Nissan Maxima vs Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is more fuel-efficient at 46 MPG combined, against 21 MPG for the Nissan Maxima. At EPA assumptions that is about $1,750 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Nissan Maxima | Toyota Prius | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,152 | 1,298 |
| Most reported problem | Drivetrain & axles | Lighting |
| Crashes and fires | 32 and 17 | 133 and 5 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 86,000 miles | 78,000 miles |
| Recalls | 2 | 6 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 21 MPG | 46 MPG |
| City and highway | 18 and 27 | 48 and 45 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $3,200 | $1,450 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,152 complaints for the Nissan Maxima and 1,298 for the Toyota Prius. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 2 for the Nissan Maxima, 6 for the Toyota Prius.