2020 Nissan Maxima

With an MSRP of $34,250, the Maxima S sets a relatively affordable entry point for the Maxima lineup, with the SV following closely behind at an MSRP of $36,450. Closing in on the $40k mark is the SL with its MSRP of $38,640 while the SR breaches that mark with an asking price of $41,450. The Platinum carries an MSRP of $41,640 and the Platinum Reserve an MSRP of $42,780. Those prices are excluding Nissan's destination and delivery charge of $895 as well as any tax, registration, and licensing fees.

There's a notable compromise in the Maxima's ride quality; while its suspension is nicely damped and tuned for sporty handling, it comes at the expense of ride comfort, making the Maxima a little firm for the segment in which it competes. Everyday road imperfections and bumps are dealt with reasonably well, but not to the extent of many of its less sporty rivals with softer suspensions. The Maxima SR model comes equipped with an even firmer suspension setup, which further compromises on ride comfort, but there are few rivals that can compete with the SR in terms of handling. Nissan has done a good job of isolating the cabin from exterior noise though, which gives the Maxima with a premium nature when out on the road.

While there could be more feedback and better weighting from the steering, the Maxima is relatively easy to control. Oddly, the steering feels heavy at lower speeds and tends to feel lighter and more agile at higher speeds, feeling more un-assisted than the industry norm. While there isn't the same sensation as the best hydraulic or unassisted systems on the market, the responses are quick and direct and the steering inspires confidence. However, the Maxima's dynamic limits are fairly low, and while it manages to keep body roll down to a minimum when punted through bends aggressively, grip yields to understeer if you push too hard.

There's nothing overtly exceptional about the 2020 Nissan Maxima, and, as a sporty full-size family sedan, it doesn't stand out - not like a Dodge Charger or V8-powered Chrysler 300 does. Nevertheless, it still offers plenty of appeal for the typical full-size sedan buyer. It lacks the cushy ride comfort that has come to typify the segment, but it handles decently and the V6 engine under the hood is one of the most impressive in the segment. However, the engine is let down by a CVT automatic gearbox, which dims mid-range responses and robs the Maxima of driver enjoyment for the sake of gas mileage, although the Maxima isn't exactly a standout in this regard either. Where the Maxima offers exceptional attributes is the interior: sublimely comfortable seats, a well-built, high-quality interior, and impressive levels of specification are up there with the best rivals, even if the interior dimensions are matched and even beaten by smaller midsize sedans. Throw in an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating and loads of standard safety equipment, and the Maxima is the complete package. It isn't the four-door sports car Nissan lays claim to, but it's a comprehensive full-size sedan well worth taking a look at.

The Maxima range is broad and well-equipped right from the base S trim, so we really couldn't fault you for saving some money and getting a Maxima S. However, from the six available trims, the SL presents the best package. In addition to the heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, SiriusXM and HD radio of the SV, it also gets a power panoramic sunroof, the premium 11-speaker Bose sound system, and creature comforts like a heated steering wheel, LED ambient interior lighting, and active noise cancellation. These make it a truly high-quality sedan crammed with plenty of value for how much you'll fork out, especially at the Maxima's reasonable price.

The Nissan Altima is classified as a midsize sedan and so is supposed to be smaller and more affordable than the Maxima - it is around $10,000 more affordable, in fact. The Altima boasts a more sophisticated appearance inside and out while the Maxima's aesthetic errs on the sportier side of things. The Maxima is equipped with a stronger engine than the Altima's, but with less weight to carry, the Altima is almost as quick in base form, while the available turbocharged engine sees it outgun the larger Maxima while consuming less fuel. The Altima also offers buyers both FWD and AWD, making it more suitable for cold-weather climates. Despite being classified as a smaller vehicle, the Altima is incredibly well-packaged, and with a longer wheelbase than the Maxima, it boasts more interior volume and a bigger trunk. It's a no-brainer, with more power, greater efficiency, more space, and a $10,000 saving, the Altima is the superior Nissan sedan.

Also around $10,000 cheaper than the Maxima, the mid-size Honda Accord is actually as large as the Maxima, and gives buyers even more passenger room, along with a larger trunk. The Accord doesn't leave things there, though, as it proudly offers two turbocharged engines that offer greater efficiency than the Maxima, while the available manual gearbox means you can take control of a wonderfully engaging chassis and potent engine combination. While the Maxima's Platinum Reserve trim might equip luxurious interior trimmings, on lower trims the Accord feels just as luxurious, while boasting as much functionality and just as much safety equipment. It begs the question, why spring for the more expensive full-size sedan when the mid-size Accord does almost everything better?