Choosing between the 2020 Ford Fusion and Nissan Maxima? With their luxurious takes on family hauling, both of these midsize sedans are segment standouts. To help you decide which is best for your daily cruise around the Lakes Region, our comparison guide takes a closer look at each model.
On-the-Go Luxury
On-the-Go Luxury: 2020 Ford Fusion
In this highly competitive segment, comfort is big on the agenda. With its quiet interior, high-quality cabin materials, and plenty of space to spread out, the 2020 Ford Fusion ekes ahead of the competition. As you climb the trim levels, you’ll find even more luxury features – like leather upholstery, heated front seats, and ambient interior lighting – to spice up your drive.
The Nissan Maxima puts an emphasis on interior style. With its soft-touch cabin materials and handsome design, it aims to give drivers an upscale experience at a reasonable price. If we have one criticism about the cabin, it’s that it can feel a bit confining, especially in the backseat. The sleek roofline cut down on rear headroom, and the high armrests can make passengers feel cramped.
Smartest Tech Lineup
Smartest Tech Lineup: 2020 Ford Fusion
The Fusion easily wins this category. With its cutting-edge Sync 3 infotainment system – which includes a savvy 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration – it’s easy to stay connected on the go. Both the innate Ford technology and smartphone integration features include voice controls, so you can access features with minimal distraction.
In the Maxima, the infotainment system also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. This plug-and-play technology is easy to use and preferable to Nissan’s infotainment programming. The latter might be easy to use, but its graphics are a bit dated. Voice controls are great when you’re using the smartphone integration features, but increasingly finicky when you switch to the Nissan infotainment technology.
Zoom to the Finish Line
Zoom to the Finish Line: 2020 Nissan Maxima
Nissan bills the Maxima as a four-door sports car, which aims to deliver both a swift and luxurious ride. Since every Maxima comes standard with the same 3.5-liter V6 engine, every Maxima driver can tap into 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. If you’re looking for a speedy four-door sedan, the Maxima definitely scores major brownie points.
The Fusion might not be as powerful, but it has a lot to offer in the powertrain department. There are three engines on offer, so you can tailor this sedan to give you more gas mileage or speed, depending on your preference. The thriftiest engine, a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, makes 181 horses and earns 27 mpg combined. For a speedier ride, look to the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which generates 240 horses and 270 pound-feet of torque.
Save Big
Save Big: 2020 Ford Fusion
The Fusion gives you more for your money – and it does so in more ways than one. With an MSRP of just $23,170, the Fusion is very accessible. It also comes standard with more and better tech features and rich interior comfort, giving you the biggest value. By comparison, the Maxima’s starting price is $34,250, but it doesn’t give you the same cutting-edge tech features or spacious cabin.
The 2020 Nissan Maxima might come standard with more horsepower, but the 2020 Ford Fusion gives you a lot more for your money. You’ll love the modern cabin, where you’ll feel right at home using Ford’s cutting-edge infotainment gear in the Fusion’s sublimely comfortable seats. And its powertrain options let you choose between premium speed and optimal fuel economy. If you’re in Perry or Owosso, swing by Lunghamer Ford to give the Fusion a test-spin.