2023 Nissan Maxima

Since 1984, the Maxima has been the ultimate expression of what a Nissan sedan should be. Across eight generations, the design has changed from boxy to curvy to sleek, but some things have been consistent. It has always been Nissan’s biggest sedan, always powered by a 6-cylinder engine, and since 1985 has had front-wheel drive. Many of its large sedan competitors have dropped out over the years, but Nissan has continued to serve the audience that appreciates a large, comfortable, technically sophisticated sedan.

Performance and Safety

All Maxima models come standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing an even 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. It is paired to a smooth-operating Xtronic continuously variable transmission, which results in an EPA estimated city/highway/combined mpg of 20/30/24. True to its mission of providing both luxury and sporty response, a drive mode Selector toggles between Normal and Sport modes. The sedan rides on independent struts up front with ZF Sachs twin-tube shocks and an independent Multi-link arrangement in the rear. Intelligent Ride control causes the engine to vary its torque based on bumps in the road to reduce pitching motions on the highway. The Nissan Safety Shield® is standard on every Maxima and includes both safety and driver assist features such as:

• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
• Blind Spot Warning 
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Departure Warning
• High Beam Assist
• Rear Automatic Braking. 
• Intelligent Cruise Control
• Traffic Sign Recognition
  

Design and Features

Compound curves and swooping character lines make up the Maxima’s long, low exterior surface. All lighting is LED-illuminated, and everything looks purposeful, from the V-Motion grille to the dual exhaust outlets. Open the door, and that sense of elegant purpose continues.  Behind a  thick flat-bottomed steering wheel are white-on-black physical analog gauges flanking a 7-inch color information display.

This is not a car that has stuffed all its functions into a giant screen and sub-menus. There is an 8-inch touchscreen, but most audio and climate functions can still be operated instantaneously by physical controls. Navigation is standard, and the display is compatible with Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM. Bluetooth® is present for both hands-free phone use and streaming, and the car can become a Wi-fi hotspot.