Cadillac CTS vs. Nissan Maxima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Cadillac CTS 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 Cadillac CTS and the Nissan Maxima.

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

Pricing: A used 2019 Cadillac CTS ranges from $19,499 to $32,600 while a used 2019 Nissan Maxima is priced between $15,657 to $28,750.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Cadillac CTS loses 57 percent of its value and the Nissan Maxima loses 49.7 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Maxima retains 7.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Cadillac CTS.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Cadillac CTS is 8.3 out of 10 while the Nissan Maxima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Cadillac CTS being ranked 8 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the Nissan Maxima being ranked 3 out of 8 Best Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Cadillac CTS is 7.9 out of 10. For the Nissan Maxima the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Maxima a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Cadillac CTS.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Cadillac CTS’s base engine makes 268 horsepower, and the Nissan Maxima base engine makes 300 horsepower. The CTS is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 570 miles. The Maxima is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 540 miles. This gives the Cadillac CTS the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Maxima. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan Maxima has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear shoulder room and cargo space. The Cadillac CTS has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room and rear leg room.

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