2019 Nissan Maxima vs 2019 Toyota Camry

When purchasing a 2019 Toyota Camry, buyers had to choose between standard and sporty styling, and then decide among a 4-cylinder, a V6, and a hybrid powertrain. Trim levels varied depending on the engine selection, including L, LE, XLE, SE, and XSE. The Camry XSE with a V6 engine was quick and entertaining to drive, but CarGurus recommended the standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine in LE trim for the best value. The Hybrid option, while offering excellent gas mileage, was more expensive and took nearly a decade to realize savings at the pump.

The Camry's styling, especially in XSE trim, was daring but not cohesive, with oversized forms that looked unresolved. Inside, the Camry XSE featured high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces, but some elements like the windshield pillars and switchgear felt out of place. The front fascia and side mirrors creaked under pressure, and the front doors made a tinny noise when closed, affecting the perceived quality.

Nissan’s V-shaped designs on the 2019 Maxima appeared more refined and acceptable compared to previous years. For 2019, Nissan updated the headlights, grille, and bumper, while retaining the stylish concave front fascia, wavy side creases, and floating roof design. The Maxima’s interior received upgraded, softer materials, with the SV trim showcasing contrast stitching, tight panel gaps, and minimal use of hard plastic. The all-black interior of the SV trim exuded quality, though it wasn’t as luxurious as the top-of-the-line Platinum Reserve trim.

The Maxima’s seating was comfortable, especially the front seats designed to reduce muscle fatigue. The trunk, at 14.3 cubic feet, was smaller than competitors, but passenger room was adequate. The single 8-inch display on the dash was user-friendly, with quick response times and easy-to-use controls. The Maxima’s thick pillars and slim D-pillar compromised sightlines, but overall, the interior was geared toward driver comfort and convenience.

The 2019 Toyota Camry’s standard 203-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine was suitable for daily driving, but the available 301-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine offered a thrilling experience with 83 more pound-feet of torque. The V6 added weight to the front end but didn’t limit handling, and the 8-speed automatic transmission provided quick, satisfying shifts in Sport mode. The Camry XSE’s sport-tuned suspension and 19-inch aluminum wheels ensured responsive handling without sacrificing comfort. However, the brakes exhibited a dissatisfying “thunk” when released quickly, and fuel economy fell short of the EPA’s 26-mpg rating, achieving only 21.9 mpg during testing.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Maxima mitigated torque steer effectively, providing smooth and immediate thrust without the annoying sound of a strained engine. The suspension offered a near-perfect combination of ride quality and nimble response, though the mushy brake pedal and numb steering detracted from the driving experience. The Maxima’s fuel economy was decent, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 30 highway, and 24 combined, which matched real-world testing over 545 miles.

The 2019 Toyota Camry’s cabin featured ample storage, including a large center console bin and a hidden compartment under the wireless charging pad. However, the glove box was small and the door-panel storage pockets were narrow. The trunk, at 15.1 cubic feet, was smaller than competitors, and the trunk floor was short, limiting its practicality. The front seats offered 8-way power adjustment and heating, but ventilated seats were unavailable. Rear-seat passengers faced a snug space with narrow door openings and a low seating position, though upper trim levels included rear air-conditioning vents. The climate control system performed well, quickly cooling the car during a heatwave.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima’s interior featured a single 8-inch display that was user-friendly and responsive. The trunk, at 14.3 cubic feet, was smaller than competitors, but passenger room was adequate. The front seats were especially comfortable, designed to reduce muscle fatigue. The seating position was geared toward the driver, with a flat-bottom steering wheel and canted center stack. The Maxima’s thick pillars and slim D-pillar compromised sightlines, but overall, the interior was geared toward driver comfort and convenience.

The 2019 Toyota Camry’s dashboard layout was smart and user-friendly, with the Entune 3.0 infotainment system offering Apple CarPlay and a 6-month/2GB subscription to WiFi Connect service. However, Android Auto was not available. The Qi-compatible wireless charging pad securely held the phone, and the navigation system worked well, though it occasionally took a long time to load traffic data. The 9-speaker JBL premium sound system lacked clarity, producing a muddy, bass-heavy listening experience. A 10-inch head-up display (HUD) made it easier to reference important data during the drive.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima’s updated navigation system was more detailed and clearer, with occasional lag when pinching or swiping. The infotainment home screen could be customized, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Maxima featured a high-speed USB-C port, compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and additional remote services through NissanConnect. The instrument panel screen was wide and rich with color, capable of displaying multiple readouts simultaneously. The Bose stereo, with active noise cancellation, was adequate but not exceptional. The Maxima lacked ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s suite of semi-automated driving functions.

The 2019 Toyota Camry excelled in safety, earning 5-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The Camry included a standard Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), though it wasn’t the latest version. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Toyota also provided a standard subscription to its Safety Connect service for the first three years of ownership.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima included more standard safety features, such as forward-emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor. The SV trim added blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, while the SR trim included pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Platinum models added reverse emergency braking. The Maxima scored 5 stars overall from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in all crash tests and a Superior rating for its emergency braking system.