NissanMaxima

　　

2023 Nissan Maxima Review

byBrian WongSenior Reviews Editor

　　Brian Wong has worked in the automotive industry since 2010, writing over 1,000 car-related articles and testing and reviewing hundreds of vehicles over the course of career. Brian is a senior reviews editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Cars.com, Motor Authority and Green Car Reports. Brian has also been featured on MotorWeek as an expert for several car comparisons. He loves convertibles (the smaller the better) and hates paying for parking, so Los Angeles is both the right and wrong city for him.

　　, rating written byBrian WongSenior Editor and Content Strategist, CarMax

　　Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at zzdcar. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.

　　The Nissan Maxima is an automotive outlier that has carved out its own niche spot in the market. Though similar in length and width to the midsize Nissan Altima, it also offers a V6 powertrain, high-class interior, and an elevated price tag to match. Many of its large sedan rivals are now defunct and soon the Maxima will join them: 2023 will be the sedan's final year of production.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$193/mo  for Maxima 3.5 SV

　　Maxima 3.5 SV

　　3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) - $38,340 MSRP3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) - $43,500 MSRP3.5 Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $44,450 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The Maxima's appeal has mostly stemmed from its fun-to-drive positioning. Its six-cylinder engine is quite responsive, and it's well-matched to the continuously variable automatic transmission. The Nissan feels lighter on its feet than other midsize sedans, making it a capable partner on twisty mountain roads. There's even an SR model with paddle shifters and a unique sport-tuned suspension, though some will find it to be too stiff for day-to-day use.

　　There are some other drawbacks on top of the price. The Maxima has an outdated infotainment system and a roofline that cuts into rear headroom, which cuts down its practicality as a people carrier. Check out what our experts have to say about the 2023 Maxima below.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Maxima drive? The Maxima isn't quite the "four-door sports car" that Nissan says it is. It's not even really a sport sedan. But it is a sporty midsize sedan, with above-average handling and strong acceleration from a V6 engine. Oddly, the Maxima feels heavy at low speeds but lighter and more agile as speed increases.

　　This sensation largely comes down to the steering feel. In many cars it's the opposite — lighter at parking-lot speeds and heavier at higher speeds. In turns and corners, the Maxima's dynamic limits are fairly low, but the car communicates well enough that drivers can be confident not to overstep them. Overall, this Nissan is a friendly and easy car to drive.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Maxima? The Maxima's quiet cabin — a joint effort involving acoustic glass, ample sound-deadening materials and active noise cancellation — gives the sedan a premium feel out on the road. The ride is firm and controlled, and the suspension nicely absorbs bumps and road imperfections. (A firmer sport suspension is available for drivers willing to trade ride comfort for sharper handling.) Overall, the Maxima rides better than most midsize family sedans and more like an entry-level luxury car.

　　The Maxima's seats also straddle the line between sporty support and long-distance comfort. They'll keep you in place through fast corners but remain comfortable for long stretches.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below