To many people, it would seem like a very odd choice to compare the 2018 Honda Accord with the Nissan Maxima. After all, while they are similar in size, their prices are very different, as are their base engine outputs. Nissan offers the Maxima as its most luxurious sedan. Meanwhile, the Accord is closer in terms of features and price to the Nissan Altima. As you take a closer look, however, you will realize that the Honda Accord not only holds its own against the higher-priced Nissan Maxima, it also delivers affordability while doing so.
Starting Price
The very first thing you will notice when you look at the 2018 Honda Accord and Nissan Maxima is their dramatically different starting prices. The base Accord, the LX trim, has a starting MSRP of just **$23,570. By comparison, the Nissan Maxima starts at **$33,020. Only the most feature-filled Accord, the Touring trim, is more comparable to this, starting at *$33,800. That means if you went with the Accord, you could still get luxurious amenities, like a leather-trimmed interior and driver seat memory, without spending as much as you would on the base Maxima.
Quality Vehicle Features
Of course, the Nissan Maxima’s higher starting price does come with a longer list of standard features. However, if you compare the base Maxima with the less-expensive Accord EX-L, the Honda delivers everything you need. After all, this trim has basics like push-button start, in addition to luxuries like heated front seats, 12-way power-adjustable front seats with 4-way power lumbar and two-position memory, and leather trim. Why spend more than you need to get these features? Especially since the higher-priced Nissan Maxima only has 8-way adjustment for the driver’s seat and no memory settings or heated front seats. The latter two features both require splurging on a higher trim. That is a waste of money since you could get them for less on the Accord.
Engine Options
Another strong point in favor of the 2018 Honda Accord is the sheer range of engine and transmission options. Nissan decided to only offer the 2018 Maxima with a 3.5-liter V6 and CVT. Although it has 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet, not every Clifton driver will like this combination.
By contrast, Honda lets you decide how much power you want with the Accord, with either a 1.5-liter or 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. The base 1.5-liter is certainly less powerful than the Maxima’s V6. However, most New Jersey drivers don’t really need more than 192 horsepower. The Accord even offers the choice of a manual, CVT, or automatic transmission instead of just a CVT, like the Nissan. The combination of options ensures that every driver will find an Accord they like. Meanwhile, that might not be the case with the Maxima.
To get a feel for the 2018 Honda Accord, as well as all of the features and accessories you could get while still paying less than you would for an entry-level Maxima, visit Garden State Honda in Clifton, New Jersey.
**MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) excludes tax, license, registration, and options. A delivery, processing, and handling fee may be charged separately. Dealer prices may vary.
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