2021 Toyota Camry vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to break away from its past reputation of being a bland, textbook sedan by incorporating more dynamic styling elements. The designers added features like flared wheel arches and sleek headlights and taillights, which helped to visually broaden the car. However, the SE and XSE trims were criticized for their excessive use of fake vents, adding unnecessary visual clutter. The LE and XLE trims offered a slightly cleaner, albeit still large, grille. Built on the TNGA-K platform, shared with models like the Avalon and RAV4, the Camry's 2021 update included subtle changes to the front fascia and continued to offer the Nightshade Edition with its distinctive blacked-out trim. Inside, the Camry's interior mirrored the exterior's chaotic styling, with a mix of materials and design elements that lacked a cohesive theme, resulting in a somewhat low-rent feel.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as Nissan's flagship sedan, set a bold design standard with its "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille, elements that influenced other Nissan models. The Maxima's design was striking, with a steeply-angled front end and a large grille reminiscent of an Art Deco locomotive. The 40th Anniversary Edition, although not available in Canada, showcased features like 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels and black exterior trim. The Maxima's design was intended to be sporty, and while it succeeded in standing out, it shared the segment's trend of bold, unconventional styling, similar to the Toyota Avalon.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produced 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in most FWD trims, slightly less with AWD. The XSE trim's dual-exhaust system increased output to 206 hp and 186 lb-ft with FWD. A naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 was also available, delivering 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with electric assist for a total of 208 hp. The SE Nightshade Edition, with its base four-cylinder and AWD, surprised with its sporty, eager-to-rev nature and balanced chassis tuning, offering a fun driving experience without the TRD package's enhancements.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima came exclusively with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and FWD. While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima delivered a quick and enjoyable drive, with the V6 engine providing a pleasing sound. The CVT was one of the better examples, offering responsive power delivery. In corners, the Maxima was agile but limited by its steering's lack of feel and precision, and susceptibility to torque steer. Despite these drawbacks, the Maxima maintained a sporty design focus, with a comfortable ride and quiet cabin, aided by active noise cancellation.

The 2021 Toyota Camry provided generous rear headroom and legroom, though front space was slightly compromised. The front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent visibility. Cargo space was average at 428 litres, less than the Honda Accord's 473 litres. In-cabin storage was limited, with small cupholders and door bottle holders. Toyota included analog controls for key functions, enhancing usability, though some controls were awkwardly placed.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat space, offering the most headroom and legroom in its class, but at the expense of rear-seat comfort. The front seats, featuring Nissan's "Zero Gravity" design, were highly adjustable and supportive, though the centre console's proximity felt cramped. Rear-seat passengers had limited space, and cargo capacity was the lowest in its class at 405 litres. The Maxima's cabin was driver-focused, with excellent visibility and a design centred around the driver.

The 2021 Toyota Camry's standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. A 10-inch HUD was available on XSE and XLE trims. The system was functional but lacked standout features, with plain graphics and limited USB ports.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as standard. A WiFi hotspot and an 11-speaker Bose audio system were also included. The system's dated graphics and small icons made it difficult to use, and notification sounds were confusing. However, Nissan provided ample analog controls, making it less reliant on the touchscreen.

The 2021 Toyota Camry earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured the TSS 2.5+ package with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and more. New features included enhanced forward-collision warning and a Rear Seat Reminder. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima also received a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. A 360-degree camera system was available on higher trims. The Maxima lacked the ProPilot Assist system but offered comprehensive safety features.