Toyota Camry vs Nissan Maxima

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If you want a head-turning sedan with powerful performance, both the 2021 Toyota Camry and Nissan Maxima will satisfy.

We at Andy Mohr Automotive have compared the Toyota Camry vs. Nissan Maxima and found that each sedan strikes a slightly different chord for drivers near Indianapolis, Plainfield, and Bloomington, IN. Let us break down the pros and cons of each model, so you decide which is right for you!

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2021 Toyota Camry vs Nissan Maxima: Engine Specs 

Both sedans feature powerful engines that don’t skimp on fuel economy, but they each exhibit different strengths.

The Maxima is a great option for anyone who wants an extra power kick as a standard feature. This model comes with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. Plus, the engine pairs with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that provides seamless shifting.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima gets an impressive EPA-estimated 20 MPG city and 30 MPG highway fuel economy, but drivers should turn to the 2021 Toyota Camry if fuel efficiency is important to them.¹ 

The standard Camry gets an EPA-estimated 28 city and 39 highway MPG fuel economy with its standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine.² This engine generates 203 horsepower and produces 184 lb-ft of torque. With the sporty 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, you’re sure to have a fun driving experience.

However, the 2021 Camry has several powertrains available, including a few hybrid options. So, if you want excellent fuel economy, consider choosing the hybrid engine and it’s available 51 city and 53 highway MPG.²

In general, drivers will probably prefer the standard engine in the Maxima for a more energetic experience and will prefer the Camry for better fuel economy.

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Camry vs Maxima Interior Comforts

When you take control of the wheel, the Toyota Camry tends to inspire more of a luxury vibe vs. the sporty vibe in the Nissan Maxima.

The 2021 Camry features an available panoramic glass roof with front power tilt/slide moonroof to fill your car with more than twice the light of the average moonroof. This will let every passenger enjoy a bit of extra sunlight and fresh air when on the road.

Generally, drivers who want to feel ready to hit the track will probably gravitate toward the Maxima and its active interior. The Maxima, on the other hand, has a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and exclusive zero-gravity seats with 3D bolsters. These create a neutral seating position that reduces fatigue to keep you fully engaged on your drives.

In the Maxima, you’ll get to enjoy the luxurious feel of standard leather-appointed seats. Though, you can upgrade to the available Premium Ascot leather-appointed seats with dynamic diamond-quilted Alcantara® inserts.

Camry drivers have several fabric options to choose from as well. The available Sport SofTex® interior supplies you with a stain-resistant fabric that’s just half the weight of traditional leather—though, it’s just as comfortable. Drivers can also indulge in the available leather-trimmed front seats, which pair nicely with the 8-way power-adjustment feature on the driver’s seat. 

Dimensions

When it comes to comfort, it’s essential you find a sedan that offers all the space you need. Both the Toyota Camry and Nissan Maxima have seating for five passengers, but how do these sedans do by way of head- and legroom?

	2021 Camry	2021 Maxima
Headroom (front/rear)	38.3 in/38 in	39.4 in/36.7 in
Legroom (front/rear)	42.1 in/38 in	45 in/34.2 in

When looking for extra space in the front row, you’ll have slightly more wiggle room with the 2021 Nissan Maxima and its 39.4 inches of headroom and 45 inches of legroom. Though rear passengers of the 2021 Toyota Camry will enjoy the benefit of 38 inches of head- and legroom.

Either way, these sedans are undeniably spacious, which is only further proved by the massive amount of cargo room they offer. You can easily fit those golf clubs in the back of the Camry with 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space. And the Maxima can easily fit the kids’ backpacks with 14.3 cubic feet of cargo volume.

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Information Displays 

Both sedans have taken their driver information displays into the future this year. The Toyota Camry impresses with the available Head-Up Display. This 10-inch display projects information like speed, navigation, and more onto the lower portion of the windshield, so your eyes never have to leave the road.

The 2021 Maxima approaches this from a different perspective with the standard Advanced Drive-Assist® Display. This 7-inch display, located in the driver’s dashboard, also provides information, like navigation and speed. 

The Maxima sets itself apart, however, with the standard Intelligent Driver Alertness feature. By monitoring driver behaviors and providing an audible warning if it senses the driver needs to take a break, the Maxima works hard to keep an eye out for your safety.

It’s ultimately up to drivers to decide whether the windshield projection or driver behavior sensor will work better for their needs and habits.

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Safety and Driver-Assistive Technology

Where the Toyota Camry will come standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, the Nissan Maxima comes with Nissan Safety Shield® 360. Both are comprehensive suites of safety and driver-assistive technologies that are designed to support you on every drive. They’ll include features that can:

• Alert you to potential collisions
• Activate your high beams automatically
• Watch for pedestrians

While you’re always working hard to keep yourself, your passengers, and fellow drivers safe, you can trust that sedans will work just as hard!

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