Nissan Altima vs 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 models like the Altima, Sentra, and Versa. The Maxima stood out with its daring design, reminiscent of an Art Deco locomotive, characterized by a steeply-angled front end and a massive grille. The 40th Anniversary Edition trim, although not available in Canada, offered elements like 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels and black exterior trim on the SR grade, enhancing its bold appearance.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, having evolved significantly since its 1993 debut, continued to embrace a sportier look introduced in its third generation. Available in three trims in Canada—SE, SR Midnight Edition, and Platinum—the Altima featured a low, wide stance with a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The SR Midnight Edition, with its gloss black accents and Gun Metallic paint, elevated the Altima's sporty aesthetics. Inside, the Altima boasted comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-organized instrument panel, offering a premium feel, especially in higher trims.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima was powered by 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. While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima offered a satisfying driving experience with its quick acceleration and impressive V6 sound. The CVT was notably responsive, enhancing the driving dynamics. However, the Maxima's steering lacked precision, and the front-wheel-drive setup led to some torque steer, affecting its performance on twisty roads. Despite these limitations, the Maxima excelled in highway cruising, offering a quiet and comfortable ride.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Altima in Canada came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, coupled with all-wheel drive and a CVT. While acceleration was modest, the Altima impressed with its smooth and composed ride, thanks to Nissan's Active Ride Control. The cabin remained quiet, providing a refined driving experience. Although the Altima's performance was not its strongest suit, it offered a well-rounded package with its excellent road manners and Infiniti-like refinement.

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 an expansive view of the road and excellent visibility. Despite its comfortable Zero Gravity front seats, the Maxima's cargo space was limited to 405 litres, falling short compared to hatchback competitors like the Kia Stinger and Volkswagen Arteon.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, as a midsize sedan, offered comfortable seating for four to five passengers, with easy-to-use controls and a decent-sized trunk. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its competition, with a 437-litre trunk capacity. However, the Altima's high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility. Additionally, the trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Altima provided a practical and spacious interior for everyday use.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed signs of aging, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. While it included a WiFi hotspot and an 11-speaker Bose audio system, the infotainment system's graphics and small icons made navigation challenging. Despite analog controls for climate and audio, the system's dated notification sounds detracted from the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Altima offered a more advanced tech suite, featuring a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch colour touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims included navigation, remote engine start, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The Altima also boasted technologies like traffic sign recognition, an Around View Monitor, and ProPilot Assist, enhancing driver convenience and safety. The tech systems performed flawlessly, providing a seamless and user-friendly experience.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received top safety ratings, earning an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star NHTSA rating. It came equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, featuring automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. However, it lacked the ProPilot Assist system available in the Altima.

The 2022 Nissan Altima also achieved high safety ratings, with a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" designation. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Altima's crash avoidance and mitigation systems received high marks, ensuring a safe driving experience.