“Like the handling. Everything is conveniently placed. Like the heated steering wheel and lumbar support that I didn't have before.”
2021 Nissan Maxima: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Nissan Maxima is its simplified trim lineup: S and SL are gone, making the better-equipped SV the new starting point. A limited 40th Anniversary Edition also joins, while the V6, safety features, and infotainment largely carry over.
About the 2021 Nissan Maxima
8th generation (2016-2023), sixth model year; two years after the 2019 styling update.
Nissan positions the Maxima as its sporty flagship sedan — the brand’s “4-Door Sports Car” — blending a standard 300-hp V6 with a more upscale cabin than the Altima. Its appeal is a stronger, more dramatic personality than a typical family sedan, plus standard safety tech and everyday comfort features. For most shoppers, the Maxima is the Nissan sedan for getting V6 power, bold styling, and a premium feel without moving to a luxury brand.
The 2021 Maxima lineup starts with the SV, which has a 300-hp V6, leather upholstery, heated front seats, navigation, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SR adds a sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, a panoramic moonroof, and an 11-speaker Bose audio system. The Platinum emphasizes comfort with quilted premium leather, driver-seat and steering-wheel memory, rain-sensing wipers, and a power rear sunshade.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
Nissan drops the S and SL trims, leaving SV, SR, and Platinum as the regular lineup. SV becomes the starting trim, and a limited 40th Anniversary Edition based on the Platinum joins the range.
2021 Nissan Maxima specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 261 lb-ft | 261 lb-ft | 261 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.2 in | 34.2 in | 34.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Cooled Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Rear Window Shades | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2021 Nissan Maxima redesigned?
No. The 2021 Maxima is not a redesign or a major mechanical update. Its main changes are the simplified trim lineup and the limited 40th Anniversary Edition.
Which Nissan Maxima trims were dropped for 2021?
The S and SL trims were dropped for 2021. The regular lineup consists of SV, SR, and Platinum, with SV serving as the new starting trim.
What is the 2021 Nissan Maxima 40th Anniversary Edition?
The 40th Anniversary Edition is a limited 2021 model based on the Platinum. It sits apart from the regular SV, SR, and Platinum trim lineup.
Did the 2021 Nissan Maxima get a new engine?
No. The 2021 Maxima keeps its 300-hp 3.5-liter V6, and the SR uses the same engine rather than adding more horsepower. The SR's performance focus comes from its sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters.
Is the 2021 Maxima better equipped at the starting trim than the 2020 model?
Yes. The better-equipped SV replaces the S as the starting trim for 2021. It has leather upholstery, heated front seats, navigation, smartphone integration, remote start, and the 300-hp V6.
2021 Nissan Maxima Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Nissan Maxima.
4.3
2021 Nissan Maxima
(149 reviews)
“The style, design and overall performance of the vehicle is impressive. It provides very good power but also is gas friendly. It is a hybrid of sport and luxury which makes it unique in its design.”
“It is a quick car that is fun to drive. It is completely comfortable to drive long distance in. Apple Car Play is the absolute best. The sound system is pretty nice. Plenty of trunk space. You can see everything at night with the headlights.”