Nissan Altima vs. Maxima: A Comparison
The Nissan Altima and Maxima represent two of the brand's most iconic nameplates. Learn more about how these two models differ and which is right for you.
Read time
9 minutes
Date
03.08.2024
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Key takeaways
- The Nissan Altima and Nissan Maxima are iconic sedans offering luxury and performance, with the Altima being more compact and affordable, and the Maxima known for its power and slightly higher towing capacity.
- While the Maxima was discontinued in 2023, it offered premium features and a V6 engine, contrasting with the Altima's optional AWD and more fuel-efficient engines.
- The Altima offers more rear legroom and cargo space, emphasizing practicality and efficiency, ideal for daily driving and longer commutes.
The Nissan Altima and Maxima may not look it, but these imported sedans have been in production for over 30 years. The Nissan Altima, the smaller of the two, first graced the American car market in 1992. However, the larger Nissan Maxima is 11 years older. Over the course of three decades, Nissan has refined these sedans to please audiences across generations, incorporating a general sense of reliability across many aspects.
If you want to drive a Nissan Altima or Nissan Maxima, check out a FINN car subscription. FINN offers the chance to drive these Nissan sedans without the typical costs of car ownership. In fact, your monthly subscription fee includes many of the most significant ownership costs, from insurance and registration to depreciation and maintenance. Plus, FINN includes flexible terms to suit various lifestyles.
What’s the difference between the Nissan Altima vs. Maxima?
Check out the table below to learn more about the main differences in specs between these two import sedans:
| Nissan Altima | Nissan Maxima |
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If you go on to compare the winner of this head-to-head with other models on the market, making a list of differences can help you make a more informed decision. Whether you end up buying a BMW, Ford, Honda Accord, Mazda, Toyota Camry, Hyundai, or Nissan, mapping out the differences between different cars can make a significant impact on your final decision.
Nissan Altima vs. Maxima price
Nissan discontinued the Maxima nameplate in 2023. However, one of the many questions to ask when buying a used car is how much the car sold for new or what the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing (MSRP) was for that particular model year. Nissan priced the 2023 Maxima at $38,340 for the base SV model, $43,500 for the SR model, and $44,450 for the Maxima Platinum trim.
Compare this to the 2024 Nissan Altima, which starts at $26,000 even for the S model. SV models tack $800 onto the price tag, while Altima SR models start at $28,200. You can pick up the SR VC-Turbo model for $35,700, but the SL is slightly more affordable at $32,700. Visit NissanUSA.com or your local Nissan dealership to learn more about any sales or rebates.
Nissan Altima vs. Maxima size
The Nissan Altima and Maxima seat up to five passengers. The 2023 Maxima had a wheelbase of 109.3 inches, was 192.8 inches long, and stood 56.5 inches tall. The Maxima measured 192.8 inches long, 73.2 inches wide, and offered up to 34.2 inches of rear legroom.
Compare this to the 2024 Nissan Altima, which has a length of 192.9 inches and a wheelbase of 111.2 inches. The Altima measures 72.9 inches wide and 56.7 inches tall on base models. The SV, SL, and SR VC-Turbo models measure 56.8 inches tall, while the SR model is 56.9 inches. All models offer 35.2 inches of rear legroom.
Nissan Altima vs. Maxima interior features
The 2024 Nissan Altima features 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Standard and available interior features include remote start, leather seating, a moonroof, and remote keyless entry. Top trims incorporate a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a rear sunshade.
The 2023 Maxima offered up to 14.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity and many standard and optional features. Interior features include heated and cooled front seats, rain-sensing wipers, leather seating, heated rear seats, a heated leather steering wheel, sport-tuned suspension, a memory driver’s seat, a rear-window power sunshade, push-button start, and paddle shifters. Additional features include a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, aluminum sport pedals, and a charcoal headliner.
Nissan Altima vs. Maxima exterior and towing capacity
The Nissan Altima and Maxima share similar features and style cues regarding appearance. The Maxima is slightly larger but carries body lines similar to the Altima. One exterior feature that stands out between both models is the acute angle of the rear passenger window.
Both Nissan sedans require additional towing equipment to bear the brunt of any hauling jobs. However, the 2024 Altima can tow 50 more pounds than the 2023 Maxima, at 999 pounds total. That said, the Nissan Altima probably isn’t your first choice if you’re towing something substantial.
Nissan Altima vs. Maxima engine and fuel economy
The 2023 Nissan Maxima offered a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. The Maxima was offered only as a front-wheel-drive (FWD) sedan, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) responsible for shifting gears. The 2024 Nissan Altima calls upon a similar drivetrain with standard FWD but optional all-wheel drive (AWD).
The 2024 Altima features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. However, you can also upgrade to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque on the SR VC-Turbo model. This small four-cylinder engine in the 2024 Altima rivals the power of the larger V6 engine on the 2023 Maxima but with greater efficiency.
The 2023 Nissan Maxima achieved 20 city and 30 highway EPA-estimated miles-per-gallon (MPG) for 24 MPG combined. However, the 2024 Altima scores in the 29 to 32 MPG range. The SR is the least fuel-efficient model, with 25 city and 34 highway MPG. However, the base trim achieves 27 city and 39 highway MPG in the FWD configuration.
Nissan Altima vs. Maxima technology and safety features
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2023 Nissan Maxima “Good” ratings in all categories and named it among the 2022 Top Safety Pick+ models. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also awarded the 2023 Maxima a five-star overall safety rating, logging zero complaints, recalls, or investigations. The 2024 Altima received a similar five-star overall safety rating but scored “Good” ratings in all categories from the IIHS except the “Side: updated test,” where it scored “Poor.”
Standard safety features on the 2024 Nissan Altima include:
Intelligent Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking
Lane Departure Warning
Active Lane Centering
Automatic high beams
Blind-Spot Warning
Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Rear Collision System (Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Rear Automatic Braking)
Rear Parking Sensors
Additional safety features on the 2024 Altima include a 360-degree surround-view camera, Traffic Sign Information, Brake Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range and Hold, and Active Lane Keep Assist.
The 2024 Altima also features several advanced technologies, from wireless Apple CarPlay to a nine-speaker Bose premium audio system. However, base Altimas include Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker sound system, and a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen. Higher trims receive an eight-inch or a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
The 2023 Maxima incorporates similar advanced safety features, including:
Blind Spot Warning
Rear Automatic Braking
Lane Departure Warning
Intelligent Forward Collision Warning
Rear Door Alert
Rearview Monitor
Intelligent Driver Alertness
Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
Intelligent Cruise Control
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Rear Sonar System
High Beam Assist
Traffic Sign Recognition
A front and rear sonar system, Intelligent Around View Monitor, and Intelligent Lane Intervention comprise the list of optional safety features on the 2023 Nissan Maxima.
Standard tech features include a seven-inch drive-assist display with an eight-inch touchscreen display, NissanConnect with Wi-Fi Hotspot, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Door to Door Navigation, and Android Auto. Optional features include active sound enhancement, active noise cancellation, and a Bose premium audio sound system with 11 speakers.
Who is a Nissan Altima for?
Despite its smaller stature, the Nissan Altima ranks among the best cars for tall people. The front shoulder and hip room allow for more wiggle room behind the wheels. Plus, the Altima scores well in fuel efficiency. Nissan also prices the Altima very affordably at a sub-$30,000 base MSRP.
Who is a Nissan Maxima for?
If you’re looking for a used Nissan or just want to take advantage of those few extra inches the Maxima holds over the Altima, the larger Nissan sedan works in your favor. In addition, potential buyers can benefit from purchasing the Maxima based on the depreciation it’s already experienced as an older model. While the Maxima may not be as fuel-efficient, it’s got plenty of power for passing on the highway.
Which is better: Nissan Altima vs. Maxima?
Between the Nissan Altima and Maxima, the Altima edges out its older sibling regarding brand-new technology and features. The Maxima left its mark on the automotive market before it was discontinued in 2023, but it still represents a solid used car pick for most drivers. The Nissan Altima may have a more fuel-efficient powertrain and more cargo space, but the Maxima scores high in safety ratings.
What if you didn’t have to pick between these two capable Nissan sedans? A FINN car subscription unlocks the door to both models, with flexible terms that let you choose between subscriptions of six months to two years. Subscribe to FINN to bundle your car expenses into one convenient monthly payment, including insurance, registration, maintenance, and depreciation. The question then becomes, “Which Nissan sedan will you drive first?”
Which is better: Nissan Altima vs. Maxima?
Between the Nissan Altima and Maxima, the Altima edges out its older sibling regarding brand-new technology and features. The Maxima left its mark on the automotive market before it was discontinued in 2023, but it still represents a solid used car pick for most drivers. The Nissan Altima may have a more fuel-efficient powertrain and more cargo space, but the Maxima scores high in safety ratings.
What if you didn’t have to pick between these two capable Nissan sedans? A FINN car subscription unlocks the door to both models, with flexible terms that let you choose between subscriptions of six months to two years. Subscribe to FINN to bundle your car expenses into one convenient monthly payment, including insurance, registration, maintenance, and depreciation. The question then becomes, “Which Nissan sedan will you drive first?”
Nissan Altima vs. Maxima FAQs
If you’re looking for the best SUV lease deals or short-term car leases, the following questions won’t help much. However, they are helpful if you’re trying to decide between the Nissan Altima and the Maxima.
Why is the Nissan Maxima so fast?
The Nissan Maxima is fast because it was the brand’s flagship midsize sedan until 2023. The Maxima had to keep up with other fast cars in the segment, even if it sacrificed a few MPG.
Which is bigger: the Nissan Altima or the Nissan Sentra?
The Nissan Altima is larger than the Nissan Sentra. The Sentra is one of the brand's smallest compact sedans, alongside the Nissan Versa.
What are the main differences between the Nissan Altima and Maxima?
The main differences between the Nissan Altima and Maxima include availability, fuel efficiency, price, and technology. The Maxima, discontinued in 2023, will continue to lag behind the Altima in advanced features and fuel-efficient powertrains, but not necessarily driving experience. However, the Altima is still smaller than the Maxima but begins at a lower price point.
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