By Maxima is four decades old. It is in the eight generation, and none previous version didn’t last more than five years. The 2021 Nissan Maxima will launch the new series of the sedan, and we could see similar design language as for the smaller Altima. New styling, interesting trim levels, possible hybrid engine, and autonomous drive are part of the upcoming package.
Sedan class is going through a tough time. Crossovers and SUVs are dominating the market. Just for example, in 2019, Nissan sold 35,000 Maximas. That is a 20 percent drop compared to 2018 and nearly 50 percent to 2017 and 2016. The new generation will definitely increase the interest, but do not expect spectacular numbers. During the 90s, the carmaker was selling over 100k full-size sedans, and the record for the USA is from 1994 when more than 160k buyers opted to buy new Maxima.
2021 Nissan Maxima Engines
The 2021 Nissan Maxima will continue to use the most reliable engine in the company’s portfolio. It is a 3.5-liter V6 unit, which we can see on other flagship SUVs – Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60. Compared to its siblings, the sedan gets the most power out of the V6 mill. Drivers can count on 300 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque.
The new car could be lighter, causing a better fuel economy. Currently, Maxima is returning 20/30 mpg for city/highway drive. The Xtronic CVT gearbox is sending power to front wheels, without alternative in AWD. We doubt the company will change that since 2021 Maxima won’t be capable of going off the road. With 5.5 inches of ground clearance, you will want to stay on the asphalt.
Autonomous Drive
We already got used to the ProPilot system and its features. Nissan was ahead of the competition with driver-aid equipment. However, now it is time for the new step. We doubt that Level 4 is taking place on the 2021 Nissan Maxima, but a high level of autonomous drive is expected. We can already see some serious add-ons on the new Altima sedan.
ProPilot is a Level 2 self-driving system with options to keep a distance from surrounding vehicles and control speed. Also, it offers a lane-keep feature supported by numerous sensors. The carmaker announced that they will launch Level 4 autonomous drive in foreseeable future. Whatsoever, we still don’t know if that is happening in 2021. So far, Nissan ProPilot is offered with Rogue crossover and Altima sedan only.
2021 Nissan Maxima Hybrid and PHEV Systems
According to numerous sources, the new 2021 Nissan Maxima will get a hybrid system. Well, we expect this build for Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 SUVs for a couple of years. Their rivals are already out with electrified drivetrains. Now, we expect a lot from Nissan and there are several reasons.
First, the carmaker made it clear – hybrids are a priority for the big update in 2021. Not only Maxima, but many other vehicles will come fresh with new powerplants. The focus is on two SUVs and the big sedan will definitely share the new unit with its siblings. Plus, this move will make Maxima more interesting again.
The hybrid unit will boost power output to 315 hp, at least. However, the company could turn to four-cylinder powerplant as the base for the setup. Fuel economy will get the major upgrade in any case. On the other hand, the plug-in model is less likely. However, some rumors claim the company is going to pair it with the new autonomous drive and deliver to several models, including the 2021 Nissan Maxima.
2021 Maxima Redesign
To add new features, the company will update the entire interior. We can take a glance at the new Altima and find hints on how will the 2021 Nissan Maxima look. Dimensions of the full-size sedan remain the same. The length will be over 190 inches, but less than 195 in. However, the company will pay more attention to the appearance. Sedans need to be more aggressive, although these are family vehicles. The D Platform still underpins the car, but the revisit will make it capable of taking the hybrid and PHEV systems.
Interior of the Maxima will also suffer several changes. Expect a new dashboard where smart equipment is taking place. The base model will keep an eight-inch touchscreen display as a center of the possible all-new infotainment system.
The sedan is refreshing the trim levels. The entry-level version is S, while SL and SV are coming back as a mid-range offer. Platinum model is the premium edition, and the carmaker could add even more models.
Prices
The base price of the full-size sedan will be around $35,000. It is the cost similar to mid-size three-row SUV. So, there are no wonders why sedans are going through a harsh period. Currently, upper trim levels are not upgrading the MSRP too much, since the top of the class version costs $43,000. We will see what happens when hybrid and PHEV versions arrive, as well as possible Nismo performance model.
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