Subaru WRX vs. Nissan Maxima

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

In comparing the Subaru WRX's and the Nissan Maxima's specifications and ratings, the Subaru WRX has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. 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 base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru WRX's and the Nissan Maxima's specifications and ratings, the Subaru WRX is a better car than the Nissan Maxima.

Pricing: A used 2023 Subaru WRX ranges from $25,000 to $34,309 while a used 2023 Nissan Maxima is priced between $21,255 to $36,138. For a new model, the Subaru WRX's price is between $31,423 and $45,191, with the Nissan Maxima priced between $42,493 and $47,075.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru WRX loses 35.3 percent of its value and the Nissan Maxima loses 54.2 percent of its value. This means the Subaru WRX retains 19 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 Subaru WRX is 8.5 out of 10 while the Nissan Maxima's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Subaru WRX being ranked 7 out of 37 Best Small Cars and the Nissan Maxima being ranked 4 out of 7 Best Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru WRX is 7.6 out of 10. For the Nissan Maxima the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Subaru WRX a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Maxima.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru WRX’s base engine makes 271 horsepower, and the Nissan Maxima base engine makes 300 horsepower. The WRX is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 432 miles. The Maxima is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 540 miles. This gives the Nissan Maxima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Subaru WRX. Both models use premium unleaded.

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

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