Nissan Maxima vs. Lexus ES 250

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Maxima and Lexus ES 250 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 Nissan Maxima and the Lexus ES 250.

When comparing the Nissan Maxima's and the Lexus ES 250's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Maxima 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 base engine power. The Lexus ES 250 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Maxima's and the Lexus ES 250's specifications and ratings, the Lexus ES 250 is a better car than the Nissan Maxima.

Pricing: A used 2023 Nissan Maxima ranges from $21,255 to $36,138 while a used 2023 Lexus ES 250 is priced between $30,268 to $42,901. For a new model, the Nissan Maxima's price is between $42,493 and $47,075, with the Lexus ES 250 priced between $46,755 and $49,114.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Nissan Maxima loses 54.2 percent of its value and the Lexus ES 250 loses 44.6 percent of its value. This means the Lexus ES 250 retains 9.6 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 Nissan Maxima is 7.7 out of 10 while the Lexus ES 250's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Maxima being ranked 3 out of 4 Best Large Cars and the Lexus ES 250 being ranked 3 out of 20 Best Luxury Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Maxima is 7.5 out of 10. For the Lexus ES 250 the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Lexus ES 250 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Maxima.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Nissan Maxima’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Lexus ES 250 base engine makes 203 horsepower. The Maxima is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 540 miles. The ES 250 is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 541 miles. This gives the Lexus ES 250 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Maxima. The Maxima uses premium unleaded, and the ES 250 uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Lexus ES 250, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more rear head room and rear leg room. The Nissan Maxima, a large car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Nissan Maxima and the Lexus ES 250 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.