Nissan Maxima vs Subaru WRX STI
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2021 Subaru WRX STI
Overview
| Spec | Nissan Maxima3.5 SV | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 3.5 SV | STI |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2023 | 2021 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Nissan Maxima3.5 SV | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $38,340 | $37,245 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $14,789 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $21,511 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $34,999 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 7 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Nissan Maxima3.5 SV | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG (best) | 18 MPG |
| City MPG | 20 MPG (best) | 16 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 18 gal (best) | 15.9 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Nissan Maxima3.5 SV | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 310 hp (best) |
| Torque | 261 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 3.5 L (best) | 2.5 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Nissan Maxima3.5 SV | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 14.3 cu ft (best) | 12 cu ft |
| Payload | 1,073 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,609 lbs | 3,450 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in (best) | 4.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in (best) | 104.3 in |
| Length | 192.8 in (best) | 180.9 in |
| Width | 73.2 in (best) | 70.7 in |
| Height | 56.5 in | 58.1 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Nissan Maxima3.5 SV | Subaru WRX STISTI |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Nissan Maxima | Subaru WRX STI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3.5 SV $38,340 MSRP(Currently comparing) | STI $37,245 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 3.5 SR $43,500 MSRP | STI Limited $41,945 MSRP |
| 3 | 3.5 Platinum $44,450 MSRP | STI Limited $41,945 MSRP |
Live inventory
Nissan Maxima7 for sale
See all
Used2023 Nissan Maxima
SV Sedan 4D
Pearl white•Black52,910 mi$24,282Daly City Mitsubishi
Daly City, CA
Used2023 Nissan Maxima
SR
Pearl White Tricoat•charcoal27,020 mi$29,991Edison Nissan
Edison, NJ
Used2017 Nissan Maxima
SR
Super Black•CHARCOAL101,563 mi$14,789Clear Lake Nissan
League City, TX
Used2018 Nissan Maxima
S
Super Black•Charcoal56,699 mi$18,788Woodfield Nissan
Hoffman Estates, IL
Certified2023 Nissan Maxima
Platinum
Pearl White Tricoat•Cashmere23,975 mi$34,999Glendale Nissan
Glendale Heights, IL
Certified2023 Nissan Maxima
3.5 SL
Super Black•Charcoal45,354 mi$21,511Dan Deery Toyota
Cedar Falls, IA
Nissan Maxima vs Subaru WRX STI FAQ
- Which is better: 2023 Nissan Maxima or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2023 Nissan Maxima vs 2021 Subaru WRX STI on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2023 Nissan Maxima or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2021 Subaru WRX STI starts lower at $37,245. Live Nissan Maxima listings start at $14,789.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2023 Nissan Maxima or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- The 2021 Subaru WRX STI leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (37,245).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2023 Nissan Maxima or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- The 2023 Nissan Maxima leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (24).
- Which has better horsepower: 2023 Nissan Maxima or 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- The 2021 Subaru WRX STI leads on horsepower in this comparison (310).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2023 Nissan Maxima vs 2021 Subaru WRX STI?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Nissan Maxima (5/5 NHTSA overall).