Trims and Powertrain

The ’21 Maxima is made in SV, SR, Platinum, and 40th Anniversary Edition trim levels. They all get the same powertrain: a 300 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine with a continuously variable transmission. All three trims are front-wheel drive and return an EPA-estimated 20 mpg around town and 30 mpg on the highway.

Every trim is equipped with a nice selection of standard features. The SV has automatic LED headlights, heated side mirrors with integrated-signal indicators, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, push-button ignition, remote start, power-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery (including the steering wheel and shift knob), a USB data port, a USB charging port, a rearview camera, a 7-inch multifunction display, and a 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback. The SR gains LED fog lights, black exterior accents, side mirrors with reverse tilt-down function (auto-dimming on the driver’s side), a panoramic moonroof, climate-controlled front seats, a heated steering wheel, premium leather-upholstered seats with diamond-quilted inserts, aluminum sport pedals, an additional USB data and charging port, and ambient interior lighting so you can change the mood of the cabin at your whim.

The Platinum is loaded with extras such as a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a rear-window power sunshade, wood interior trim, and position memory for the driver’s seat, steering wheel, and side mirrors. The 40th Anniversary Edition is similarly equipped but aesthetically different, with black exterior accents, a two-tone Ruby Slate Gray Pearl/Super Black exterior paint scheme, a 40th Anniversary Edition badge, a unique leather-wrapped steering wheel with contrast stitching, red semi-aniline leather upholstery with diamond-quilted leather inserts, dark chrome interior trim, white gauge faces, and a charcoal headliner. Its rear outboard seats are also heated.

Safety

The Nissan Safety Shield 360 bundle of active safety aids is installed on every 2020 Maxima, although the higher trims get additional technologies. The SV receives adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, a rear sonar system, automatic high beams, a driver alert monitor, and traffic sign recognition. The higher trims have intelligent lane intervention, a front sonar system, and a surround-view monitor.

Technology

The ’21 Maxima has a lot of nice technology for keeping its occupants connected. In the SV, the infotainment system has an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, satellite radio, and an eight-speaker sound system. The SR and above are upgraded with an 11-speaker Bose sound system.