2023 Nissan Maxima

Nissan’s varied lineup of SUVs, pickup trucks, and EVs usually perform well in our road tests, but their Overall Scores suffer because of up-and-down reliability and average to below-average owner satisfaction. Inconsistent quality across the brand means some Nissans are a better choice than others. Many of its gasoline vehicles use small turbocharged engines and continuously variable transmissions to give owners both competitive fuel economy and sporty performance. Most new Nissans come standard with a full suite of active safety and driver assist systems. It’s also one of the few remaining brands that sells a sub-compact sedan, the Versa. The compact Sentra, a mainstay within Nissan’s lineup, earned a high score in our road test and is recommended. Nissan was an early EV trailblazer with the Leaf hatchback, and now sells larger five-passenger EV SUVs. Used Nissans have average reliability according to our surveys.

Redesigned for 2016, the Maxima continues to use the smooth, powerful 3.5-liter V6, which is a highlight of the new car. The continuously variable transmission works well for loafing around, but it saps any aspirations of sporty driving. Handling is mundane and the ride is too stiff for a sedan that costs $40,000. The Maxima has a plush interior, a number of high-tech safety and connectivity features, and uses a fairly straightforward infotainment system. A low roofline inhibits access and visibility. Controls are simple to use, and the front seats are very comfortable and supportive. The rear cabin, however, is rather cramped. An SR version with a stiffer suspension is available, but it lacks a sunroof. For 2017, Apple CarPlay is added to the infotainment system. Updates for 2018 included standard forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Changes for 2019 include new exterior styling, and revised interior trim. Nissan's Rear Door Alert system, giving drivers messages on the driver instrument panel, and multiple horn honks as a way to remind drivers to check the rear seats after they park, is now standard. For 2020, all models come standard with blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Updates for 2022 include standard heated rear seats added to Platinum grade.