The 2018 Nissan Maxima straddles the line between mid-size and full-size sedans.
It’s big outside, but not so roomy inside.
By comparison, the Toyota Avalon is much more traditional with its massive interior and Lexus-lite feel.
The Volkswagen Passat delivers a massive rear seat and is entertaining with its optional V-6 engine and sports suspension.
Honda’s new Accord is lithe and entertaining, and its turbo-4 engines have us almost ready to forget about V-6 power.
The most composed big sedan in this class is the Dodge Charger, even in reasonably priced V-6 guise; opt for one of its several V-8s and it’s a muscle car with room for the kiddos.
And if you’re in the Nissan showroom, you might as well check out the Altima—in 3.5SR form, it’s a cheaper, roomier, less-sporty Maxima.
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 2018 Nissan MaximaBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Dodge ChargerBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Nissan AltimaBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Toyota AvalonBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Volkswagen PassatBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2018 Nissan Maxima is a zippier alternative to more traditional full-size cars, but we stop short of calling it a real sports sedan. |
The 2018 Dodge Charger has aged remarkably well–and if it’s four-door muscle you need, few sedans deliver its performance thrill. |
The 2018 Nissan Altima does almost nothing out of the ordinary. |
The 2018 Toyota Avalon is a spacious full-size sedan that prioritizes comfort and safety above keeping up with the Joneses. |
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat does little wrong, but its stoicism means it isn’t much fun. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $33,420 | $28,995 | $23,260 | $33,500 | $22,995 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 21 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Premium Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Midsize Cars | Large Cars | Midsize Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Mid-Size Cars |
| Style Name | ||||
| S 3.5L | SXT RWD | 2.5 S Sedan | XLE (SE) | 2.0T S Automatic |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front 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 | ||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | ||||
| CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2018 Nissan Maxima vs. 2018 Dodge Charger | 2018 Nissan Maxima vs. 2018 Nissan Altima | 2018 Nissan Maxima vs. 2018 Toyota Avalon | 2018 Nissan Maxima vs. 2018 Volkswagen Passat | |
