New Tech, Fresh Style Define Refreshed 2019 Nissan Maxima

The current-generation Maxima sedan has been on the market for a few years and it’s high time for an update.

Nissan folks have been hard at work on the refreshed 2019 model, which just debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Fundamentally, this vehicle remains unchanged; major components like the underlying structure and engine soldier on. If you’re curious, a 300-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 fills the space ahead of its firewall.

But as that old saying goes, the devil is in the details. Improving the breed, engineers focused on updating the Maxima’s technology and refining its design, both inside and out.

Front and center, the car features a larger grille with a deeper V-motion applique, Nissan’s signature exterior styling element. Headlamps of the LED variety are also standard fare. ‘Round back, the taillights and fascia have been reworked and there are now quad exhaust tips, an outlet for every one-and-a-half cylinders! Athletic SR models also gain a new rear spoiler, you know, for a sportier look. A new paint color even joins the palette, a hue called Sunset Drift.

The Maxima will be offered in five trim levels, S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum. Top-shelf models roll on diamond-cut wheels spanning 19 inches. Complimenting its other enhancements, the 2019 Maxima features a retuned chassis, with tweaks made to its steering, suspension and brakes.

SEE ALSO: Complete 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show Coverage

Inside, passengers will benefit from upgraded materials. There’s new stitching, seat patterns and updated speaker grilles. Platinum Reserve models gain Rakuda Tan semi-aniline leather, similar to what’s offered in Nissan’s legendary GT-R supercar, as well as satin-bronze interior accents.

Bringing the latest and greatest tech to market, Nissan Safety Shield 360 is offered. This suite of circuits and software bundles six advanced driver-assistance features into one neat little package. It includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic parking. All this is standard on Platinum models and is bundled with the SR Premium Package.

Where is Nissan From and Where are Nissans Made?

For the 2019 model year, Nissan Safety Shield 360 is also available in the Rogue and Rogue Sport utility vehicles, Altima sedan and Murano crossover. It’s on pace to be standard equipment in more than 1 million new Nissan vehicles sold annually in the U.S. by 2021.

Maxima is Nissan’s flagship four-door and it looks like they’re keeping it competitive, even if the sedan segment is shrinking. Befitting a car of this caliber, another point of pride is quality. According to the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, Maxima was the highest-rated model in the large-car segment and the second-highest among all vehicles rated. Look for the refreshed 2019 model at dealerships this December.

ALSO SEE: Nissan Altima vs Maxima: Which Sedan is Right For You?

Discuss this story on our Nissan Forum.