2010 Nissan Maxima vs. Its Competition

2010 Nissan Maxima 4-door Sedan V6 CVT 3.5 SV Angular Front Exterior View

Meta Rating 8 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

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4 Jan 18, 2010

The 2010 Nissan Maxima is more of a perky, smooth, and stylish V-6 luxury sedan than an outright sport sedan.

The Dodge Charger R/T doesn't have an interior that's as stylish as the Maxima's or one that offers the same level of appointments and tech options.

At the opposite end of the scale, for those who might want even more comfort and interior space, there's the Toyota Avalon, although the Avalon is less exciting to drive and look at.

In between, the Volkswagen Passat VR6 offers similar performance and a very attractive, comfortable interior, along with available all-wheel drive, but it's quite a bit more expensive.

The relatively fresh 2010 Acura TL is also a formidable rival to the Maxima thanks to its sharp looks and similar characteristics—and the Acura's a step ahead as it does offer a manual transmission.

2010 Nissan Maxima Browse Used Listings	2010 Acura TL Browse Used Listings	2010 Dodge Charger Browse Used Listings	2010 Toyota Avalon Browse Used Listings	2003 Volkswagen Passat Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8 The 2010 Nissan Maxima might look like a sport sedan, but it lacks the edgy, high-performance feel necessary to complete the package.	7.8 Boldly styled and laden with high-tech features, the 2010 Acura TL is a solid value, though enthusiasts might find its overall ability lacking.	7.8 The 2010 Dodge Charger is starting to show its age against many of its rivals, but its muscle-car appeal and low pricing will never get old.	7.8 The 2010 Toyota Avalon offers a Lexus-caliber interior experience, at a Toyota price.	N/A
MSRP From
$30,690	$35,105	$24,590	$27,945	$21,750
Gas Mileage
19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	13 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas I4
EPA Class
Mid-Size	Mid-Size	Large	Large	Mid-Size
Style Name
4dr Sedan V6 CVT 3.5 S	4dr Sedan 2WD	4dr Sedan RWD	4dr Sedan XL (Natl)	4dr Sedan GL Manual
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front-Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4dr Sdn	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sdn
Transmission
Continuously Variable	Automatic w/OD	Automatic	Automatic w/OD	Manual w/OD