Jump LinksEveryone wants to drive a compromising crossover these days, but for those who don't want to sign up for that party quite yet, there are still some interesting full-size sedans on the used lot. Take the Toyota Avalon TRD and the Nissan Maxima as examples. Both are big V6-powered four doors that will give you lots of space, plenty of comfort, and a slice of adventure when you hit the back roads.But while these two should probably be on your used car shopping list, they don't quite fall into the same bucket. One of them is more of a grand tourer with a sharpened edge, while the other you could classify as a four-door sports car, with a little more emphasis on the driver. And before you decide which vehicle to chase, it's a good idea to look at what each one is actually like to live with in various areas of your life. What Makes These Big Sedans Different ToyotaToyota's Avalon has long been the company's big, comfortable flagship sedan in North America, and the TRD version adds some icing on top of that cake. It's still the full-size sedan you're looking for, but the TRD has stiffer suspension, stronger brakes, and sounds rather nice if you're powering through the Holland Tunnel. Meanwhile, the Nissan Maxima is pursuing the same idea but from a different direction.Nissan calls this its four-door sports car, and it features a bold design with a low and swooping roofline and a driver-focused cabin. You'd still get front-wheel drive and V6 power in a sedan package, but it's a little sportier compared to a laid-back highway cruiser. Both cars can do your daily grind and cope with interstate marathons, but one is perhaps calmer with a bit of an edge, while the other one, you could say, is edgy to begin with but still has that comfortable safety net all around it. Powertrains And How They Stack Up Nissan Both cars feature a classic formula that is now out of date, with a naturally aspirated 3.5 -liter V6 sending up to 300 hp to the front wheels. The Avalon TRD features an eight-speed conventional automatic, which is highly efficient in almost every situation, and its TRD-tuned exhaust adds some growl. Nissan pairs its V6 with a CVT, which is not as talkative as the conventional automatic in the Avalon and tends to adjust things seamlessly in the background. Some blunt drivers compare that type of behavior to a soulless electric car, but others love its "always-on" feel.Both vehicles are more than quick enough for American motoring, but the Avalon TRD is perhaps more of a driver's car. For those who really like to be immersive, the Maxima will give you smooth, strong, and effective performance, but you're not going to get that sense of the gears slotting home as you would with the Avalon. Space, Comfort, And Everyday Usability Nissan The Avalon TRD feels like a genuinely large sedan with plenty of headroom and legroom throughout. And crucially, it treats its adults just as nicely in the back seat as if they were in the front. It has a traditional roofline, so you don't have to contort yourself getting in and out, and there's plenty of good visibility. The trunk is similarly ample and can probably hold the whole family's luggage as you disappear for a weekend away. The interior features some nice visual touches, including red stitching and TRD logos on and around its sportier seats. And the controls are straightforward enough around a comfortable driving position.The Maxima is perhaps not as family friendly as the Avalon in terms of space. Its cabin may be more driver-centric, and the seating and console positions might make you feel like you're in a cockpit. The Maxima's roofline is lower and more coupe-like, so there's a little less headroom in the back. There's a tighter feeling for tall passengers, and they may not be as happy after a cross-country drive as they may be on board the Avalon. The Maxima's trunk is certainly usable, but if you do regularly pack a large family into your car for long journeys, the Toyota may come out on top here. Handling, Fun Factor, And Driving Character Toyota Toyota has tweaked the Avalon TRD to take it up a notch from that more comfortable base. You'll find TRD-specific springs and dampers to lower the ride height and help control motions, and thicker anti-roll bars to make corners less dramatic. You'll also find that the nose tucks in more willingly upon acceleration while the body stays flatter, so the TRD seems a lot more responsive than a standard Avalon.Once you’ve dealt with that long on-ramp and settled into an interstate lane, the Avalon is in its element for mile after mile. By contrast, the Maxima, especially in its sport-tuned version, seems like a serious machine from the get-go. The whole chassis feels eager, with good turn-in, but the steering is a little heavy. The Maxima feels responsive on a good piece of road, but its setup seems to accentuate the downsides of a less-than-perfect surface. It's not entirely punishing in this regard, but perhaps less forgiving than the Avalon. Used Values And Which One Makes More Sense Now NissanBoth of these big sedans are part of the endangered species club these days, but one seems to have retained its value better than the other. The Avalon TRD is perhaps rarer and has not depreciated as fast, with recent listings suggesting prices in the high $20,000s to the low $30,000s for a 2021 model. If you find an especially low-mileage or one-owner vehicle, expect to pay a good bit more. Some searchers may feel that they're paying a bit of a premium for the Toyota badge and the TRD dramatics, but remember that there weren't all that many of these around in the first place.The Maxima has depreciated faster than the Avalon TRD, and you can probably find a similar vintage version in the high teens to low twenties, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. But since it has lost a lot more of its value over the last five years than the Avalon, you may be able to use the same cash to get a low-mileage Maxima instead of an equivalently priced TRD.Be on the lookout for issues with both vehicles. With the Avalon TRD, check that a previous owner has taken care of any recall work, such as fuel pump issues on fifth-generation versions. You should pay close attention to the eight-speed automatic during a test drive as well, to make sure that it shifts cleanly without any weird noises or confusion. The TRD also comes with low-profile wheels and tires, so look at those closely to see if they bear any pothole scars or bubbled sidewalls.On the Maxima, the CVT is the make-or-break component, and you should be on the lookout for shuddering, hesitation, or loss of acceleration. In this case, repairs won't be cheap, so walk away if you're not sure. Always take a used Maxima on a long test drive so it's fully warmed up and ready to reveal any faults. You should also listen to humming, which is a sign of tired wheel bearings, and be wary of any suspension knocks over bumps. Choosing The Right Car For Your Lifestyle Nissan If space is one of your main priorities, then the Avalon TRD probably comes out on top, and it's also an excellent choice if you love to have some fun behind the wheel. This is basically a long-legged cruiser first, but it can still be a sharpened toy, and it also carries a last-of-its-era aura with that TRD badge to brag about. Those who may have a smaller family or may spend more of their time commuting solo might choose the Maxima. It still has a sporty vibe and is entertaining along your favorite back road, but it's definitely not so good for back-seat passengers.Either one of these vehicles represents a nice antidote to the endless line of crossovers on your horizon, and your choice will probably come down to the basics. You can buy a big sedan as a comfortable family car with some performance tricks or pick up a sporty personal sedan that can still have a good go at hauling your family.