2021 Nissan Maxima vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the previous year, following a significant facelift in 2020. This update marked the first major design change for the Passat in nearly a decade. Volkswagen maintained the basic body shell but altered every panel except the roof, resulting in a strong familial resemblance to the smaller Jetta sedan. This gave the Passat a more understated appearance compared to its more radically styled competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry. The Passat's smooth, rounded-off corners evoked the aerodynamic efficiency of 1990s jellybean sedans, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.28. However, this did not translate into significantly improved fuel efficiency. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) on Execline models.

Inside, the Passat's interior design was clean and functional, with a focus on analog controls rather than large digital screens. This approach enhanced usability, with well-placed controls and a dashboard that improved forward visibility. The low beltline provided good side visibility, avoiding the bunker-like feel of many modern cars. However, some buyers might have found the interior a bit plain, with silver-coloured plastic trim and leatherette upholstery. Despite this, the fit and finish were excellent, aligning with the Passat's market positioning as a value option.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, set the tone for other Nissan models with its bold styling elements, including a "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille. These features were later adopted by smaller Nissan sedans like the Altima, Sentra, and Versa. The Maxima distinguished itself with a steeply-angled front end and a massive grille, resembling an Art Deco locomotive. The 40th Anniversary Edition trim, although not available in Canada, offered elements like 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, black exterior trim, and heated rear seats on the SR grade. The Maxima's design was bold and distinctive, standing out in a segment where competitors like the Toyota Avalon also embraced unique styling.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered a single powertrain option, featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD). This engine produced 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. While the horsepower was slightly below average compared to rivals' base powertrains, the torque output was more impressive, providing enough power to spin the wheels when pulling away from a stop. However, power delivery felt uneven at higher speeds, with slower response during highway overtakes. Switching to Sport mode or manually selecting gears improved this issue, but a manual transmission was not available. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in competitors like the Honda Accord, Mazda 6, and Toyota Camry. While ride quality and cabin noise levels were acceptable on the highway, the Passat did not provide much excitement on twisty roads.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima came equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and FWD. While the Maxima was not a "four-door sports car," it offered a satisfying driving experience with quick acceleration and a pleasant V6 engine sound. The CVT performed well, responding more quickly than some conventional automatic transmissions. The Maxima's handling was agile for a large sedan, but the steering lacked feel and precision, and the front end struggled with grip. Torque steer was present under heavy throttle, affecting confidence on twisty roads. Despite these limitations, the Maxima's sporty design and comfortable highway cruising made it an appealing choice. The cabin was quiet, thanks to active noise cancellation, and the ride remained comfortable despite the stiff suspension and 19-inch wheels.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat boasted roomy back seats with 993 millimetres of rear legroom, although this was slightly less than the Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy. However, this came at the expense of front legroom, which was below average for the segment. Front headroom was also lacking compared to other midsize sedans. The driving position was uncomfortable, with limited front legroom and seats lacking thigh support. The rear seats felt flat and hard. The Passat offered 450 litres of cargo space, more than the Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy, or Nissan Altima, but less than the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, with improperly shaped door bottle holders and a small smartphone cubby. The Passat excelled in control layout, featuring big buttons and knobs within easy reach, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front passenger space, offering the highest front headroom and legroom among its competitors. However, rear headroom was near the bottom of the class, and rear legroom was the worst among full-size sedans. The seats were positioned far inboard, affecting the feeling of spaciousness. Despite generous front space, the centre console felt cramped, and some controls were awkwardly positioned. The Maxima's cabin was designed around the driver, providing an expansive road view and excellent side visibility. The "Zero Gravity" front seats, designed with NASA research, offered comfort and support, with eight-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way for the passenger. The Maxima had 405 litres of cargo space, the least in its class, with a conventional trunk compared to hatchback competitors like the Kia Stinger and Volkswagen Arteon.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Execline models included built-in navigation and an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system. Keyless entry was standard, along with a single USB-A port for connectivity. The touchscreen, while small, offered pinch-to-zoom capability, and basic functions like climate control and audio were accessible through dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls. The Passat lacked flashy tech features, such as the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster or the newer MIB3 infotainment system available in other VW models. Driver aids were basic, appealing to those seeking simplicity over a tech-heavy experience.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and a newly standard WiFi hotspot. It included both USB-A and USB-C ports, located in a cubbyhole for phone storage. An 11-speaker Bose audio system was standard. While the infotainment system covered basic features, it was unpleasant to use, with dated graphics, small icons, and confusing notification sounds. Nissan provided analog controls, including shortcut buttons for touchscreen menus and knobs for climate control and audio. However, the jarring notification sounds were unavoidable, detracting from the overall experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but the standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not published crash-test ratings for the 2021 Passat. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Execline grade added lane-keep assist and lane departure warning. Notable safety features included VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima earned an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front crash prevention tech. The NHTSA awarded the Maxima a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 banner included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and a driver-alertness monitor. A 360-degree camera system was available on the SR and Platinum grades. The Maxima did not include the ProPilot Assist system, but its absence was not a significant drawback.