It’s no surprise that large cars are disappearing from the American market in favor of larger SUVs. However, before big, comfortable sedans disappear entirely, the new and used market has a few solid options to offer. So, how do two of the most popular large cars from Toyota and Nissan compare against each other? Check out how the 2022 Toyota Avalon stacks up with the 2022 and 2023 Nissan Maxima. 

Are Nissan Maximas fuel efficient?

A 2023 Nissan Maxima gets around 20 mpg city and 30 mpg at highway speeds from its 300-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine. Fuel economy like that is commendable, considering the Maxima’s size and performance. 

However, the Nissan sedan model isn’t quite up to the standards of the Toyota Avalon. A 2022 Avalon offers a comparable 3.5L V6 with one extra horsepower and two extra mpg. Moreover, the Avalon offers hybrid trims that get as much as 43 mpg city and 44 highway from a 2.5L inline four-cylinder engine and a hybrid electric platform.  

Is a Toyota Avalon a safe car?

The 2022 Toyota Avalon gets a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, the Toyota model earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Pair those scores with a generous safety feature suite, and the Toyota Avalon is undoubtedly safe. 

However, the 2022 Nissan Maxima bests the Avalon’s safety scores. For instance, the Maxima earned a five-star NHTSA rating, but the Nissan model also snagged a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Specifically, the Avalon’s headlights in the XLE and XSE trims received a  “poor” rating for inadequate performance.   

Is a Toyota Avalon more spacious than a Nissan Maxima?

The 2022 Toyota Avalon has 16.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity and ample space for up to five occupants. As a result, the Avalon has a comparable amount of storage space as a Dodge Charger or Chrysler 300 and nearly two cubic feet more than the 2023 Nissan Maxima.  

How many miles does a Maxima last?

Regarding lifespan, the Nissan Maxima can’t hope to compete with the Toyota Avalon’s longevity figures. A Maxima should last 200,000 or more miles with proper care and maintenance. However, competitors like the Avalon and Accord promise closer to 250,000 or more.  

According to iSeeCars, the Toyota Avalon’s average lifespan figure is an impressive 245,710 miles. As a result, the Toyota model snagged the No. 1 spot in the lifespan study, beating the second-place Chevrolet Impala by over 15,000 miles. Unfortunately for Maxima fans, the sedan didn’t make the top 10. However, both sedans should be able to last well over 200,000 miles with judicious maintenance.

Why is Toyota discontinuing the Avalon? 

It’s true; Toyota is discontinuing the Avalon after the 2022 model year. The automaker is shelving the model to make way for the lifted Crown and other hybridized and electrified vehicles for its 2023 lineup. 

However, the Nissan Maxima has greater staying power than the Avalon; Nissan will continue to produce it for the 2023 model year. 

Which is better, the Nissan Maxima or the Toyota Avalon?

The Toyota Avalon is more spacious, efficient, and versatile than the Maxima. Moreover, the 2021 Avalon featured optional all-wheel drive (AWD), a grippy feature that helps drivers stay sure-footed in inclement weather. 

However, the 2022 Nissan Maxima received higher safety scores from the IIHS. Still, if you care about practicality over safety scores, the Toyota Avalon is the best bet.