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.

When 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 $21,255 to $36,138 while a used 2023 Lexus IS 350 is priced between $39,191 to $49,249. For a new model, the Nissan Maxima's price is between $42,493 and $47,075, with the Lexus IS 350 priced between $47,299 and $55,573.

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 IS 350 loses 39.2 percent of its value. This means the Lexus IS 350 retains 15 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 IS 350's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Maxima being ranked 4 out of 7 Best Large Cars and the Lexus IS 350 being ranked 2 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Maxima is 7.5 out of 10. For the Lexus IS 350 the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Lexus IS 350 an 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.