Hyundai ELANTRA vs. Nissan Maxima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai ELANTRA 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 Hyundai ELANTRA and the Nissan Maxima.

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

Pricing: A used 2023 Hyundai ELANTRA ranges from $16,597 to $24,991 while a used 2023 Nissan Maxima is priced between $21,255 to $36,138. For a new model, the Hyundai ELANTRA's price is between $22,500 and $29,013, 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 Hyundai ELANTRA loses 40.6 percent of its value and the Nissan Maxima loses 54.2 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai ELANTRA retains 13.7 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 Hyundai ELANTRA is 8.2 out of 10 while the Nissan Maxima's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai ELANTRA being ranked 5 out of 31 Best Small Cars and the Nissan Maxima being ranked 3 out of 4 Best Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars' Reliability Rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA and Nissan Maxima is 7.5 out of 10.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai ELANTRA’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the Nissan Maxima base engine makes 300 horsepower. The ELANTRA is rated to deliver an average of 37 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 521 miles. The Maxima is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 540 miles.This gives the Hyundai ELANTRA the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Nissan Maxima the advantage in maximum range. The ELANTRA uses regular unleaded, and the Maxima uses premium unleaded.

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

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Nissan Maxima has higher safety ratings than the Hyundai ELANTRA, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.81 out of 5 Stars.