While Nissan continues to market the Maxima as sporty alternative to large mainstream sedans, it's probably best to simply look at it as a V-6 luxury sedan with more style than its non-luxury competitors.
If you're looking for a sporty big car, we'd choose the Maxima over a base Acura TL, even though you'd lose some of the luxury dealership experience in the process.
A TL with SH-AWD is the sportier of the two, though, and the more expensive.
The Toyota Avalon is a now-stylish alternative, but we think the Maxima still looks better in person.
The LaCrosse is a more sedate option than the Maxima, but its seats are also more plush.
The VW CC with the 2.0T engine feels light, peppy and nimble for the same price as the Nissan.
There's also the Dodge Charger with this chunky, block-like design.
It's sort of the all-American choice in the bunch with its sporty driving dynamics and rear-wheel drive layout.
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 2014 Nissan MaximaBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Acura TLBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Buick LacrosseBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Dodge ChargerBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Toyota AvalonBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Volkswagen CCBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2014 Nissan Maxima isn't the enthusiast car it claims to be, but it is a more luxurious, more stylish option than many of its competitors. |
The 2014 Acura TL is an attractive, comfortable, well-appointed luxury sedan. Choose the SH-AWD model, and you have yourself a legitimate sport sedan, too. |
Great on gas or long on comfort and refinement--the Buick LaCrosse can be either, though we'd steer you toward the premium editions. |
The 2014 Dodge Charger's interior may surprise luxury car shoppers, but it'll definitely delight the blue collar crowd. |
The 2014 Toyota Avalon is far more youthful than it used to be, with a more responsive, sophisticated personality, an excellent interior, and a 40-mpg Hybrid version -- plus of course top-notch comfort all around. |
The 2014 Volkswagen CC eschews a little practicality in the name of fashion; but even some who need to use it as a sedan will find it a worthwhile compromise. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $31,290 | $36,030 | $33,535 | $26,995 | $31,590 | $31,795 |
| 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 | |||||
| Premium Unleaded V-6 | Premium Unleaded V-6 | Gas/Electric I4 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Large Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars |
| 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 PZEV *Ltd Avail* |
| 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 | |||||
| CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2014 Nissan Maxima vs. 2014 Acura TL | 2014 Nissan Maxima vs. 2014 Buick Lacrosse | 2014 Nissan Maxima vs. 2014 Dodge Charger | 2014 Nissan Maxima vs. 2014 Toyota Avalon | 2014 Nissan Maxima vs. 2014 Volkswagen CC | |
