Maxima

Make
Nissan
Segment
Sedan

The 2021 Nissan Maxima remains the same as last year's model, but there is a new special edition package worth talking about. 2021 is the 40th anniversary of the nameplate after the Datsun 810 was renamed the Maxima in 1981. To commemorate the big 4-0, Nissan decided to offer a 40th Anniversary Edition package on the top platinum grade.

Nissan already announced what would come in this package but kept the pricing a secret. Now, Nissan has revealed that the 40th Anniversary package is available for $2,125 on top of the $42,220 MSRP of a fully-equipped Maxima Platinum grade. We'll save you the math; it's $44,345 plus a $925 destination and handling fee.

Coming in at under $45,000 before destination, the Maxima 40th Anniversary Edition undercuts rivals like the Kia Stinger GT1 ($45,490) and the Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line ($46,995). Toyota still undercuts it on price with the similarly-powered Avalon TRD ($42,875).

Like all Maxima models, the 40th Anniversary Edition uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine sending 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission. Nissan jazzed up this special edition model's exterior with Ruby Slate Gray Pearl paint, a black roof, unique 19-inch gloss black wheels, 40th anniversary badging, and black exhaust finishers.

Inside, the grey exterior is contrasted with red semi-aniline leather seats and red contrast stitching. Those vibrant seats also feature diamond quilting 40th Anniversary embossing. Nissan also included Satin Dark Chrome interior trim and heated rear seats. As a nod to past Maxima models, the gauges were switched to white.

While we would have liked to see a more significant update for 2021, this special edition at least gives us a reason to talk about the Maxima for another year. Full-size sedan sales have plummeted, with very few manufacturers even offering them anymore. The Maxima only sold 35,076 units last year and is on track to sell even fewer in 2020. Don't be shocked if it goes away soon.