| Test Driver Ratings & Comments |
|---|
| Acceleration comments | Discovered the quickest run was in Drive because Sport-Drive or Manual modes both inserted faux shifts, eliminating the advantage of the CVT. In Drive, the tach ramped up to 6,400 rpm by 45 mph and stayed there throughout the quarter-mile. Wheelspin was minimal, as if there's an electronic torque-limiting program. Even so, there's plenty of right-biased torque steer in it at wide-open throttle. |
| Braking rating | Good |
| Braking comments | Like so many (non-sports) cars we test, there's little initial brake bite at 60 mph and most of the slowing occurs from 45-0 mph. The pedal is neither hard nor soft, but just right, with enough feedback to effectively modulate. Moderate dive and so-so stopping distances with little evidence of fade. |
| Handling rating | Good |
| Handling comments | It's hard to maintain a constant speed around the skid pad even if "3rd gear" is manually selected. The throttle/transmission response lacks the immediacy preferred in this test. Once the edge is found, mild understeer sets in but is easily transformed into a slight tendency toward oversteer. Steering effort (light) and buildup (linear) are appropriate for the Maxima. In the slalom, we applaud the light and precise steering. What felt rather tight on the skid pad became "loose" while threading the cones. If provoked by abrupt throttle or steering inputs, the Maxima will rotate slowly and controllably. The quickest way through was the least dramatic. |
| Dimensions & Capacities |
|---|
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | Being researched |
| Curb weight, as tested (lbs.) | 3,631 |
| Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%) | 61/39 |
| Length (in.) | 190.6 |
| Width (in.) | 73.2 |
| Height (in.) | 57.8 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 109.3 |
| Track, front (in.) | 62.4 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 62.4 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 37.4 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 43.8 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 34.6 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 38.8 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 36.4 |
| Shoulder room, front (in.) | 56.3 |
| Shoulder room, rear (in.) | 55.1 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 14.2 |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | Ski pass-through only |
| Safety |
|---|
| Front airbags | Standard dual front |
| Side airbags | Standard dual front |
| Head airbags | Standard front/rear |
| Knee airbags | Not available |
| Antilock brakes | 4-wheel ABS |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Emergency brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Rollover protection | Not available |
| Tire-pressure monitoring system | Standard |
| Emergency assistance system | Not available |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Being researched |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Being researched |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Being researched |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Being researched |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Being researched |
