Cons
- Noise
- Requires premium gas
Acceleration
7/10
Acceleration can be lazy from a stop, but Maxima gathers speed quickly once rolling. It has reserves of power at the ready for highway maneuvers. The CVT is seamless in operation but it doesn't impart a sporty feeling, despite Maxima's performance aspirations.
Fuel Economy
5/10
In Consumer Guide testing, we averaged 18.8 mpg with slightly more city use than highway driving. Other Maxima test cars averaged 20.1-22.4 mpg with more highway use. Maxima requires premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
5/10
Generally comfortable, though all Maximas have trouble coping with highway bumps and expansion joints. There is no discernible difference in the SV Sport with its 19-inch wheels.
Steering/Handling/Braking
6/10
Generally nimble, though non-Sport Package models feel a bit ponderous in fast corners. The brakes are strong and responsive, but the pedal can be touchy. Some slight torque steer is noticeable during brisk acceleration.
Quietness
6/10
Engine emits a throaty, sporty note at higher rpm. Some droning heard at highway speed. The Sport Package includes an extra dose of sound deadening, making Maximas so equipped slightly quieter. All models suffer from moderate wind noise and tire thrum.
Controls
7/10
Maxima's controls are clear and logically placed. SV's large center-mounted trip computer screen offers little of value on models without the navigation system. Navigation system is easy to use, and does not complicate audio functions. The available iPod interface system makes easy work of controlling the device through the stereo system.
Details
6/10
Soft-touch surfaces are just OK in appearance, which is disappointing given Maxima's upscale pretensions. Sport Package includes "piano key" faux carbon fiber trim which imparts a sporty flair. One test car suffered from malfunctioning windshield washers.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (Front)
8/10
Maxima's seats are very comfortable and supportive. SV is equipped with a thigh extender for more support. Headroom and legroom are generous for those under 6 feet. The available heated steering wheel is a nice touch not often found in this class.
Room/Comfort (Rear)
4/10
Headroom can get tight due to the sloped roofline, and gets even more cramped beneath the sunroof housing. Legroom also disappoints given the car's exterior dimensions. 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
3/10
Maxima has a wide-opening trunk lid and a moderately low liftover height. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat is standard. However, note that 3.5 SV models equipped with either the Premium or Sport package have a fixed rear seat back with a not-so-useful center 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
4/10
This sedan fills the small space between the more sedate Altima and the sportier, premium-level G37 from Nissan's Infiniti division. Maxima offers abundant power and some unexpected features, such as a heated steering wheel. Although Nissan targets Maxima as a "4-door sports car", it's not quite athletic enough to live up to that title. Adding expensive option packages escalates the sticker price to the point where an investment of a few more dollars will buy you a G37, which offers superior interior materials, warranty coverage, customer service, and is more entertaining to drive.
Highlights
The 2010 Nissan Maxima sees 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 Package that features equipment such as 19-inch wheels, sport suspension, faux metallic interior trim, heated leather seats, and power tilt and telescopic heated steering wheel. Also offered on the 3.5 SV is a Premium Package, which includes a heated and cooled driver seat, rearview camera, and power rear sunshade. All Maximas are powered by a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that behaves much like an automatic. A manual shift gate is standard; paddle shifters are optional. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. Keyless access and engine start and a wireless cell-phone link are standard. Available equipment includes satellite radio with real-time traffic information, a 9.3-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital-music files, and rear-seat climate and audio controls.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family-oriented sedans and wagons. Our Best Buys include the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord sedan, Honda Accord coupe, Mazda 6, Mercury Milan, and Toyota Prius. Our Recommended picks are the Kia Rondo, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, and Toyota Camry.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chrysler Sebring, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord Crosstour, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Suzuki Kizashi, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Prius. Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan also gain gas/electric hybrid models for 2010.