Hyundai SONATA vs. Nissan Maxima

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

When comparing the Hyundai SONATA's and the Nissan Maxima's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SONATA 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 areas of reliability and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai SONATA's and the Nissan Maxima's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SONATA is a better car than the Nissan Maxima.

Pricing: A used 2023 Hyundai SONATA ranges from $17,689 to $28,386 while a used 2023 Nissan Maxima is priced between $21,255 to $36,138. For a new model, the Hyundai SONATA's price is between $26,805 and $36,190, 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 SONATA loses 46.2 percent of its value and the Nissan Maxima loses 54.2 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai SONATA retains 8 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 SONATA is 8.1 out of 10 while the Nissan Maxima's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai SONATA being ranked 4 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Nissan Maxima being ranked 4 out of 7 Best Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai SONATA is 7.1 out of 10. For the Nissan Maxima the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Maxima a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai SONATA.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai SONATA’s base engine makes 191 horsepower, and the Nissan Maxima base engine makes 300 horsepower. The SONATA is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 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 SONATA the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Maxima. The SONATA uses regular unleaded, and the Maxima uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Hyundai SONATA, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.

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