2013 Nissan Maxima vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 7.6 out of 10

Get FREE Price Quote
What’s this?

What’s this? X

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.

Bengt Halvorson

Deputy Editor BIO

Bengt Halvorson is Deputy Editor of High Gear Media's portfolio of car sites, overseeing the production of reviews, evaluating vehicles firsthand... More

LATEST ARTICLE
2013 Honda Accord V6 Touring: Driven
The Honda Accord is now in its ninth generation, and as we reported in our First Drive of the 2013... Read More

#2LEADERBOARD RANK
2657ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
108COMMENTS POSTED

Jul 9, 2012

The Nissan Maxima remains pushed as a four-door sports car, but it's best to simply forget about that, and consider it as a V-6 luxury sedan that has more style than other non-luxury-brand alternatives.

If you want a somewhat sporty driving feel and love the Maxima's styling, we'd give the nod to the Maxima over a base Acura TL, even though you do give up the Lexus dealership experience that's part of the price.

In more expensive SH-AWD guise, the TL is the sportier pick, however.

The Toyota Avalon gives you a roomy interior, but we think that even for 2013 its styling isn't as flamboyant as the Maxima's.

The Buick LaCrosse and Ford Taurus are both more sedate but very competent alternatives, but the Taurus has some of the same back-seat issues as the Maxima and the LaCrosse doesn't feel sporty at all unless you move to its upper trims.

The Volkswagen CC has been given a slight refresh for 2013, and its interesting packaging and nimble, lighter driving feel (in 2.0T form) could be an appealing alternative.

The Dodge Charger is sort of an alter-ego to the smooth, curvy Maxima; its crisp styling and rear-wheel-drive layout appeal to a completely different kind of shopper, but Charger V-6 models are appealing and sporty in some of the same ways to those who want an 'almost' sport sedan without too many compromises.

2013 Nissan Maxima Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Buick Lacrosse Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Dodge Charger Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Toyota Avalon Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Volkswagen CC Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Acura TL Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.6 The 2013 Nissan Maxima offers a lot more flair than the typical larger sedan, along with premium feel inside; but driving enthusiasts should be aware that it isn't quite a serious sport sedan.	8.2 The 2013 Buick LaCrosse hits the mark for comfort, sophistication, and refinement in a large sedan—and its 36-mpg rating is icing on the cake.	8 The 2013 Dodge Charger hits all the right blue-collar chords, yet its interior may impress the upper crust.	8.4 The 2013 Toyota Avalon is more responsive and sophisticated than ever before, without giving up any comfort; and in the new Avalon Hybrid, 40 mpg has never been so serene.	7.8 The 2013 Volkswagen CC sacrifices some practicality in the name of fashion, and feels like a luxury car in many respects.	8 The 2012 Acura TL is a surprisingly well-rounded luxury sedan, with a host of advanced tech features, and in top SH-AWD trim morphs into a complete and compelling sport sedan.
MSRP From
$33,270	$31,660	$25,995	$30,990	$30,545	$35,705
Gas Mileage
19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy	14 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	21 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas V6	Gas/Electric I4	Gas V6	Gas V6	Turbocharged Gas I4	Gas V6
EPA Class
Midsize Cars	Midsize Cars	Large Car	Large	Compact	Mid-Size
Style Name
4dr Sedan 3.5 S	4dr Sedan Base FWD	4dr Sedan SE RWD	4dr Sedan XLE (Natl)	4dr Sedan Man Sport	4dr Sedan Auto 2WD
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front-Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
Sedan	Sedan	Sedan	Sedan	Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Continuously Variable Ratio	Automatic w/manual shift	Automatic	Automatic	Manual	Automatic