How much does the Nissan Maxima cost in today's market?

Used Nissan Maxima prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Nissan Maxima's current nationwide average price is $16,217, and its year-round low is $16,067.45. That puts the model's pricing in a fairly tight band overall, with used examples spanning from budget-friendly older years to pricier recent ones.

Recently, prices have come down for the 2021, 2022, and 2023 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Nissan Maxima a good car?

Yes — the Nissan Maxima earns strong owner approval across its lineup, and its appeal is anchored by a 4.55/5 all-generations user rating.

The all-generations owner rating is 4.55/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Maxima for its stylish design, powerful performance, and comfortable interiors. They also frequently highlight its smooth ride, premium-feeling cabin, and well-equipped character.

Expert reviews rate the 2020 and 2019 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs center on fuel economy, the CVT’s effect on driving feel, and cabin space that can feel tight for a sedan of this size.

23.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Nissan Maxima models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the Maxima as comfortable, stylish, and enjoyable to drive, with strong praise for its performance and interior quality. Expert feedback also points to a polished cabin, capable handling, and a generally upscale feel for the class.

• Owners rate the Nissan Maxima between 4.31 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is most worth watching on older examples, where condition history and maintenance records matter more.

What should I look for when buying a used Nissan Maxima?

Across all model years, at 57.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2022 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360
• Infotainment: an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility
• Fuel efficiency: 24 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway)

Which Nissan Maxima trim should I buy?

The 2021 Nissan Maxima offers these trims:

• SV: The base Maxima SV is the best-value starting point, pairing the 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, built-in WiFi hotspot, and a strong safety suite with the Maxima’s V6 power and upscale feel.
• SR: The SR adds a sportier setup and sits above the SV for shoppers who want a more performance-leaning version of the Maxima.
• Platinum: The Platinum is the range-topping choice, and the 40th Anniversary Edition package adds two-tone exterior treatment, model-specific 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, black exterior trim, red semi-aniline leather upholstery, white gauge faces, and heated rear seats.

What Nissan Maxima do most buyers choose?

The Nissan Maxima years with the most listings are 2017, 2018, and 2016.

Higher-volume years tend to draw more shoppers because they usually offer a wider selection of prices, trims, and conditions. That makes it easier for you to compare options and find a Maxima that fits your budget.

What is the Nissan Maxima's resale value?

Most Maxima model years are down year over year, which is good news if you want to buy used. The declines are especially pronounced in several mid-cycle years, while the newest model is nearly flat.

The 2023 model year is holding steady, with prices close to flat year-over-year.

The 2023, 2018, and 2016 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Nissan Maxima safe?

• 2021: 9/10
• 2020: 9/10
• 2019: 8/10
• 2016: 7/10

The 2021 Maxima includes Nissan Safety Shield 360.

For the safest used buy, the 2020 and 2021 models both post the highest confirmed score of 9/10.

Should I buy a used Nissan Maxima now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2022 model is at −6.25% versus a year ago, and the 2021 model is at −7.81%.
• Deal availability: The 2022 model has 30.2% good and great deals.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2017 model has the most listings at a current average price of $12,961. The Nissan Maxima offers a stylish, premium-feeling cabin with strong V6 character and a distinctive sporty personality.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The Maxima is available only with a 3.5-liter V6 making 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and FWD.
• Tech: The Maxima comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.
• Safety: Standard safety features under the Nissan Safety Shield 360 banner include automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian detection), forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking.
• Starting price: Pricing starts at $38,040 for the base Maxima SV trim level.

If you're buying used today, the 2017 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for 2024 inventory to mature.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.