Ford Taurus vs. Nissan Maxima

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

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

Pricing: A used 2019 Ford Taurus ranges from $13,500 to $25,808 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 Ford Taurus loses 50.2 percent of its value and the Nissan Maxima loses 49.7 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Maxima retains 0.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Taurus.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Taurus is 8.4 out of 10 while the Nissan Maxima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Ford Taurus being ranked 5 out of 8 Best Large Cars and the Nissan Maxima being ranked 3 out of 8.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Taurus is 7.8 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 Taurus.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Taurus’s base engine makes 288 horsepower, and the Nissan Maxima base engine makes 300 horsepower. The Taurus is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 494 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 Taurus. The Taurus uses regular unleaded, and the Maxima uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are large cars, the Ford Taurus 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 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 Taurus and the Nissan Maxima have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.