If you live in Indianapolis and you're in the market for a new sedan, Nissan has a couple you have to check out. The 2021 Nissan Altima and 2021 Nissan Maxima are excellent options for those wanting to add a sedan to their garage. When you look at both of these sedans, you're going to have a hard time picking one because they're both great. Here are the top features of the Nissan Altima versus the Nissan Maxima.
2021 Nissan Altima
Image via Flickr by San Sharma
The 2021 Nissan Altima offers a full suite of advanced-driver features and an above-average fuel economy for a midsize sedan. This easy-to-drive sedan was completely redesigned a couple of years ago, so it offers plenty of cutting-edge features. You can get the 2021 Nissan Altima in five trim levels: S, SV, SR, SL, and Platinum.
The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission that produces 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. The SR offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that tops off at 236 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims except the Platinum, which has an all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional on the SV, SR, and SL. The 2.0-liter on the SR will only power a front-wheel-drive system. You also get a forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a lane departure warning, and a driver attention warning standard.
Features on the Altima start with 16-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, remote start, and a height-adjustable driver's seat. You also get a 60/40-split folding rear seat to offer more configuration options when hauling cargo. A 7-inch touch screen is paired to a six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. If you add the Driver Assist package, you upgrade to a power-adjustable driver's seat along with several driver-assistance features, including a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and rear parking sensors.
Upgrading to a higher trim adds even more amazing features on the SV and SR, such as 17- or 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, and an upgraded 8-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities along with satellite radio. Additional upgrades include heated mirrors, a sunroof, heated front seats, adjustable lumbar support for the driver's seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. You add adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance to the plethora of driver-assistance features. The Altima also offers a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable passenger seat, leather upholstery, navigation system, and nine-speaker Bose premium audio system on the SL.
Finally, the top-of-the-line Platinum rolls down the road in Indianapolis on 19-inch wheels with driver-seat memory settings, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient interior lighting, and a 360-degree camera system to give you a top-down view of your Altima.
Starting around $26,000, the 2021 Nissan Altima offers plenty of great standard features, even with the base model. Nissan's ProPilot Assist system provides all the driving aids and is intuitive and accurate, making it a top reason to go with the 2021 Altima.
2021 Nissan Maxima
Another option for a midsize sedan is the 2021 Nissan Maxima, with a well-made, attractive cabin, and sharp handling. The Maxima is available in three trims: SV, SR, and Platinum. Each front-wheel drive trim is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Standard features include LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and heated front seats. You and your passengers will enjoy the 8-inch touch-screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Wi-Fi hot spot paired with an eight-speaker audio system. You also get remote vehicle monitoring and control along with driver assistance features such as frontal collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, drowsy driver monitor, and a traffic sign reader.
The sporty SR adds fog lights, a sunroof, a sport-tuned suspension, and ventilated front seats to improve the driving experience. You also get driver seat memory functions, faux-suede seat upholstery elements, a heated steering wheel, paddle shifters, and an upgraded 11-speaker Bose sound system. Additional safety features include front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and lane-keeping assistance. Add automatic wipers, premium leather upholstery, and a rear window shade to the Platinum. There's also a 40th Anniversary package that includes two-tone paint, unique interior and exterior trim, premium leather upholstery, and heated rear seats.
The 2021 Nissan Maxima starts at around $39,000 with a slightly larger engine and more standard advanced features, making it an attractive option for the price point.
Either Is a Great Choice
Both of these midsize sedan options from Nissan offer five-passenger seating, a wide variety of technology and driver-assistance options, and a smooth, comfortable ride. There's really no way to chose between the two just based on specs and price. Each has its own appeal, so you'll have to take them both for a test drive to determine which features are most important to you. The Altima is a lighter ride with higher touch-screen placement, providing a more modern feel. However, the Maxima offers a little more power and a more luxurious ride, thanks to its many standard features.
The advantages of the Altima include fuel efficiency and driving range, more engine options, a lighter steering feel, and a higher touch-screen placement. The Maxima has its advantages as well, including design details, upscale seating, and more features. The Maxima also tends to be a less common vehicle on the road in Indianapolis, if that appeals to you.
If you're a fan of Nissan vehicles and trying to pick between the Altima and Maxima, while you'll find two very different sedans, the choice can be difficult.
Come on down to Tom Wood Nissan in Indianapolis to check out each of these sedans and take them for a test drive. A member of our team would be happy to answer any questions to help you decide on the perfect midsize sedan.