Nissan Maxima

Overview: Is the Nissan Maxima a Good Sport Sedan?

The Nissan Maxima brings flair to the midsize sedan formula via aggressive styling, potent V6 performance, and an affordable price. It’s a sedan-only offering that’s been part of Nissan’s lineup for over four decades. But the Maxima has fallen victim to an automotive industry that’s shifted toward SUVs and pickups; 2023 marked the last of Nissan’s “four-door sports car.” This overview looks at Maximas from the sixth, seventh, and eighth generations.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Nissan Maxima cars for sale.

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Related: Here Are The Nissan Maxima Years To Avoid and The Best Year For The Nissan Maxima

Key Features

The Nissan Maxima offers:

• Four-door midsize sedan body style
• V6 power
• Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT)
• Front-wheel drive

Trims

Older Maxima trims are limited to the S and SV, but Nissan expanded the lineup by adding the SL, SR, and Platinum. The range was reduced to the SV, SR, and Platinum in the final years of the eighth generation.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

While the Maxima’s cabin isn’t overly spacious, there’s more than enough room in the front seats and back row for comfortable road trips and other extended journeys. As a flagship Nissan product, this luxury sedan has always been a technological showcase, with a newer Maxima getting a touchscreen infotainment screen, smartphone connectivity, navigation, a Bose audio system, a panoramic moonroof, NissanConnect services, LED headlights, and advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control. Trunk storage is expandable thanks to folding rear seats.

Review: Do Nissans Hold Their Value? What To Know About Resale & Depreciation

How It Drives

In short, the Nissan Maxima is a blast to drive, with later editions offering 300 horsepower via the company’s venerable VQ series 3.5-liter V6. This sedan can reach 60 MPH from a standstill in under six seconds. While CVT automatic transmissions don’t have the best reputation for smoothness and responsiveness, Nissan’s engineers have designed a gearbox that takes advantage of all the V6 engine provides.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave most Maxima model years four- to five-star (good to great) ratings for overall safety or performance in specific crash tests.

Reviews

According to Kelley Blue Book, Nissan Maxima reviews average 4.2-4.5 out of 5.0, depending on the year. This midsize luxury sedan checks many boxes, including for reliability, styling, and comfort.

Learn More: How Long Do Nissan Maximas Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

FAQs

Is Maxima better than Altima?

It depends on your point of view. If you prefer to drive a more premium vehicle with more upscale features and greater horsepower and torque, then the Maxima is a better option than the Nissan Altima. Of course, Nissan Maxima prices are higher than you’d pay for a relatively equivalent Altima. In addition, the Maxima is positioned between the sporty Mazda Mazda 6 sedan and the larger but less agile Toyota Avalon.

What is the Maxima sport model?

No singular sport model exists, but the SR and range-topping Platinum trims include performance-oriented touches. The SR Midnight editions add unique styling along with sport seats and paddle shifters.

Why is the Maxima fast?

Eager acceleration comes courtesy of Nissan Maxima horsepower via a muscular V6 engine. Nissan designed more modern Maximas to slot below the company’s premium Infiniti brand.

Is Maxima going electric?

Not yet, though rumors suggest a hybrid or EV successor could emerge in the coming to resurrect the Maxima nameplate.

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