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2019 Nissan Maxima review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Nissan Maxima highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Smooth ride
  • Luxurious feel
  • Comfortable zero gravity front seats

Cons

  • Limited headroom
  • Not many driver-assist features available
  • Small back seat

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 30 highway, 24 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year

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A sporty drive with a luxury feel.

The Nissan Maxima debuted in 1982 as the Datsun Maxima, a sedan that sported an inline-six engine. Before that, it was the Datsun 810 Deluxe and 810 Maxima, which had the distinction of being the first “talking car" by reminding drivers to turn off the lights when not in use. Since then, the Maxima has gone through seven generations of iterations, with the most current beginning in 2015. Today, Nissan touts the 2019 Maxima as a four-door sports car, complete with 10 more hp in its eighth generation (2015–present) than in the previous generation (2009–2014) — that's 300 hp against 290 hp respectively. The 2019 Maxima is also 82 pounds lighter than the previous generation, giving the car more zip. This comfortable and powerful sedan has kept going strong through the last several decades.

All Nissan Maxima years

What is new for the 2019 Nissan Maxima?

  • Maxima trims have been upgraded with Lane Departure Warning, Rear Spoiler, and 1530 as standard equipment this year.
  • The SV trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control and Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
  • The SR trim now comes with Leather Seats as standard equipment.

2019 Nissan Maxima trims

Curious how Nissan Maxima trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S

  • This base trim (and all trims, in fact) comes with a FWD 3.5L V6 engine and continuously variable automatic transmission. The S also includes these standard features: 18-inch wheels, a rearview camera, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, LED headlights, daytime running lights, remote engine start, keyless entry and ignition, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, and adjustable driving modes. Inside, it also features a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, 60/40-split rear seating, a navigation system, an eight-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an eight-speaker audio system.

  • View all Nissan Maxima S in stock

SV

  • Adds navigation, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, heated mirrors and front seats, leather upholstery, and an upgraded driver seat.

  • View all Nissan Maxima SV in stock

SL

  • Includes a dual-panel sunroof, active noise reduction, front and rear parking sensors, a heated steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, and a Bose® premium audio system.

  • View all Nissan Maxima SL in stock

SR

  • 19-inch wheels come standard over the 18-inch, plus it adds a sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, active engine sound enhancement — meaning more VROOM, ventilated front seats, Alcantara® seat inserts, unique interior trim, and rear collision mitigation. A panoramic sunroof is optional.

  • View all Nissan Maxima SR in stock

Platinum

  • Keeps the ventilated front seats of the SR, but does not include the sport-tuned suspension and other performance features of the SR trim. However, Platinum does include automatic wipers, a surround-view parking camera, power-adjustable steering column and passenger seat, upgraded leather upholstery and interior trim, traffic sign recognition, a memory system for the driver's seat, steering wheel, and outside mirrors, rear power sunshade, and NissanConnect® services.

  • View all Nissan Maxima Platinum in stock

Platinum Reserve

  • This optional package adds premium leather upholstery, upgraded interior trim, and heated rear seats.

Nissan Maxima photos

5 reasons to buy the 2019 Nissan Maxima

1. Rear door alert

Nissan Maxima Review: Backseat | CarMax

Originally developed by Nissan engineers who are also mothers, Rear Door Alert monitors when the rear door is opened and closed before and after the vehicle is in motion. Once the vehicle is in park and the ignition is turned off, the system will first display a notification in the instrument panel and progresses to subtle, distinctive chirps of the horn.

Nissan Maxima Review: Trunk | CarMax

2. Sharp colors

The 2019 Maxima includes seven beautiful and vibrant exterior paint colors, six of which carry over from the 2018 model. For 2019, Nissan added the Sunset Drift ChromaFlair, an eye-catching orange tint. Paired with the Maxima's interior accents, this sedan cuts a beautiful swath of color in a sea of neutrals. There are two new Nissan Maxima 2019 interior color options as well, including the Platinum Reserve-exclusive Rakuda Tan.

3. Nissan intelligent mobility

In 2016, Nissan unveiled its vision for performance and comfort that guides automobile design for every model — Nissan Intelligent Mobility. The brand created this initiative motivated by the idea that driving should be less stressful and more enjoyable. Nissan Intelligent Mobility connects your life to your car and seeks to give you more confidence as you drive.

4. Zero-Gravity seats

Nissan Maxima Review: Frontseat | CarMax

When sitting for long periods of time, drivers tend to naturally slump forward, which causes spinal fatigue. Nissan engineers conducted research for ten years to come up with this proprietary seat design, and it's a noteworthy perk . Each seat is built with 14 pressure points to ensure you're more comfortable in your Maxima or other Nissan models as well.

5. NissanConnect®

Nissan Maxima Review: Dash | CarMax

This dash-mounted system that combines navigation, security, connectivity, and entertainment gives you a variety of technology options. You can stream music, remotely start your car with your smartphone, or unlock your doors with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. NissanConnect is a great way to stay focused on your driving and allowing the system to give you more hands-free options.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2019 Nissan Maxima, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry has something for everyone, with a range of trims designed to fit your lifestyle. This is a fantastic commuter car with some sporty touches, too. The 2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6 comes with sport seats, paddle shifters, dual exhaust with chrome tips, and, of course, a 3.6L V6 engine. Across the other Camry models, you'll find plenty of tech features, engaging driving dynamics, and a range of packages. Whether you're looking for something to take in the carpool lane or you want a sedan that's ready for long journeys, the Camry could be the car for you.

All 2017-2019 Toyota Camry XLE models include these standard features:

  • 2.5L four-cylinder engine

  • 18-inch alloy wheels

  • Blind-spot monitor with cross-traffic alert

  • Three USB ports

  • Three driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport)

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.8 out of 5

6 customer reviews
4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Nissan Maxima an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Nissan Maxima 8th out of 13 among Fullsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Nissan Maxima

Nissan Maxima features and specs

S 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Rear Spoiler

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

300

Torque (ft-lbs)

261

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

18

Wheelbase

109.3"

Overall length

192.8"

Width

73.2"

Height

56.5"

Leg room

F 45"/R 34.2"

Head room

F 39.4"/R 36.7"

Front tires

P245/45VR18

Rear tires

P245/45VR18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2019 Nissan Maxima FAQ

More about the 2019 Nissan Maxima

Color options

Exterior Colors

  • Brilliant Silver Metallic

  • Carnelian Red Tintcoat

  • Deep Blue Pearl

  • Gun Metallic

  • Pearl White TriCoat

  • Sunset Drift ChromaFlair

  • Super Black

Interior colors

  • Cashmere Leather (SV, SL trims)

  • Cashmere Premium Ascot Leather (Platinum trim)

  • Charcoal Cloth (S trim)

  • Charcoal Leather (SV, SL trims)

  • Charcoal Premium Ascot Leather (Platinum trim)

  • Charcoal Premium Ascot Leather with Alcantara Inserts (SR trim)

  • Rakuda Tan Semi-Aniline Leather (Platinum Reserve trim)

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