2019 Nissan Maxima vs 2019 Ford Taurus: Which is the Future of Full-Sized Sedans?

Once upon a time, the Ford Taurus was the car to beat - and the car to own. The days when it ruled the roads in America have long passed, leaving more room for competitors like the 2019 Nissan Maxima. Is there still a case to be made for the American model, or is it worth broadening your horizons? A bit of reading, and a trip to Gillman Nissan, will clear things up.

2019 Nissan Maxima

As we write this, we're still waiting for the 2019 Nissan Maxima to arrive at your Houston area Nissan dealership. While specifications are still a matter of guesswork, there are a few things we know for certain. In terms of dimensions and space, the two cars are very evenly matched, but that's where the similarities stop. The new Nissan car already offers engine choices with more torque and horsepower pushing a lighter platform than is available on the Ford Taurus, leading to better pickup and fuel economy alike.

We also know an updated exterior design is in the works. So, too, is a roster of updated active safety features. Given that last year's Nissan Maxima earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick (a distinction that's eluded the Ford Taurus since its last win in 2013) as well as a five-star safety rating, we expect an already good car to get better still.

2019 Ford Taurus

The Ford Taurus got its last major update in 2012 for the 2013 model year. Its discontinuation was announced in September, 2018, and 2019 is officially the end of the line. Its lack of updates and a somewhat dated feature set reflect that this change has probably been years in the making.

To cite just one example (among many), the Nissan Maxima already had a more robust set of active safety features than the Ford Taurus. With the 2019 refresh, that list grows longer and just a bit more capable. The Nissan Maxima also offers a lower total cost of ownership - a gap that may yet grow as the focus of the Ford brand shifts away from cars.

The faceoff between the Nissan Maxima and Ford Taurus symbolizes a bigger trend within the auto industry. The Ford Motor Corporation is pulling back from passenger cars in favor of a near-exclusive focus on SUVs and trucks, while Nissan and other Japanese companies have a more global focus - they haven't given up on the Asian and European markets, where sedans still command respect and market share. The Ford Taurus is a car on borrowed time, and as much as we respect Ford cars, we have to award this round to the Nissan Maxima. See it, alongside other new Nissan models, at 26001 Southwest Freeway in Rosenberg, TX, home of Gillman Nissan.