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Overview

Although it hasn’t been restyled since the 2016 model year, the 2023 Nissan Maxima’s exterior still turns heads thanks to its floating roofline and swoopy profile. Too bad its road manners aren’t nearly as interesting. The Maxima feels more nimble than the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger but it’s not as refined as the Volkswagen Arteon. All Maximas come with a V-6 engine that pumps out 300 horsepower, but it’s mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission [CVT] that’s a buzzkill. The Nissan’s cabin is spacious and surprisingly upscale for the price, so if you’re looking for a lower-cost alternative to something from, say, Nissan’s Infiniti luxury brand, it’s worth a look. Otherwise, we’d gravitate to the Arteon or other smaller sports-sedan offerings from Audi or BMW, which have a similar price tag.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

What's New for 2023?

What’s new is that the end is nigh for the Maxima. Nissan has announced that 2023 will the Maxima’s final model year. The Maxima has served as the flagship sedan of the Nissan brand since 1980 but recent generations failed to live up to the sporty image established by earlier models—cars that impressed Car and Driver editors in the 1990s. We suspect that Nissan won’t retire the Maxima nameplate altogether as the company shifts its focus to electric vehicles and SUVs. The Maxima could be reborn as a pseudo-crossover in the same vein as the Toyota Crown or its name could be applied to a future electric sedan—a reincarnation of the Maxima as an EV with a sports-sedan attitude.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We think the Platinum trim is well worth the price increase since it adds a power-adjustable steering column, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power-operated rear sunshade, leather seats with diamond-quilted inserts, heated rear seats, and wood interior trim. If you're feeling spendy, the optional Reserve package maximizes the Maxima with a charcoal-colored headliner, a two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel, and exclusive 19-inch wheels.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Maxima is one of the quicker full-size sedans, and its V-6 engine sounds good when it's pushed hard. The 3.5-liter V-6 makes 300 horsepower and moves the Maxima along with purpose. The continuously variable automatic transmission [CVT], however, detracts from the Maxima's sports-sedan mission. In our testing, a Maxima Platinum sprinted from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, out accelerating rivals such as the Volkswagen Arteon and V-6-powered models of the Charger. The Maxima handles well for its size. The suspension is nicely damped and firm to the point of being perhaps too stiff for the class. The Maxima exhibits little body lean in aggressive cornering maneuvers, and in our testing, the Maxima SR easily outhandled its rivals.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

With good fuel-economy ratings of 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, as well as above-average results in our real-world testing, the Maxima's powertrain proves itself adept at blending performance and efficiency. Its long highway cruising range also makes it a perfect long-distance companion. During our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route, we exceeded the Maxima's EPA rating, achieving an impressive 32 mpg. For more information about the Maxima's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Maxima offers room for five in a well-executed cabin that's full of soft-touch materials, simple controls, and tons of high-end features. Front-seat legroom is among the best in the class, while headroom is average. Rear-seat space is not as generous as it is in larger rivals such as the 300. Power-adjustable driver and front-passenger seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and push-button start are standard across the board. One of the smallest trunks in the category means the Maxima starts with a disadvantage in cargo hauling, however, its larger cubbies are convenient places to stash everyday items, and its rear seatbacks fold down to accommodate larger items.

Infotainment and Connectivity

An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard across the Maxima range, and we found it easy to use. The infotainment system can be used as a touchscreen, but there also are redundant buttons on the center stack for quick access to common adjustments such as audio volume and climate control. The system also provides vehicle monitoring, remote access, and emergency services. Parents of teenage drivers may appreciate the speed, boundary, and curfew alerts, and the system automatically contacts emergency services when the airbags deploy after an accident. Being able to track the Maxima's location in the event of theft is handy, as are remote start and door-lock access.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Basic driver-assistance features are standard; more advanced tech is available on the SR and Platinum models. For more information about the Maxima's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety [IIHS] websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Standard forward-collision warning
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Nissan offers an entirely average protection package. Additional coverage is available at extra cost through dealerships, but the standard periods—a three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty—should suit most buyers.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2019 Nissan Maxima Platinum

VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE AS TESTED
$44,040 [base price: $42,335]  

ENGINE TYPE
DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection

Displacement
214 cu in, 3498 cc
Power
300 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque
261 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

TRANSMISSION
continuously variable automatic with manual shifting mode

CHASSIS
Suspension [F/R]: struts/multilink
Brakes [F/R]: 12.6-in vented disc/12.1-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle Touring, 245/40R-19 94W M+S

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 109.3 in
Length: 192.8 in
Width: 73.2 in
Height: 56.5 in
Passenger volume:96 cu ft  
Trunk volume:14 cu ft
Curb weight: 3665 lb

C/D
TEST RESULTS
Zero to 60 mph: 5.8 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 14.1 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 27.4 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.0 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.2 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.9 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.3 sec @ 101 mph
Top speed [governor limited]: 133 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 168 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.89 g

C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 21 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 24/20/30 mpg

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