Nissan Maxima 2021 is the embodiment of the Japanese approach to creating premium business class sedans. The model, which has remained the flagship of the brand for more than 40 years, in its eighth generation received not only a stylish design, but also advanced safety, comfort and control technologies. This car is ideal for those who value dynamics, a luxurious interior and reliability, but are not ready to overpay for European brands.
In 2021 Maxima offered in a single configuration SL, but with rich equipment, which included adaptive cruise control, a blind spot monitoring system and a premium audio system Bose with 11 speakers. Under the hood - time-tested 3.5 liter V6 with an output of 300 hp, which is paired with a CVT Xtronic. But how justified is the price? $42,000–$45,000 (on the secondary market in 2026)? Let's look into the details.
Design: aggressiveness and elegance in one bottle
Appearance Nissan Maxima 2021 is a bold experiment by designers who tried to combine sportiness and premium quality. The front of the car is dominated by a massive radiator grille in the style "V-Motion", which has become the hallmark of modern models Nissan. Narrow LED headlights with adaptive light and an aggressive bumper with large air intakes emphasize the dynamic character of the sedan.
The profile catches your eye 20" alloy wheels (optional - 19-inch), as well as a smooth roof line that goes into a short trunk. The rear part turned out to be more restrained, but not devoid of zest: a thin LED stop strip, an integrated spoiler and double exhaust pipes. The color palette included both classic shades ("Deep Black Pearl", "Silver metallic"), and bright options - "Sunset Orange" And "Midnight Blue Sapphire".
- 🔹 Design advantages: memorable appearance, high-quality body assembly, premium LED headlights.
- 🔸 Cons: subjectively controversial front bumper (not everyone likes its massiveness), low ground clearance (130 mm).
- 🔶 Feature: drag coefficient
Cd=0.29- one of the best in the class.
Interior Maxima made in the best traditions of Japanese minimalism, but with a touch of luxury. Soft materials and real leather dominate here. Nappa (included SL), aluminum inserts and interior lighting with a choice of colors. Heated steering wheel with function D-shape (for convenience during a sporty driving style) emphasizes driver orientation.
- V-Motion front grille
- 20" wheels
- LED optics
- Rear light strip
- Nappa leather interior
Specs: V6 power and Xtronic CVT
Heart Nissan Maxima 2021 - this is 3.5 liter petrol engine VQ35DD with direct fuel injection, which develops 300 hp at 6400 rpm and 358 Nm torque. This engine is known for its reliability (with proper maintenance, the mileage before major overhaul exceeds 300,000 km) and excellent traction at medium speeds.
Gearbox - stepless variator Xtronic with imitation of 7 speeds and the possibility of manual switching. Despite the skepticism of some drivers towards CVTs, Maxima it is tuned perfectly: there is no “rubber” effect, and acceleration to 100 km/h takes only 5.9 seconds. The top version was equipped with all-wheel drive Intelligent AWD, but in 2021 it was only available in the US market.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Engine | VQ35DD, 3.5 l, V6, 300 hp |
| Gearbox | CVT Xtronic with manual mode |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h | 5.9 s |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h (electronically limited) |
| Fuel consumption (combined cycle) | 9.8 l/100 km |
Suspension Maxima Built on an independent multi-link design front and rear, which provides excellent handling and comfort. System Intelligent Trace Control automatically steers when cornering, and Active Ride Control smoothes out road unevenness. However, it is worth noting that on Russian roads with potholes and joints, low-profile tires (standard - 245/40 R20) may cause discomfort.
⚠️ Attention: When operating on fuel below AI-95 engine VQ35DD prone to detonation, which over time leads to damage to the piston group. In regions with poor gasoline, it is recommended to use additives or switch to AI-98.
Equipment features: technology and safety
Nissan Maxima 2021 included SL offered one of the richest sets of options in its class. Basic equipment included:
- 📱 8" touch screen with support Apple CarPlay And Android Auto (wireless connection).
- 🎵 Audio system Bose Premium with 11 speakers and active noise cancellation.
- 🚗 360 degree camera with function Moving Object Detection (detection of moving objects).
- 🔋 Keyless entry with engine start button and remote start via mobile app NissanConnect.
The security system deserves special attention Nissan Safety Shield 360which includes:
- 🛡️ Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition.
- 🚨 Lane Departure Warning with automatic return function.
- 👁️ Blind Spot Monitoring and help with rebuilding.
- 🚦 Traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control ProPILOT Assist (semi-autonomous driving on the highway).
However, there are also nuances: for example, the system ProPILOT Assist only works at speeds up to 100 km/h and requires the driver's hands to remain on the steering wheel. Also, some owners note the excessive sensitivity of the parking sensors, which are triggered even on tall grass.
To turn off the Blind Spot Monitor audible warnings when driving on unpaved roads, go to Settings → Driving assistants → Sensor sensitivity and reduce alert levels.
Prices and configurations on the market in 2026
On the primary market in 2021 Nissan Maxima SL cost from $42,000 in the USA. There were no official sales in Russia, but cars were brought by “gray” dealers at prices ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 million rubles depending on configuration and options. Today on the secondary market prices vary:
- 💰 2.8–3.2 million rubles — copies with a mileage of 30–50 thousand km (2021, one owner).
- 💰 2.3–2.7 million rubles — cars with a mileage of 60–80 thousand km or with a history of accidents.
- 💰 1.9–2.2 million rubles — options with mileage over 100 thousand km or without a full service package.
Upon purchase Maxima on the secondary market, pay attention to:
☑️ What to check before buying Nissan Maxima 2021?
Cost of ownership Maxima in Russia:
| Expense item | Cost (per year) |
|---|---|
| Insurance (CASCO) | 80 000–120 000 ₽ |
| Maintenance | 50,000–70,000 ₽ (including original consumables) |
| Fuel (with mileage 15,000 km/year) | 120,000–150,000 ₽ (AI-95) |
| Tires (summer + winter sets) | 100,000–150,000 ₽ (size 245/40 R20) |
⚠️ Attention: CVT Xtronic requires oil changes every 60,000 km (despite the 100,000 km declared by the manufacturer). Neglecting this procedure leads to jerks and a reduction in the life of the box. Use only original fluid Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3.
Pros and cons of Nissan Maxima 2021: honest analysis
Like any car, Maxima 2021 has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's look at them objectively, based on owner reviews and expert tests.
Benefits:
- ✅ Dynamics and handling - 300 hp and excellent weight distribution (55:45) make the sedan a real “sports businessman”.
- ✅ Comfortable salon — ergonomic seats with ventilation and massage, quiet at speed (noise level 62 dB per 100 km/h).
- ✅ Reliability - engine
VQ35DDand variator Xtronic with proper maintenance they last hundreds of thousands of kilometers. - ✅ Security technologies - system Safety Shield 360 actually works and prevents accidents.
Disadvantages:
- ❌ High fuel consumption — in the city it’s easily 12–14 l/100 km, which is a lot for a modern sedan.
- ❌ Expensive service — original spare parts and tires
245/40 R20they hit your pocket. - ❌ Tight trunk - only 434 liters (competitors like Toyota Avalon - 500+ liters).
- ❌ Low liquidity - on the secondary market Maxima sells longer than German counterparts.
Be especially critical of Maxima Worth it for those who plan to drive on bad roads: the ground clearance is 130 mm and the stiff suspension does not forgive potholes. But on the highway the car fully reveals itself - stability at speed and precise steering make it one of the best in the class for long trips.
Nissan Maxima 2021 is a car for those who value dynamics and comfort above efficiency. It's ideal for city use and highway use, but not for off-roading or family trips with large luggage.
Comparison with competitors: who is better?
In the class of premium sedans Nissan Maxima 2021 there are several direct competitors. Let's compare them based on key parameters:
| Model | Price (2026, secondary) | Engine | Acceleration 0–100 km/h | Fuel consumption | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Maxima 2021 | 2.8–3.2 million ₽ | 3.5 V6, 300 hp | 5.9 s | 9.8–12 l/100 km | Design, dynamics, reliability | Consumption, cramped trunk |
| Toyota Avalon 2021 | 3.0–3.5 million RUB | 3.5 V6, 301 hp | 6.0 s | 8.5–11 l/100 km | Spacious interior, more economical | Boring design, less sporty |
| Kia K900 2021 | 2.5–3.0 million ₽ | 3.3 V6, 290 hp | 6.2 s | 10–13 l/100 km | Rich equipment, 7 year warranty | Less reliable engine, worse handling |
| Chevrolet Impala 2021 | 2.0–2.5 million ₽ | 3.6 V6, 305 hp | 6.1 s | 9.5–12 l/100 km | Spacious, cheaper to maintain | Outdated platform, weak Shumka |
If we compare the price/quality ratio, then Maxima occupies an intermediate position: it is more expensive than Koreans, but cheaper than German sedans (BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class). Main advantage Nissan - this is reliability And low cost of ownership compared to European competitors. For example, changing the oil in a variator costs 2–3 times less than repairing a transmission ZF at BMW.
For those looking for a more practical option, it's worth taking a closer look at Toyota Avalon - it is more spacious and more economical. And if image is important, then it is better to pay extra for a German brand. Maxima ideal for those who want Japanese quality with American comfort and is not ready to accept compromises.
Owner reviews: real operating experience
To form an objective opinion about Nissan Maxima 2021, we analyzed reviews from owners on forums (including Drive2, Auto.ru and foreign resources). Here are the most common opinions:
Positive Feedback:
- 👍 "The car just flies! Acceleration from 40 to 120 km/h is something unreal. The variator works like an automatic machine, no delays." (Alexey, Moscow)
- 👍 "The interior is like a business jet. Leather, silence, comfortable chairs. After Camry The difference is like between economy and business class." (Igor, St. Petersburg)
- 👍 "For a year of operation - not a single breakdown. Only maintenance and oil change. For a car with a mileage of 40 thousand km, this is an excellent result." (Dmitry, Ekaterinburg)
Negative feedback:
- 👎 "Consumption in the city is 14 liters. This is a lot for a 3.5-liter engine. You have to fill with 98-grade gasoline, otherwise it starts to detonate." (Sergey, Novosibirsk)
- 👎 "The suspension is hard. You can feel every bump on our roads. I had to install high profile tires (
245/45 R19instead of standardR20)." (Anton, Kazan) - 👎 "Electronics sometimes glitch. There were cases when the rear view camera refused to turn on, and the parking sensors worked in an empty space." (Oleg, Krasnodar)
Interestingly, most complaints are not related to reliability, but to operating costs And adaptation to Russian conditions. Owners who monitor the technical condition and use high-quality consumables are usually satisfied. Those who save on maintenance are faced with problems with the variator and suspension.
What are they saying about Maxima 2021 abroad?
In the US, the model received a rating of 8.1/10 on Edmunds for dynamics and comfort, but criticism for the cramped rear row. In Japan Maxima sold as Nissan Teana and is positioned as a premium family sedan. European experts note that the car loses to its German competitors in status, but wins in reliability.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the 2021 Nissan Maxima
❓ How much does it cost to change the oil in a variator? Nissan Maxima 2021?
Cost of changing the oil in a variator Xtronic in the official service is 8,000–12,000 rubles (taking into account the original liquid NS-3). At third-party service stations the price may be lower - from 5,000 rubles, but the risk of running into a fake is higher. Recommended replacement interval - every 60,000 km.
❓ Is it possible to install gas equipment on Maxima 2021?
Technically install HBO on Nissan Maxima with engine VQ35DD it's possible, but it's not recommended. Reasons:
- High risk of detonation due to 10.6:1 compression ratio.
- Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
- Power reduction by 10–15%.
If you still decide, choose 6th generation equipment with direct injection (for example, BRC Sequent) and get tuned by an experienced technician.
❓ What is the resource of the engine? VQ35DD?
With proper maintenance (oil change every 10,000 km, original filters, high-quality gasoline), the engine VQ35DD passes easily 300,000–400,000 km without major repairs. Critical points:
- Timely replacement of the timing belt (every 100,000 km).
- Monitoring the oil level (the engine is prone to oil starvation).
- Use of oil 5W-30 with permission Nissan.
Weak points: phase regulators (may knock after 150,000 km) and ignition coils (lifetime ~100,000 km).
❓ Which tires are best to choose for Maxima 2021?
For standard disks R20 recommended tire sizes: 245/40 R20. Optimal options:
- 🌞 Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4, Continental ContiSportContact 5 (soft, quiet).
- ❄️ Winter: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3, Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 (they hold the road well on ice).
If you want to save on suspension costs, you can install high-profile tires: 245/45 R19 or 225/55 R18 (but this will require replacing the disks).
❓ How to activate the remote engine start function?
Remote start in Nissan Maxima 2021 works through a mobile application NissanConnect. To activate:
- Download the application and register.
- Connect your car via
BluetoothorWi-Fi(requires module NissanConnect Services). - From the application menu, select "Remote Start" and follow the instructions.
Limitations: the function only works at ambient temperatures from -20°C to +40°C and if the car is within the network coverage area.