Nissan Maxima vs. Lexus IS 350
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Maxima and Lexus IS 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 IS 350.
In comparing the Nissan Maxima's and the Lexus IS 350'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 fuel efficiency and interior volume. The Lexus IS 350 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Maxima's and the Lexus IS 350's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2023 Nissan Maxima ranges from $27,992 to $42,119 while a used 2024 Lexus IS 350 is priced between $41,646 to $54,683. For a new model, the Nissan Maxima's price is between $37,077 and $46,938, with the Lexus IS 350 priced between $45,913 and $58,327.
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 IS 350 loses 37.3 percent of its value. This means the Lexus IS 350 retains 12.3 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 IS 350's quality rating is 9.1 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Maxima being ranked 3 out of 8 Best Large Cars and the Lexus IS 350 being ranked 1 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Maxima is 8.5 out of 10. For the Lexus IS 350 the reliability rating is 9.0 out of 10. This gives the Lexus IS 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 IS 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 IS 350 is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 487 miles. This gives the Nissan Maxima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Lexus IS 350. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan Maxima, a large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Lexus IS 350, a compact car, has the advantage in the area of rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Nissan Maxima and the Lexus IS 350 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$37,077 - $46,938
Starting MSRP:
$38,340
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Large Cars)
$35,372
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Large Cars)
$33,545 - $38,340
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$45,913 - $58,327
Starting MSRP:
$43,260
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$48,375
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$31,800 - $79,900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$35,654
Price Range:
$27,992 - $42,119
Category Avg Price:
(Large Cars)
$40,116
Category Avg Price Range:
(Large Cars)
$35,654 - $43,971
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
324
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
17,557
# Good or Great Deals:
89
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$47,863
Price Range:
$41,646 - $54,683
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$52,490
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$35,163 - $100,522
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
521
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
577
# Good or Great Deals:
6
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$19,194
Depreciation %:
50.1%
Resale Value $:
$19,146
Residual Value %:
49.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Large Cars)
43.9%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Large Cars)
39.9% - 50.1%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$16,492
Depreciation %:
38.1%
Resale Value $:
$26,768
Residual Value %:
61.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48.9%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33.5% - 53.5%
Nissan Maxima Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Lexus IS 350 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
9.1 / 10
Reliability:
9.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Maxima
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Large Cars)
9.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Large Cars)
8.8 - 9.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
23.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Lexus IS 350
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
14.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1 - 14.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
60.2%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Large Cars)
1.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Large Cars)
1.3 - 2.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.2 - 14.6
Nissan Maxima Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 8Ranking
3 out of / 8Ranking
3 out of / 8Ranking
3 out of / 8Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
6 out of / 8Ranking
7 out of / 8Ranking
7 out of / 8Lexus IS 350 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 36Ranking
1 out of / 36Ranking
1 out of / 36Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 36Ranking
20 out of / 36Ranking
27 out of / 36Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Nissan Maxima Trim Levels
3.5 Platinum, 3.5 SR, 3.5 SV
Lexus IS 350 Trim Levels
F SPORT, F SPORT Design
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
261 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.083 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
311 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
280 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.083 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 30 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
360 / 540 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 28 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
348 / 487 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
45 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.7 inches
Cargo Space:
14.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
98.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
32.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.4 inches
Cargo Space:
10.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
90.2 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3608 lbs
Width:
73.2 inches
Height:
56.5 inches
Length:
192.8 inches
Wheelbase:
109.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3748 lbs
Width:
72.4 inches
Height:
56.5 inches
Length:
185.4 inches
Wheelbase:
110.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/35R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Deep Blue Pearl
Gray
Gun Metallic
Red
Scarlet Ember Tintcoat
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Pearl White TriCoat
Exterior Colors
Black
Caviar
Blue
Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0
Gray
Cloudburst Gray / Incognito
Red
Infrared
Silver
Iridium
White
Ultra White
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
Brown
Cashmere
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black w/ Black Metallic Trim
Brown
Glazed Caramel w/ Black Metallic Trim
Red
Rioja Red w/ Black Metallic Trim
