Acura TLX vs. Nissan Maxima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Acura TLX and Nissan Maxima contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Acura TLX and the Nissan Maxima.

When comparing the Acura TLX's and the Nissan Maxima's specifications and ratings, the Acura TLX has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Nissan Maxima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Acura TLX's and the Nissan Maxima's specifications and ratings, the Acura TLX is a better car than the Nissan Maxima.

Pricing: A used 2023 Acura TLX ranges from $30,230 to $51,000 while a used 2023 Nissan Maxima is priced between $21,255 to $36,138. For a new model, the Acura TLX's price is between $41,645 and $58,145, with the Nissan Maxima priced between $42,493 and $47,075.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Acura TLX loses 49.7 percent of its value and the Nissan Maxima loses 54.2 percent of its value. This means the Acura TLX retains 4.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Maxima.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Acura TLX is 7.8 out of 10 while the Nissan Maxima's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Acura TLX being ranked 5 out of 20 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the Nissan Maxima being ranked 3 out of 4 Best Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Acura TLX is 7.7 out of 10. For the Nissan Maxima the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Acura TLX a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Maxima.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Acura TLX’s base engine makes 272 horsepower, and the Nissan Maxima base engine makes 300 horsepower. The TLX is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 491 miles. The Maxima is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 540 miles.This gives the Acura TLX the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Nissan Maxima the advantage in maximum range. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan Maxima, a large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Acura TLX, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Acura TLX and the Nissan Maxima have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.