Our Opinion - 2023 Nissan Maxima Review Even though it has not been redesigned since the 2016 model year, the 2023 Nissan Maxima still stands out because of its floating roofline and curved shape. Unfortunately, the way it drives could be more enjoyable. The Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger are less nimble than the Maxima, but the Volkswagen Arteon is more refined. All Maximas have a V-6 engine with 300 horsepower, but it’s paired with a cumbersome continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) (CVT). If you want a cheaper alternative to, say, Nissan’s luxury brand Infiniti, the Nissan’s cabin is roomy and surprisingly elegant for the price. If not, we’d recommend the Arteon or a smaller Audi or BMW sports sedan that costs less. What's New? The new thing is that the end of the Maxima is coming up quickly. Nissan says that the Maxima will no longer be made after 2023. Since 1980, the Maxima has been Nissan’s top-of-the-line sedan, but newer versions aren’t as sporty as older ones, which impressed Car and Driver editors in the 1990s. Nissan may not give up on the Maxima brand entirely even though it puts more effort into SUVs and electric cars. The Maxima could come back as a “fake crossover” like the Toyota Crown, or its name could be used for a future electric sedan that looks like a sports sedan. Pros And Cons Pros: Better things for the cabin There are a lot of common safety technologies It’s easy to use the entertainment system. Powerful V6 engine Cons: The back seats and trunk are total. Hazy steering Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Maxima is one of the more maneuverable full-size sedans, and when pushed hard, its V-6 engine makes an excellent sound. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 300 horsepower gets the Maxima where it needs to go. On the other hand, the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) makes it harder for the Maxima to be a sports sedan. In our tests, a Maxima Platinum went from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, faster than the Volkswagen Arteon and Charger, both of which have V-6 engines. For its size, the Maxima is easy to drive. The suspension is solid and has good damping, but it might be too stiff for the class. The Maxima doesn’t mean much when turning sharply, and in our tests, the Maxima SR easily beat its competitors. Safety Standard driver assistance features are basic; SR and Platinum models can be equipped with more advanced technology. Among the essential safety features are the following: Standards for emergency brakes that work on their own Standard warning of a collision Adaptive cruise control is accessible Internal and External Cargo Capacity The well-designed Maxima’s interior has room for five people and is full of soft-touch materials, easy-to-use controls, and many high-end goodies. The headroom in the front seats is about average, but the legroom is one of the best in the class. Compared to bigger cars like the 300, the back seat space could be ampler. All models come with a push-button start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control for two zones, a power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Maxima has one of the shortest trunks in its class, which makes it hard to transport cargo. However, its larger compartments make it easy to store everyday items, and the rear seatbacks can be folded down to fit more oversized items. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG The Maxima’s powertrain shows how well it can combine performance and efficiency. It gets 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, and it did better than average in our real-world tests. Due to its long highway driving range, it is also an excellent car for long-distance trips. During our 200-mile highway fuel-efficiency test, we got an average of 32 mpg, which is better than what the EPA says the Maxima can do. Infotainment and Connectivity All Maxima models have an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen that is easy to use. The center stack of the infotainment system has redundant buttons for quick access to standard settings like radio volume and climate control. It can also be used as a touchscreen. The system also allows access from afar, offers emergency services, and keeps track of vehicles. Parents of teen drivers may like the speed, limit, and curfew alarms, and when the airbags go off in an accident, the system notifies emergency services immediately. In case the Maxima is stolen, being able to track its location and open the door locks remotely is helpful. Price and How to Choose The Platinum model’s added features include a power-operated rear sunshade, heated rear seats, leather upholstery with diamond-quilted inserts, a power-adjustable steering column, and rain-sensing windscreen wipers, which are well worth the monetary investment. If you have extra money, you might want to get the Maxima’s optional Reserve package, which comes with a charcoal-colored headliner, a two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel, and unique 19-inch wheels.
