Volvo S60 vs. Nissan Maxima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volvo S60 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 Volvo S60 and the Nissan Maxima.

When we compare the Volvo S60's and the Nissan Maxima's specifications and ratings, the Volvo S60 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, fuel efficiency and resale value. The Nissan Maxima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, interior volume and base engine power. The Volvo S60 and Nissan Maxima have the same overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Volvo S60's and the Nissan Maxima's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Maxima is a better car than the Volvo S60.

Pricing: A used 2023 Volvo S60 ranges from $23,108 to $37,325 while a used 2023 Nissan Maxima is priced between $21,255 to $36,138. For a new model, the Volvo S60's price is between $39,595 and $51,199, 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 Volvo S60 loses 52.4 percent of its value and the Nissan Maxima loses 54.2 percent of its value. This means the Volvo S60 retains 1.8 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 Volvo S60 and Nissan Maxima is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Volvo S60 being ranked 13 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Nissan Maxima being ranked 4 out of 7 Best Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volvo S60 is 7.4 out of 10. For the Nissan Maxima the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Maxima a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volvo S60.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volvo S60’s base engine makes 247 horsepower, and the Nissan Maxima base engine makes 300 horsepower. The S60 is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 557 miles. The Maxima is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 540 miles. This gives the Volvo S60 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Maxima. 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, and cargo space. The Volvo S60, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of rear head room and rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Volvo S60 and the Nissan Maxima have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.