Ford Fusion vs. Nissan Maxima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Fusion 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 Ford Fusion and the Nissan Maxima.

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

Pricing: A used 2020 Ford Fusion ranges from $14,994 to $23,000 while a used 2020 Nissan Maxima is priced between $17,780 to $29,998.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Fusion loses 42.3 percent of its value and the Nissan Maxima loses 49.7 percent of its value. This means the Ford Fusion retains 7.4 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 Ford Fusion is 8.7 out of 10 while the Nissan Maxima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Ford Fusion being ranked 4 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Nissan Maxima being ranked 3 out of 8 Best Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Fusion is 8.2 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 Ford Fusion.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Fusion’s base engine makes 175 horsepower, and the Nissan Maxima base engine makes 300 horsepower. The Fusion is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 512 miles. The Maxima is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 540 miles. This gives the Nissan Maxima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Fusion. The Fusion uses regular unleaded, and the Maxima uses premium unleaded.

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

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