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The 2016 Nissan Maxima Platinum is presented during the press preview of the 2015 New York International Auto Show at the Jacob Javits Center

Most Drivers Will Probably Prefer the 2021 Nissan Maxima Over the Dodge Charger

There’s just something extra thrilling about driving a muscle car. And some believe there isn’t a more exciting and beefy four-door sedan than the Dodge Charger. But in some driving scenarios, including the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there may be a better choice. Driving habits and lifestyle play a huge role in what …

There’s just something extra thrilling about driving a muscle car. And some believe there isn’t a more exciting and beefy four-door sedan than the Dodge Charger. But in some driving scenarios, including the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there may be a better choice. Driving habits and lifestyle play a huge role in what vehicle you decide to buy. The Nissan Maxima, for example, brings a little more luxury and plush to the class. Both the Maxima and the Charger are admirable rides, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. However, based on the consumer and critics reviews, it’s more likely that you’ll end up preferring the 2021 Nissan Maxima over the 2021 Dodge Charger if you were facing a four-door sedan decision yourself.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima has its own kind of performance

MotorTrend compared the 2021 Nissan Maxima and the 2021 Dodge Charger and described this comparison face-off brilliantly. While both full-size sedans occupy a similar space, they “go about their business in very different ways.” The Charger places an emphasis on power and performance. Its soul is driven by horsepower. But the Maxima brings its own kind of muscle, with its fun-to-drive personality and standard V6 engine and 300 hp. And the Maxima brings even more to the table.

The average driver needs these few things from a car

Most drivers need a few of the same critical things from their cars these days. Sure, there’s always the list of ‘nice-to-have’ features, including punchy, fun performance, or a state-of-the-art sound system. But realistically, a car’s value is often measured in terms of safety, fuel economy, and comfort on the road.

People want to be safe and not spend a fortune in a car that is relatively enjoyable to drive. And it’s these benchmarks that push the Nissan Maxima over the Dodge Charger.

The Nissan Maxima can just deliver better

The Nissan Maxima offers more headroom than the Dodge Charger in the front and back seats. The NHTSA gave the 2020 model Nissan Maxima a five-star rating across the board. Every trim level is equipped with must-have driver aids, like rear cross-traffic alert, rear auto braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more.

The Maxima outperforms at the gas pump too, earning a 20/30 city/highway mpg over the Dodge Charger’s 19/30 mpg. And according to the MotorTrend face-off, the Maxima just cruises better as a highway, road warrior. Over short and long distances, the ride is comfortable at every mile marker.

Thrilling drive or practical power?

The 2021 Dodge Charger is, no doubt, a performance beast that is unmatched in many circles. And that thrilling drive offers far more excitement than the 2021 Nissan Maxima. But if you want to spend the next few years with a comfortable, practical, and more sensible car, the Nissan Maxima is the best choice in this comparison. Most people tend to put more value on comfort, convenience, and safety. But don’t mistake practicality for boring. The Maxima and Charger have similar engine variations, and the Maxima still feels punchy and fun to drive.

The Dodge Charger did beat the Nissan Maxima in a few areas, including engine options and torque. But it’s a Charger. It’s going to have more performance and impressive power metrics, especially with the SRT and Hellcat treatments. It’s a sedan that works just fine to pick up groceries and commute to work too. And it will probably turn a few more heads as you go. But in those more practical uses, the Maxima surges ahead. And probably would agree that in a sensibility, everyday use kind of way, the 2021 Nissan Maxima would just be a better fit.

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