24 MPG combined is what you get with a big sedan, and the 2019 Nissan Maxima 3.5L 6-cyl offers it without apology. It’s crucial to understand that Maxima buyers aren’t cross-shopping Prius owners or even hybrid Camry shoppers. This car exists for drivers who want a responsive, almost sporty driving experience wrapped in a comfortable, stylish package. Fuel efficiency is a consideration, but it’s secondary to the smooth surge of the VQ-series V6 and the confident road manners that have defined the Maxima for decades.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 20 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway for the 2019 Maxima. Those figures are closely tied to the Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which is programmed with simulated “gear” changes to mimic a traditional automatic. While some enthusiasts lament the lack of a true geared transmission, the CVT contributes to both fuel efficiency and the Maxima’s smooth acceleration. The highway figure is particularly commendable, a comfortable, long-distance cruiser is part of the Maxima’s DNA, and its fuel economy allows for extended road trips without constant gas station stops. The city number is more typical for a V6-powered sedan of this size.

Aggressive acceleration, something the Maxima readily provides, will bring that number down, while a gentler touch can certainly improve it.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,400 for the 2019 Nissan Maxima. This figure assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a blend of city and highway miles, and uses the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, location, and the ever-fluctuating price of gasoline. However, the $2,400 figure provides a useful benchmark for comparing the Maxima’s operating costs to other vehicles in its class and helps buyers understand what they’re getting into from a budget perspective.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized measure, real-world MPG often depends on individual driving habits and conditions. Maxima owners who frequently engage in spirited driving or spend most of their time in stop-and-go traffic are likely to see figures closer to the lower end of the EPA range, or even slightly below. Conversely, drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration, maintain consistent speeds on the highway, and minimize idling can expect to achieve results closer to, or even slightly better than, the EPA estimates. Tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and even weather conditions can also influence fuel economy.

Many owners report highway mileage in the low 30s on long trips, provided they keep their speed reasonable and avoid heavy acceleration. MAXIMA MPG across all years can be found on this site.

How it compares

The 2019 Maxima’s fuel economy places it roughly in the middle of its competitive set. For example, the Toyota Avalon, a perennial rival, achieves a slightly better 22 MPG city and 32 MPG highway with its V6, making it a marginally more efficient choice. The Kia Stinger, while offering a more performance-oriented driving experience, delivers a similar 17 MPG city and 25 MPG highway in GT trim with its twin-turbo V6, making it a less economical option. The Acura TLX, equipped with its V6 engine and all-wheel drive, lands around 20 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. The fact that all these larger sedans hover within a small window of MPG speaks to the fundamental trade-off between performance and efficiency in this vehicle class. Buyers often choose based on styling, features, and driving dynamics as much as, or more than, fuel economy, so it is important to weigh those factors, as well, when making a purchase decision. See all Nissan fuel economy data on this website.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Maxima’s CVT is sensitive to driving style. Avoid abrupt acceleration and hard braking. Gradual acceleration and anticipating traffic flow will allow the CVT to operate more efficiently, keeping the engine in its optimal RPM range for fuel economy. The smooth delivery of the CVT shines when you drive it smoothly.

Tire pressure plays a surprisingly large role. The Maxima’s recommended tire pressure is listed on a sticker inside the driver’s side door. Keeping your tires properly inflated reduces rolling resistance, improving fuel economy by a noticeable margin. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially with changing temperatures.

Minimize idling. The Maxima’s V6 consumes fuel even when stationary. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Restarting the engine consumes less fuel than prolonged idling. Also, avoid warming up the engine for extended periods in cold weather, modern engines warm up quickly while driving.

Use cruise control wisely. On relatively flat stretches of highway, cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed, improving fuel economy. However, avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, as the system may accelerate unnecessarily to maintain speed, wasting fuel. Instead, modulate the throttle manually to maintain a steady pace on inclines.