Nissan Maxima vs. Toyota Avalon

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

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

Pricing: A used 2022 Nissan Maxima ranges from $18,995 to $33,626 while a used 2022 Toyota Avalon is priced between $23,973 to $39,286.

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 Toyota Avalon loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Avalon retains 11.1 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 Toyota Avalon's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Maxima being ranked 3 out of 4 Best Large Cars and the Toyota Avalon being ranked 1 out of 4.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Maxima is 7.5 out of 10. For the Toyota Avalon the reliability rating is 8.7 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Avalon 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 Toyota Avalon base engine makes 301 horsepower. The Maxima is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 540 miles. The Avalon is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 464 miles.This gives the Toyota Avalon the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Nissan Maxima the advantage in maximum range. The Maxima uses premium unleaded, and the Avalon uses regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are large cars, the Toyota Avalon has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Nissan Maxima has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.

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