built-in WiFi hotspot. While the Maxima's infotainment system covered the basics, it felt dated, with small icons and jarring notification sounds. However, the Maxima provided plenty of analog controls for ease of use, and an 11-speaker Bose audio system was available for enhanced sound quality.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with advanced safety features under the SmartSense banner, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Additional safety upgrades included cyclist detection and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Elantra's Highway Drive Assist offered a high level of smoothness and accuracy for a compact car.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with standard 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. However, the Maxima did not include Nissan's ProPilot Assist system, which offers automated lane centering.