Vehicle Matchup – Honda Accord VS Nissan Maxima
Nissan Maxima
Engine: 3.5L
Horsepower: 290
Fuel Economy: 19 City / 26 Hwy
MSRP: Starting at $31,290
Inside the 2014 Nissan Maxima:
Nissan aired a very emotional Super Bowl commercial earlier this month which has been titled, “With Dad.” At the end of the ad, we got a glimpse of the all-new 2016 Nissan Maxima which is set to be released later this year. Nissan is set to give a full preview of the 2016 model at the New York Auto Show held in April of this year. Until then, the 2014 edition has been carried over into this year and is available at dealerships across the county. The Nissan Maxima is billed as a four-door sports car and includes a powerful 290-hp, 3.5-Liter V6 engine. This aggressive engine and advanced sport-tuned suspension gives the car a flashy feel. Consumers have the option between the base S model and upgraded SV, with additional Sport and Premium SV packages. Prices range from $37,230 for the SV with Premium Package and begin at just $31,290 for the base Maxima S.
While the fuel economy of the 2014 Maxima isn’t very spectacular, there are rumors that Nissan will possibly add a Nissan Maxima Hybrid option and add more powerful engine with the 2016 model. The 2014 Maxima is a premium sedan with a very comfortable and luxurious feel. Premium features come standard in all models including power sliding moonroof, Intelligent Key®, and Bluetooth phone system. Available upgrades include Bose® audio system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Rearview monitor and premium mood lighting.
Honda Accord
Engine: 2.4L
Horsepower: 185
Fuel Economy: 26 City / 35 Hwy
MSRP: Starting at $22,105
Inside the 2015 Honda Accord:
The Honda Accord is available in both sedan and coupe configurations as well as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid option. The base model engine on the Accord features a 185-hp, 2.4-Liter, 16 valve direct injection with the available option of a 278-hp, 3.5-Liter 24 valve V6 engine. The hybrid option features a 2.0-Liter 16 valve VTEC engine. The base engine offers an adequate driving experience and acceleration with a good fuel economy rating of 29MPG combined City/Hwy EPA rating. The V6 engine is aggressive and powerful which gives the Accord a significant boost in acceleration. Buyers also have several trim options available including the base LX model, Sport, EX, EX-L, EX-L V-6, and Touring. Packages range in price from $22,105 to $33,630 for the Touring Edition.
The Honda Accord Hybrid checks in with a good fuel economy rating when looking at other comparable hybrids on the market. However, the Accord Hybrid is slightly higher in price than others as it hits an MSRP of just under $30,000. With the Accord, drivers will get a wide range of safety options and features including Honda LaneWatch, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Bluetooth Hands Free Link in addition to Honda’s rearview camera which is standard on all models.
Our Pick for Winner:
Base Model: Nissan Maxima
When you look at these two offerings at the base model level, the Maxima offers a more powerful V6 engine and smoother handling compared to the Accord.
Upgrades: Honda Accord
The Honda Accord offers a much more diverse portfolio of options to car buyers with an upgraded, more powerful, 278-hp engine along with a hybrid option. The increase in fuel economy and more diverse package of upgrade options give the Honda Accord the edge over the Maxima.
Overall Winner:
Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima has a more luxurious and sporty feel than that the Honda Accord. The overall driving experience is better with the Maxima ranging from the interior and the snug bucket seats to the tight yet smooth handling. It is definitely not your average sedan and narrowly escaped with the win over the Accord. We are very excited to see what the 2016 Maxima will bring to the table beside the more rounded, sculpted body design.
