Nissan Maxima vs. Nissan Sentra

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

When comparing the Nissan Maxima's and the Nissan Sentra's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Maxima has the advantage in the areas of reliability and base engine power. The Nissan Sentra 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, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Maxima's and the Nissan Sentra's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Sentra 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 Nissan Sentra is priced between $16,093 to $23,530. For a new model, the Nissan Maxima's price is between $42,493 and $47,075, with the Nissan Sentra priced between $21,632 and $27,548.

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 Nissan Sentra loses 40.7 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Sentra retains 13.6 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 Nissan Sentra's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Maxima being ranked 3 out of 4 Best Large Cars and the Nissan Sentra being ranked 16 out of 29 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Maxima is 7.5 out of 10. For the Nissan Sentra the reliability rating is 7.3 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Maxima a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Sentra.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Nissan Maxima’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Nissan Sentra base engine makes 149 horsepower. The Maxima is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 540 miles. The Sentra is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 484 miles.This gives the Nissan Sentra the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Nissan Maxima the advantage in maximum range. The Maxima uses premium unleaded, and the Sentra uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan Sentra, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more 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 and rear shoulder room. The Nissan Maxima and Nissan Sentra are comparable in regards to rear head room and cargo space.

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