2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, set a bold design precedent for other Nissan models. It featured a distinctive "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille, elements that were later adopted by smaller models like the Altima, Sentra, and Versa. The Maxima's design was notably aggressive, with a steeply-angled front end and a massive grille, reminiscent of an Art Deco locomotive. The 40th Anniversary Edition further enhanced its aesthetic with a two-tone exterior, gloss-black alloy wheels, and red leather upholstery, giving it a unique and stylish interior vibe. Despite its boldness, the Maxima's design was toned down in subsequent models, aligning with the equally striking yet more street-present Toyota Avalon.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, entering its eighth generation, showcased an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. It offered a range of vibrant paint colors and optional two-tone schemes, enhancing its visual appeal. The Sentra's design included expressive headlights and a muscular stance, contributing to its agile and fun appearance. Inside, the Sentra featured a layered dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, textured plastics, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, adding a sporty touch. The second row provided ample space for two passengers, and the trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, with split-folding rear seats for added versatility.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima offered a quick and enjoyable driving experience, with a responsive CVT and a naturally-aspirated V6 engine. However, its steering lacked precision, and the front end struggled with grip, leading to torque steer under heavy throttle. Despite these limitations, the Maxima excelled in highway cruising, offering a quiet and comfortable ride, thanks to active noise cancellation and a well-tuned suspension.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a front-wheel-drive system and an Xtronic CVT, providing adequate performance for daily commuting. The Sentra's lightweight design and well-sorted CVT contributed to its fuel efficiency, achieving 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models. The Sentra's suspension and steering offered tidy road manners and enjoyable cornering, making it a practical choice for those prioritizing fuel economy and everyday usability.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized driver and front passenger comfort, offering generous headroom and legroom. However, rear-seat passengers experienced limited space, with rear headroom and legroom among the lowest in its class. The interior design focused on the driver, with a low window line and large mirrors providing excellent visibility. The Maxima's "Zero Gravity" front seats, inspired by NASA research, offered comfort and support, though more thigh bolstering would have been appreciated. The Maxima's trunk provided 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the least among its competitors, due to its sedan design.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was well-organized, with features like an infotainment touchscreen, traditional gear selector, and ample storage options. It included USB ports and a 12-volt outlet, with thoughtful placement to minimize clutter. The Sentra's "Zero Gravity" front seats delivered comfort on long journeys, and the available Premium Package added power-adjustable seats, heated front seats, and a moonroof. The Sentra's interior design and features made it a practical choice for long-distance travel, with a focus on comfort and convenience.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology offerings included an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and a WiFi hotspot. While these features were standard, the infotainment system's functionality was lacking, with dated graphics and small icons making navigation challenging. The Maxima's system included analog controls for climate and audio, but the notification sounds were jarring and unavoidable. Despite these drawbacks, the Maxima offered a comprehensive set of features, including an available 11-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's technology package started with a basic audio system, upgraded to include SiriusXM and an optional Bose system in higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth and a hands-free text-messaging assistant. The Sentra's SV and SR models featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with navigation available through NissanConnect services. The system also included a WiFi hotspot and smartphone app integration for remote vehicle access. The Sentra's technology offerings were comprehensive, though some features were limited to higher trims.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received top safety ratings, including an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. However, the Maxima lacked the ProPilot Assist system available in other Nissan models.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra also received high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS. It included a comprehensive set of standard safety features, such as airbags, crumple zones, and a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert. The Sentra's driver assistance features included intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. Higher trims offered intelligent cruise control and a 360-degree camera system.