Mazda MAZDA6 vs. Nissan Maxima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda MAZDA6 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 Mazda MAZDA6 and the Nissan Maxima.

When we compare the Mazda MAZDA6's and the Nissan Maxima's specifications and ratings, the Mazda MAZDA6 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The Nissan Maxima has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mazda MAZDA6's and the Nissan Maxima's specifications and ratings, the Mazda MAZDA6 is a better car than the Nissan Maxima.

Pricing: A used 2021 Mazda MAZDA6 ranges from $16,083 to $26,998 while a used 2021 Nissan Maxima is priced between $16,999 to $30,464.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda MAZDA6 loses 43.3 percent of its value and the Nissan Maxima loses 54.2 percent of its value. This means the Mazda MAZDA6 retains 11 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 Mazda MAZDA6 is 8.0 out of 10 while the Nissan Maxima's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Mazda MAZDA6 being ranked 5 out of 11 Best Midsize Cars and the Nissan Maxima being ranked 3 out of 4 Best Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mazda MAZDA6 is 7.7 out of 10. For the Nissan Maxima the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Mazda MAZDA6 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Maxima.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda MAZDA6’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the Nissan Maxima base engine makes 300 horsepower. The MAZDA6 is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 574 miles. The Maxima is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 540 miles. This gives the Mazda MAZDA6 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Maxima. The MAZDA6 uses regular unleaded, and the Maxima uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Mazda MAZDA6, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Nissan Maxima, a large car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room and rear shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Mazda MAZDA6 and the Nissan Maxima have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.