Nissan Maxima vs Subaru Impreza

2021 Nissan Maxima
2021 Nissan Maxima
$37,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Subaru Impreza
2024 Subaru Impreza
$22,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Maxima
$37,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Subaru Impreza
$22,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

Years produced

1980-2014

Years produced

1993-Present

MSRP

$37,090

MSRP

$22,995

Average price

$21,005

Average price

$16,381

Listings

149

Listings

430
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Fun to drive
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • More of a refresh than a full redesign

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.

Reviews Summary

The sixth-generation 2024 Subaru Impreza, like the related Subaru Crosstrek crossover, has been reworked to improve upon its already strong credentials as an affordable all-wheel-drive economy compact car. This time around, the more powerful RS trim has been revived, adding some much-needed driver excitement. Further bolstered with a comfortable ride and smart features, the new Impreza deserves your consideration.
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 300 hp V6

Engine

2.0L 152 hp H4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

300 hp @ 6400 rpm

Horsepower

152 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

27

MPG Highway

30

MPG Highway

34
2021 Nissan Maxima
2021 Nissan Maxima
$37,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Subaru Impreza
2024 Subaru Impreza
$22,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Maxima
$37,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Subaru Impreza
$22,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
Years produced
1980-2014
1993-Present
MSRP
$37,090
$22,995
Average price
$21,005
$16,381
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.4
4.5
Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Read full review

6.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Fun to drive
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • More of a refresh than a full redesign
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.

The sixth-generation 2024 Subaru Impreza, like the related Subaru Crosstrek crossover, has been reworked to improve upon its already strong credentials as an affordable all-wheel-drive economy compact car. This time around, the more powerful RS trim has been revived, adding some much-needed driver excitement. Further bolstered with a comfortable ride and smart features, the new Impreza deserves your consideration.
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.5L 300 hp V6
2.0L 152 hp H4
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
300 hp @ 6400 rpm
152 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
20
27
MPG Highway
30
34
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