Nissan Maxima vs. Lexus GS 350

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Maxima and Lexus GS 350 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 GS 350.

When we compare the Nissan Maxima's and the Lexus GS 350's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Maxima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and overall quality score. The Lexus GS 350 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Maxima's and the Lexus GS 350's specifications and ratings, the Lexus GS 350 is a better car than the Nissan Maxima.

Pricing: A used 2020 Nissan Maxima ranges from $17,780 to $29,998 while a used 2020 Lexus GS 350 is priced between $32,221 to $43,823.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Nissan Maxima loses 49.7 percent of its value and the Lexus GS 350 loses 44.3 percent of its value. This means the Lexus GS 350 retains 5.4 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 8.6 out of 10 while the Lexus GS 350's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Maxima being ranked 3 out of 8 Best Large Cars and the Lexus GS 350 being ranked 7 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Maxima is 8.5 out of 10. For the Lexus GS 350 the reliability rating is 9.0 out of 10. This gives the Lexus GS 350 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 GS 350 base engine makes 311 horsepower. The Maxima is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 540 miles. The GS 350 is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 452 miles. This gives the Nissan Maxima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Lexus GS 350. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Lexus GS 350, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, 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 and front leg room. The Nissan Maxima and Lexus GS 350 are comparable in regards to rear shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: The Nissan Maxima has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.