2019 Nissan Maxima Review

The Nissan Maxima is hard to ignore, even as SUVs and crossovers steal headlines away from once-popular sedans. But sedans still exist, and there are plenty of reasons to pick one up, especially if it’s the attractively styled and enjoyable to drive Maxima.

The 2019 model has seen minimal updates — visually, you can perhaps spot the new head and taillights. They are slimmer and feature full LED lighting to improve visibility and provide a prominent light signature.

Additionally, the Maxima features a new design line that focuses attention to the vehicle’s quad tip exhaust, a sporty element that brings to mind the 4DSC (4-Door Sports Car) moniker used to market the sedan in the past. The car also features an updated grille, channeling the V-Motion setup as seen on the smaller Altima.

The car also gets a pair of new wheel designs. 18-inch models for S and SV models, while top-trim Platinum Reserve versions of the car get 19s finished in hyper silver. Like the Murano, the Maxima gets a few new paint finishes, including a Chromaflair option that features metallic flakes that transition from red to gold depending on the light.

See Also: 2019 Nissan Altima Review – Video

The cabin hasn’t changed much for 2019, which is a good thing. The Maxima has a fantastic interior; it’s well crafted with a lot of premium materials and a smart layout. This year, the automaker is offering the same Rakuda tan leather that’s found on the flagship Nissan GT-R. It looks fantastic, thanks to its unique quilting pattern and satin bronze finishes. The Maxima balances that feeling of premium and sport very well, even for a large family sedan. Depending on the trim level, you get Alcantara or higher grade leather accents, which again boost the appeal of the Maxima’s interior.

There are some interesting and convenient additions including USB ports (both type-A and type-C) up front, as well as 60/40 split folding rear seats. The car also features a driver alertness system, automatic emergency braking, and a rear-seat alert system that reminds you about something you may have left in the back seats.

The sedan is also offered with a large dual-panel moonroof that really helps the Maxima feel spacious and airy, and high trim level models feature a power sunshade for the rear window. There’s a lot of equipment being offered but if this is supposed to be the brand’s top sedan, maybe a few another stand out feature could be included, like say, a head-up display?

Nothing has changed under the hood. There’s a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque, which is paired with a CVT that sends power to the front wheels. That may not sound like much or anything worth getting excited about but the Maxima has a surprising amount of pep to its step. The motor is refined, sounds great and provides a lot of power — something that isn’t quite expected in a package such as a full size, front-wheel-drive sedan. Even if you don’t associate CVTs with sporty drives, the Maxima makes a somewhat compelling drive, but there are other factors involved, too.

ALSO SEE: 2019 Nissan Murano Review

The steering is pleasantly heavy and the car responds to directional changes well. It feels precise and confident, with limited body roll. It’s a tiny bit stiff, but not too uncomfortable. The car doesn’t absorb all road imperfections well, but it feels fantastic on a smooth ribbon of tarmac.

It’s relatively quiet too thanks to active noise cancellation, and the Maxima has some strong driving assistance systems. Blind spot warning, intelligent cruise control, and rear cross traffic alert are all available at lower trim levels than before, and you can also get lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and rear automatic braking as well. However, Nissan does have an extra gear to offer, at least in other places of its lineup. The ProPilot Assist that’s available on the Rogue and Leaf would be right at home here on the more premium model, allowing buyers to access a more tightly integrated set of driver assistance with a single button.

A starting price of $34,845 for base models, has a relatively small price gap to the top trim, which costs $42,335. Platinum and SR models can get additional equipment in the form of the Reserve and Platinum packages that add extra luxuries for less than $2,000 more.