Also in the 2010 Nissan Maxima Review:
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Nissan Maxima Full Review
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The 2010 Nissan Maxima should see no major changes following its redesign for the 2009 model year. Two trim levels are available: 3.5 S and 3.5 SV. 3.5 SVs can further be equipped with a Sport or Premium package that features upgraded equipment such as 19-inch wheels, woodgrain or faux carbon fiber interior trim, heated leather seats and steering wheel, and power rear sunshades. All are powered by a 290-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a manual shift gate and optional paddle shifters. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Leather upholstery is standard on SV and optional on S models. Nissan's dual-panel tinted moonroof is also available; a conventional sunroof is standard. Other optional equipment includes satellite radio with real-time traffic information, a 9.3 Gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files, rear seat climate and audio controls, a rearview camera, keyless entry and starting, an iPod interface system, heated and cooled front seats, and a wireless cell phone link. This report is based on evaluations of the 2009 Nissan Maxima.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
| 3.5 SV |
3.5 SV Sport |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
6 |
Acceleration is strong from a stop, and Maxima has reserves of power at the ready for highway maneuvers. The CVT furnishes seamless, timely shifts to deliver ample power at any speed.
Fuel Economy
| 3.5 SV |
3.5 SV Sport |
Class Average |
| 5 |
5 |
5 |
No opportunity to measure. Maxima requires premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
| 3.5 SV |
3.5 SV Sport |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
6 |
The ride is firm, but not overly so. Maxima is composed and comfortable in most situations. SVs with 18-inch wheels handle small bumps with ease, though larger road imperfections jar. There is no discernible difference in the SV Sport with its 19-inch wheels.
Steering/Handling/Braking
| 3.5 SV |
3.5 SV Sport |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
7 |
Steering is firm, direct, and responsive to the car's speed. Maxima is more nimble than many midsize sedans. The brakes are strong and responsive, but the pedal can be touchy. Some slight torque steer is noticeable during brisk acceleration.
Quietness
| 3.5 SV |
3.5 SV Sport |
Class Average |
| 5 |
6 |
5.5 |
Around 4500 rpm Maxima emits a throaty, sporty note. The CVT drones loudly at cruise in SV, but is more muffled in SV Sport because of that model's extra sound dampening materials. Both suffer from moderate wind noise and tire thrum.
Controls
| 3.5 SV |
3.5 SV Sport |
Class Average |
| 6 |
7 |
6.5 |
Maxima's controls are clear and logically placed. SV's large center-mounted trip computer screen is a waste of space if navigation is not ordered. SV Sport's navigation system is easy to use as climate and most audio functions are separate. SV Sport's iPod interface system makes easy work of controlling the device through the stereo system.
Details
| 3.5 SV |
3.5 SV Sport |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
6 |
SV's soft-touch plastic surfaces are just OK in appearance, which is disappointing given Maxima's upscale pretensions. SV Sport's "piano key" faux carbon fiber trim imparts more of a sporty flair. Both models' seats are nicely accented with quality-looking red contrast stitching.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
| 3.5 SV |
3.5 SV Sport |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
7 |
Maxima's seats are very comfortable and supportive. SV Sport is equipped with a thigh extender for more support. Headroom and legroom are generous for those under 6 ft. SV's standard manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel is awkward because it requires two-handed operation.
Room/Comfort (rear)
| 3.5 SV |
3.5 SV Sport |
Class Average |
| 5 |
5 |
5 |
Legroom is adequate for an averaged-sized tester, but headroom can get tight because of the sloped roofline. The narrow center position is not suitable for adults or even large children. Doors open wide enough, but entry and exit are still hampered by narrow floor-level passages.
Cargo Room
| 3.5 SV |
3.5 SV Sport |
Class Average |
| 3 |
3 |
3 |
Maxima has a wide-opening trunk and a moderately low liftover height. SV's 60/40 split seats feature a one-touch button operation on one side, but require the pull of a trunk tether to lower the other. SV Sport has a fixed seatback with a not-so-useful ski pass through. Maxima's interior storage spaces are decent and include a large, wide glovebox, deep center console, and small scattered cubbies.
Value within Class
| 3.5 SV |
3.5 SV Sport |
Class Average |
| 5 |
6 |
5.5 |
Maxima fills a space between the more sedate Altima and the sportier, premium-level G35 from Nissan's Infiniti division. Drivers looking for a midsize sedan with a sporty flair should put Maxima on their shopping list. Its need for premium-grade gas and torque steer due to its front-wheel-drive design blunt its value.
Total Score
| 3.5 SV |
3.5 SV Sport |
Class Average |
| 61 |
64 |
62.5 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score |
|
61 |
| Average Score |
|
62 |
| High Score |
|
64 |
Engines
| |
dohc V6 |
|
|
| Size, liters/cu. in. |
3.5 /214 |
|
|
| Horsepower @ rpm. |
290 @ 6400 |
|
|
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. |
261 @ 4400 |
|
|
| Availability |
Standard |
|
|
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
|
|
| CVT automatic |
19/26 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test |
Nissan Maxima 4-door sedan |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Also in the 2010 Nissan Maxima Review:
5.
6.
Nissan Maxima Full Review
7.
8.
9.