The S model, the entry-level model, is no longer available. A 40th anniversary package has been added to the Platinum range.
Nissan announced pricing for the 2021 Maxima and there are some surprises. While the sedan will remain unchanged in 2020, value-minded shoppers won’t have an entry-level S model. The SV is the cheapest Maxima, starting at $36,990. This represents a $340 increase over the 2020 SV. The SV, however, is $2,540 less than its predecessor, the S model.
Nissan has not provided any explanations for the Maxima S’s demise. It was a sedan that had a lot of features. Along with a variety of safety and driver-assist systems, the 3.5-liter, 300 horsepower V6 engine from Nissan was standard. This is true for all Maxima trims, including the SV. In 2021, Nissan Safety Shield 360 will offer everything from blind-spot monitoring to automatic emergency braking. Intelligent cruise control and blind-spot monitoring will still be available for an additional charge.
Maxima buyers now have SV, SR and Platinum options. The SR trim is $500 more expensive than the previous year, starting at $42,150. This oddly is nearly identical to the Platinum trim which starts at $42,220 – a 380 increase over 2020. The price difference could be due to Nissan not mentioning any changes in standard equipment.
For Platinum models, Nissan offers a 40th anniversary edition package that costs $2,125 more to celebrate the four decades of Maxima production. You get a two-tone Ruby Slate Gray Pearl exterior with a black roof and a variety of black trim, including exhaust finishers and wheels. Inside, you’ll find red leather seats with contrast stitching and white-faced gauges. Dark chrome trim, heated rear seat, and additional 40th Anniversary branding.
The 2021 Nissan models, which include the 40th anniversary edition package, are now in stock at Nissan dealers. Prices exclude $925 destination and handling.