2020 Chevrolet Impala vs 2020 Nissan Maxima

valley-chevy-phoenix-blogs-impala-vs-nissan-2

When you’re looking for the best mid-size car, there are many options to consider and qualities to think about. Most people are looking for a car that offers plenty of versatility, excellent fuel efficiency, and enough power to make driving exciting. Of course, the price is always important too. Make sure you get the best midsize car for your needs by considering all of the options and making some side by side comparisons before you buy. 

Comparing the Chevy Impala to the Nissan Maxima

Mid-size sedans are some of the most popular cars today because they can typically get good performance ratings. They also offer the right amount of space without being unnecessarily large. Many of our customers say they’re considering both the 2020 Chevy Impala and the 2020 Nissan Maxima. These two vehicles have some things in common regarding size, style, and affordability, but there are also some significant differences to know about. Continue reading to take a closer look and decide whether you should buy an Impala or a Maxima. 

Price Comparison

Price isn’t everything when you’re picking out a car, but it matters. A car is one of the most expensive things you’ll ever buy, so it’s essential to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. The least expensive car isn’t always the best deal, though, so it’s important to think about what kind of value the car provides for the money.

In this case, though, there’s a fairly significant difference in price between the 2020 Impala and 2020 Maxima. The Impala starts at only $31,620, while even the least expensive Maxima starts at $34,450. That makes the Maxima one of the more expensive options in this class of sedans. 

It’s surprising to many drivers that the Maxima costs so much because it doesn’t seem to offer features and performance that match the price. Even though the Impala costs thousands of dollars less, it’s still superior to the Maxima. We’ll compare the two cars across multiple categories below.

valley-chevy-phoenix-blogs-impala-vs-nissan-hero

Expert Reviews: Chevy Impala Vs. Nissan Maxima

U.S. News and World Report is one of the leading sources for reliable car reviews. They take input from critics and measure cars using other important categories, such as performance, interior, safety, and reliability. Their experts have rated the 2020 Impala 8.1/10 and rated the 2020 Maxima 7.8/10.

The Maxima was docked because of its poor handling, mediocre interior quality, lack of headroom, and small trunk. Interestingly enough, the experts at U.S. News and World Report said that some of the Maxima’s worst aspects were among the best parts of the Impala. The 2020 Impala was noted for offering a plush ride, roomy cabin, and a large trunk. As a bonus, they said the Chevy infotainment system was straightforward.

Performance Comparison

If you take both of these cars for a test drive, you’ll notice that the Impala handles like a dream, especially compared to the somewhat clunky feeling Maxima. Some people praise the 2020 Maxima for having a powerful V6 engine with 300 horsepower, but the Impala beats it out with 305 horsepower. Both vehicles have a front-wheel-drive drivetrain. The Chevy Impala offers a smoother ride and sportier performance.

valley-chevy-phoenix-blogs-impala-vs-nissan-1

Interior Space Comparison

As noted by the experts at U.S. News and World Report, the Nissan Maxima is a little bit stingy on the headroom. Compare that to the 2020 Impala, which is known for offering a roomy cabin that makes the most of its space. The quality of the interior is also more consistent in Chevy’s midsize car. In other words, the Impala is better when it comes to look, feel, and size. Even the trunk is more substantial.

Basic Features Comparison

Some of the features of these two cars are extremely similar. Both of them feature 8-inch touchscreens to control the infotainment system. Both of them are equipped for easy smartphone integration with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

That isn’t where the features of the 2020 Impala stop, though. Passengers can stay connected thanks to three USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and Bluetooth capabilities. Available features include navigation, a wireless charging station, an 11-speaker Bose sound system, and a 120-volt power outlet like you’d find in your home.

Safety Features Comparison

The 2020 Impala received an overall rating of five out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). So did the 2020 Maxima, so these are both safe vehicles. The Maxima does have slightly more standard safety features. Since the Impala is so much more affordable, drivers are likely to find plenty of money left in the budget if they want to upgrade to the available safety features. 

Once the Impala is upgraded, it has all of the safety features a modern driver could want. It even earns a Superior rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for front crash prevention features when properly equipped.

Maxima Vs. Impala Reliability

The thing about reliability is that it can be hard to gauge for new cars. It’s hard to know exactly how dependable a vehicle is until it’s been out for a few years. At that point, it’s easy to see how well the car stands the test of time. We know one thing for certain, though: Chevrolet has made a name for itself by producing some of the most reliable vehicles in the world. If you want dependability, choose a Chevy.

Why Choose Chevy?

The Maxima isn’t the only mid-size car that gets outclassed by the 2020 Impala. U.S. News and World Report named the Impala, the winner of their 2020 Best Large Car for the Money award. It was also a finalist for their 2020 Best Large Car for Families award. Their experts evaluated 45 pieces of research and considered data from multiple sources while considering this vehicle, so it’s safe to say they’ve done their homework.

One crucial piece of research U.S. News and World Report can’t do for you, though, is the test drive. Luckily, we can help with that. Find a Valley Chevy dealership near you and take the Impala for a spin today.