2019 Toyota Prius vs 2020 Nissan Maxima

The 2019 Toyota Prius was not typically celebrated for its aesthetics, with its design often seen as unconventional. The fourth-generation Prius, introduced in 2016, aimed to stand out even more with its extroverted styling, which some argued might have hindered its sales. Despite its polarizing appearance, the Prius offered a practical solution for those seeking a reliable daily driver. The 2019 lineup included various trims, with the XLE AWD model featuring a unique Electric Storm Blue color and an Advanced Technology Package. Inside, the Prius had a centralized control layout, which, while functional, required some acclimation. The interior's gloss black trim, however, was prone to attracting dust, which could be a concern for meticulous owners.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Maxima shared a design language with other Nissan models, featuring the brand's signature V-Motion grille and jewel-like LED headlights. Its floating-roof design and sporty rear spoiler on the SR model added to its appeal. The Maxima was available in several trims, with the Platinum trim offering a premium feel. The interior boasted good fit and finish, with the Platinum Reserve Package adding luxurious touches like semi-aniline leather and Satin Bronze interior finishers. The cabin was spacious, with a thick center console creating a segmented front row experience. The Maxima's infotainment system included an 8.0-inch touchscreen with modern connectivity features, though its design was not the most contemporary.

The 2019 Toyota Prius combined a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 121 horsepower. The optional AWD-e system added a 5-kilowatt rear electric motor, which powered the rear wheels at low speeds and provided extra traction when needed. This system, however, resulted in slightly lower fuel efficiency, with the AWD-e model achieving 50 mpg compared to the standard Prius's 52 mpg. The Prius featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered a smooth ride with decent handling. It also had an EV driving mode for low-speed electric-only operation and blended regenerative brakes for energy recuperation.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima was powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a CVT, the Maxima provided a comfortable cruising experience, though it was not a true "four-door sports car" despite its marketing. The Maxima's Sport drive mode enhanced throttle response and steering feel, but it excelled as a comfortable cruiser. The Maxima's fuel economy was competitive, with an EPA rating of 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. Unlike the Prius, the Maxima did not offer a hybrid option, but it performed well in most driving situations, maintaining a planted feel.

The 2019 Toyota Prius offered comfortable seating for four adults, with manual height adjustment for the driver's seat and heated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed good thigh support, though air conditioning vents were absent in the second row. The Prius's SofTex leatherette upholstery could become uncomfortable in hot weather. As a hatchback, the Prius provided ample cargo space, with up to 65.5 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. This made it a practical choice for those needing extra storage capacity.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima prioritized spacious seating and comfort, with a thick center console and a large infotainment screen tilted toward the driver. While the Maxima offered ample headroom, it fell short in legroom compared to rivals like the Honda Accord and Toyota Avalon. The Maxima's trunk space was also smaller than competitors, with 14.3 cubic feet available. Despite these limitations, the Maxima handled everyday cargo and seating needs well, making it suitable for most families.

The 2019 Toyota Prius's infotainment system varied by trim, with the Limited trim offering an impressive 11.6-inch touchscreen and premium features. The XLE AWD-e model had a more basic setup with a 6.1-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity. The Prius lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it did offer wireless smartphone charging. The instrumentation was housed in a horizontal strip, with some displays appearing outdated.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 7-inch driver information display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all models, with the option to upgrade to a Bose Premium Audio system. The Maxima also featured an Around View Monitor camera system, power rear sunshade, and keyless entry. USB-A and USB-C ports were available for convenient charging.

The 2019 Toyota Prius included standard Toyota Safety Sense features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The LE trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Prius received a 5-star rating in federal crash tests and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, with standard safety technologies like blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control were available on higher trims. The Maxima performed well in IIHS and NHTSA safety tests, earning top ratings for front crash prevention.