Nissan Maxima vs Audi A4

2022 Audi A4
2022 Audi A4
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Maxima
2021 Nissan Maxima
$37,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Audi A4
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Maxima
$37,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

Years produced

1996-Present

Years produced

1980-2014

MSRP

$39,900

MSRP

$37,090

Average price

$23,653

Average price

$21,005

Listings

678

Listings

149
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Impressive technology
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Cramped back seat

Reviews Summary

We’d forgotten just how terrific the Audi A4 can be. The compact luxury sports sedan is over half a decade old now. After a week-long stint in the US equivalent of a 2022 Audi A4 Technik 45 TFSI, we’re reminded of the A4’s fundamental appeal. From its rock-solid structure to its modern technology, nothing about the 2022 A4 telegraphs the car’s age. The A4 remains an excellent choice in a luxury sports sedan.

Reviews Summary

The 2021 Nissan Maxima celebrates 40 years on sale, making it one of the oldest Japanese automotive nameplates in continuous use. While it’s impressive for any model to survive four decades, the Maxima has spent most of its history mired in mediocrity.

The Nissan Maxima name first appeared in 1981 as a rebranding of the Datsun 810 sedan. The original Maxima/810 was a true enthusiast’s car, boasting rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a sporty character that led Nissan to declare it a “four-door sports car.” However, that only lasted for a few years.

With its first redesign for the 1985 model year, the Maxima switched to front-wheel drive (FWD) and was positioned as Nissan’s flagship sedan. It’s been that way ever since. Nissan has continued to gesture in the direction of that original RWD model, but for most of its 40 years, the Maxima has been a slightly sportier alternative to full-size sedans like the Toyota Avalon, rather than a BMW beater.

So it is with the current, eighth-generation, Maxima, which debuted for the 2016 model year. It enters the 2021 model year with few changes. We drove the Nissan Maxima Platinum trim level for this review.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 201 hp I4

Engine

3.5L 300 hp V6

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

201 hp @ 4200 rpm

Horsepower

300 hp @ 6400 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

34

MPG Highway

30
2022 Audi A4
2022 Audi A4
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Maxima
2021 Nissan Maxima
$37,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Audi A4
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Maxima
$37,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
Years produced
1996-Present
1980-2014
MSRP
$39,900
$37,090
Average price
$23,653
$21,005
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.4
Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Impressive technology
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Cramped back seat
Summary
We’d forgotten just how terrific the Audi A4 can be. The compact luxury sports sedan is over half a decade old now. After a week-long stint in the US equivalent of a 2022 Audi A4 Technik 45 TFSI, we’re reminded of the A4’s fundamental appeal. From its rock-solid structure to its modern technology, nothing about the 2022 A4 telegraphs the car’s age. The A4 remains an excellent choice in a luxury sports sedan.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima celebrates 40 years on sale, making it one of the oldest Japanese automotive nameplates in continuous use. While it’s impressive for any model to survive four decades, the Maxima has spent most of its history mired in mediocrity.

The Nissan Maxima name first appeared in 1981 as a rebranding of the Datsun 810 sedan. The original Maxima/810 was a true enthusiast’s car, boasting rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a sporty character that led Nissan to declare it a “four-door sports car.” However, that only lasted for a few years.

With its first redesign for the 1985 model year, the Maxima switched to front-wheel drive (FWD) and was positioned as Nissan’s flagship sedan. It’s been that way ever since. Nissan has continued to gesture in the direction of that original RWD model, but for most of its 40 years, the Maxima has been a slightly sportier alternative to full-size sedans like the Toyota Avalon, rather than a BMW beater.

So it is with the current, eighth-generation, Maxima, which debuted for the 2016 model year. It enters the 2021 model year with few changes. We drove the Nissan Maxima Platinum trim level for this review.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 201 hp I4
3.5L 300 hp V6
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
201 hp @ 4200 rpm
300 hp @ 6400 rpm
MPG City
26
20
MPG Highway
34
30
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