Nissan Maxima
24 MPG The 2023 Nissan Maxima is EPA-rated at 24 MPG combined (20 city / 30 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 625 gallons, $2000 a year in fuel, or $0.133 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–2023 run it averages 21.3 MPG, improving by 3 MPG over 39 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.104 | $1042 | $1563 | $2083 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.133 | $1333 | $2000 | $2667 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.146 | $1458 | $2188 | $2917 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.188 | $1875 | $2813 | $3750 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.208 | $2083 | $3125 | $4167 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 24 MPG | 20 | 30 | $3200 | 371 | 1 |
| 2022 | 24 MPG | 20 | 30 | $3200 | 370 | 1 |
| 2021 | 24 MPG | 20 | 30 | $3200 | 370 | 1 |
| 2020 | 24 MPG | 20 | 30 | $3200 | 378 | 1 |
| 2019 | 24 MPG | 20 | 30 | $3200 | 378 | 1 |
| 2018 | 25 MPG | 21 | 30 | $3100 | 364 | 1 |
| 2017 | 25 MPG | 21 | 30 | $3100 | 366 | 1 |
| 2016 | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $3100 | 363 | 1 |
| 2014 | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $3500 | 411 | 1 |
| 2013 | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $3500 | 411 | 1 |
| 2012 | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $3500 | 404 | 1 |
| 2011 | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $3500 | 404 | 1 |
| 2010 | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $3500 | 404 | 1 |
| 2009 | 22 MPG | 19 | 26 | $3500 | 404 | 1 |
| 2008 | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $3650 | 423 | 1 |
| 2007 | 21 MPG | 19 | 25 | $3650 | 423 | 1 |
| 2006 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26.5 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
| 2005 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26.5 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
| 2004 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2950 | 423 | 3 |
| 2003 | 20.5 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 2002 | 20.5 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 2001 | 21 MPG | 18 | 24.5 | $2975 | 424 | 2 |
| 2000 | 20.5 MPG | 18.5 | 25.5 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 1999 | 21 MPG | 18.5 | 25.5 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
| 1998 | 21 MPG | 18.5 | 25 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
| 1997 | 21 MPG | 18.5 | 25 | $3650 | 423 | 2 |
| 1996 | 21 MPG | 18.5 | 25.5 | $3650 | 423 | 2 |
| 1995 | 21 MPG | 18.5 | 25.5 | $3650 | 423 | 2 |
| 1994 | 19.3 MPG | 17.3 | 23.7 | $3983 | 460 | 3 |
| 1993 | 19.3 MPG | 17.3 | 23.7 | $3983 | 460 | 3 |
| 1992 | 19.3 MPG | 17.3 | 24 | $3983 | 460 | 3 |
| 1991 | 19.5 MPG | 17.5 | 24 | $3950 | 456 | 2 |
| 1990 | 19.5 MPG | 17.5 | 24 | $3950 | 456 | 2 |
| 1989 | 19.5 MPG | 17.5 | 24 | $3950 | 456 | 2 |
| 1988 | 18.5 MPG | 16 | 23 | $3375 | 481 | 2 |
| 1987 | 18.5 MPG | 16 | 23 | $3375 | 481 | 2 |
| 1986 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 23 | $3375 | 481 | 2 |
| 1985 | 18.3 MPG | 16.3 | 21.7 | $3417 | 486 | 3 |
| 1984 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25.5 | $2950 | 423 | 4 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the Nissan Maxima ranks 114 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Mercury Milan (24.5), Audi A7 quattro (25), Jaguar XF AWD (25), Lexus ES 350 (25), Lexus ES 350 F Sport (25).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 371 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.6 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Nissan Maxima get?
The 2023 Nissan Maxima is rated at 24 MPG combined by the EPA — 20 city and 30 highway. Across all 39 model years in the database it averages 21.3 MPG, ranging from 17 to 25 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Nissan Maxima cost in fuel per year?
At 24 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 625 gallons — roughly $2000 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.133 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2023 model is $3200.
Has the Nissan Maxima become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 21 MPG in 1984 to 24 in 2023 — an improvement of 3 MPG, or 14% across 39 model years.
Is the Nissan Maxima efficient for its class?
It ranks 114 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 3.2 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.