| Model year | 2009 |
| Make | Nissan |
| Model | Maxima |
| Style | 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) |
| Base MSRP | $32,860 |
| Options on test vehicle | Sport Package ($2,300 ? includes 19-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, rear spoiler, xenon headlights, auto-dimming driver side outside mirror, heated power tilt-telescoping steering wheel, driver memory functions with automatic entry-exit system, upgraded leather upholstery, heated front seats, rear bucket seats, Bluetooth, satellite radio and metallic-look interior trim); Tech Package ($2,250 ? includes hard drive navigation system with voice recognition, real-time traffic update capability, rearview parking camera, 9.3GB of digital music storage, iPod integration control, auxiliary audio/visual jacks and single-CD player); Floor Mats and Trunk Mat ($180). |
| As-tested MSRP | $37,380 |
| Drive type | Front wheel drive |
| Engine type | V6 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 3498 / 213 |
| Block/head material | Aluminum/Aluminum |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 4 valves/cyl, variable intake/exhaust-valve timing |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 10.6:1 |
| Redline (rpm) | 6,600 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 290 @ 6,400 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 261 @ 4,400 |
| Transmission type | Continuously variable |
| Transmission and axle ratios (x:1) | Forward = 2.371 - 0.439; FD = 5.173 |
| Suspension, front | Independent, MacPherson Struts, Coil Springs, and Stabilizer Bar |
| Suspension, rear | Independent, Multi-Link, Coil Springs, and Stabilizer Bar |
| Steering type | Speed-sensitive hydraulic-assist rack-and-pinion power steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 15.2:1 |
| Tire brand | Goodyear |
| Tire model | Eagle RS-A |
| Tire type | All season |
| Tire size, front | P245/40R19 94V |
| Tire size, rear | P245/40R19 94V |
| Wheel size | 19" X 8" front and rear |
| Wheel material | Aluminum alloy |
| Brakes, front | 12.6-in ventilated disc |
| Brakes, rear | 12.1-in ventilated disc |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 4.4 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 6.3 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 8.9 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 14.5 @ 95.9 |
| 0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) | 6.0 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 31 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 128 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 65.2 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 0.80 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | 40.6 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 76.4 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 66.7 |
| Acceleration comments | Remarkably easy to launch, the Maxima has little wheelspin regardless of launch technique. Quickest run was with transmission in "D", not "D Sport". Simulated shifts in "Manual" mode do not provide better acceleration. |
| Braking rating | Average |
| Braking comments | Solid pedal feel throughout, but unimpressive stopping distance. Fade apparent as well. |
| Handling rating | Good |
| Handling comments | Skid Pad: Despite sporty and well-controlled suspension, the Maxima's tires ultimately let it down for an otherwise excellent chassis. Slalom: Excellent feel, response and sense of control for a car this big and heavy. Body motions are well controlled and chassis is stable even over mid-corner bumps. |
| Elevation (ft.) | 1,121 |
| Temperature (°F) | 78.8 |
| Wind (mph, direction) | 2.8 mph SW |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 19 City / 26 Highway |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | 18.8 |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 20.0 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 3,579 |
| Curb weight, as tested (lbs.) | 3,609 |
| Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%) | 61.2 / 38.8 |
| 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.) | 38.5 |
| 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 |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 5 years/Unlimited miles |
| Roadside assistance | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Free scheduled maintenance | Not available |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard dual front |
| Head airbags | Standard front and rear |
| Knee airbags | Not Available |
| Antilock brakes | 4-wheel ABS |
| Electronic brake enhancements | braking assist, electronic brakeforce distribution |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Rollover protection | Not Available |
| Tire-pressure monitoring system | tire pressure monitoring |
| 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 |
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