
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.
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Quick Specs | |||||
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. |
The 2013 Acura TL is a comfortable, attractive, and well-equipped luxury sedan--but in top SH-AWD guise it morphs into something that even driving enthusiasts will find compelling. |
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. |
The 2013 Dodge Charger hits all the right blue-collar chords, yet its interior may impress the upper crust. |
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. |
The 2013 Volkswagen CC sacrifices some practicality in the name of fashion, and feels like a luxury car in many respects. |
MSRP From | |||||
$31,000 | $35,905 | $31,660 | $26,295 | $30,990 | $30,545 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas/Electric I4 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Turbocharged Gas I4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Midsize Cars | Mid-Size | Midsize Cars | Large Car | Large | Compact |
Style Name | |||||
4-Door Sedan 3.5 S | 4-Door Sedan Automatic 2WD | 4-Door Sedan Base FWD | 4-Door Sedan SE RWD | 4-Door Sedan XLE (GS) | 4-Door Sedan Manual Sport |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear 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 | Sedan |
Transmission | |||||
Continuously Variable Ratio | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic w/manual shift | Automatic | Automatic | Manual |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2013 Nissan Maxima vs. 2013 Acura TL | 2013 Nissan Maxima vs. 2013 Buick Lacrosse | 2013 Nissan Maxima vs. 2013 Dodge Charger | 2013 Nissan Maxima vs. 2013 Toyota Avalon | 2013 Nissan Maxima vs. 2013 Volkswagen CC |