2022 Subaru WRX vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, set a bold design precedent for other Nissan models. Its distinctive styling, featuring a "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille, was later adopted by smaller Nissan sedans like the Altima, Sentra, and Versa. The Maxima stood out with its striking Art Deco locomotive-like front end and massive grille, making it a visually bold choice. The 40th Anniversary Edition trim, although not available in Canada, offered unique elements like 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels and black exterior trim, enhancing its bold appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX offered a more subtle design approach. Despite being 5 centimetres wider than its predecessor, the WRX's front end remained understated, with a small hexagonal grille and signature hood scoop. The side profile was cleaner, with black plastic cladding that served both aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes. The rear featured dramatic fender flares and a large plastic bumper, while the taillights boasted a multifaceted design. The WRX's interior saw significant improvements, with better fit and finish, a D-shaped steering wheel, and sporty accents, making it more modern and appealing.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). While it wasn't a "four-door sports car," the Maxima offered a satisfying driving experience with its quick acceleration and impressive V6 engine sound. The CVT was notably responsive, enhancing the driving experience. However, the Maxima's 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.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured a new 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While the power increase was minimal compared to its predecessor, the WRX's all-wheel drive (AWD) system and available six-speed manual transmission provided a dynamic driving experience. The manual transmission was precise and satisfying, while the new suspension setup improved ride quality and reduced body roll. The WRX's performance was impressive, especially on challenging roads, thanks to its Subaru Global Platform and well-tuned suspension.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat comfort, offering generous headroom and legroom for the driver and front passenger. However, rear-seat passengers experienced limited space, with rear headroom and legroom among the lowest in its class. The Maxima's interior design focused on the driver, providing excellent visibility and a driver-centric layout. The "Zero Gravity" front seats, inspired by NASA research, offered exceptional support and comfort. Despite its sedan design, the Maxima's cargo space was limited to 405 litres, falling short compared to hatchback competitors.

The 2022 Subaru WRX excelled in practicality, offering a cargo capacity of 354 litres, which could be expanded with the 60/40 split-folding rear seats. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, available in various upholstery options. The WRX's interior was spacious and well-suited for daily commuting, with standard AWD adding to its versatility. The WRX provided a compelling option for those seeking a performance-focused sedan with practical features.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed signs of aging, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. While it offered essential features, the system's graphics and interface felt dated, and the notification sounds were jarring. The Maxima included analog controls for convenience, but the overall infotainment experience was lacking in modernity.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX offered a more advanced infotainment system, especially in Sport-trim or higher models, featuring an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen display. The system was visually impressive and user-friendly, with physical controls for essential functions. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration had some limitations. The WRX also offered an 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received top safety ratings, earning an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Maxima's safety features were comprehensive, although it lacked the ProPilot Assist system found in other Nissan models.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied depending on the transmission. CVT-equipped models came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, offering advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. However, manual transmission models did not include EyeSight due to potential stalling issues. The WRX also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims. The Subaru Global Platform enhanced crash safety, and the WRX included seven airbags as standard.