2019 Nissan Maxima Review
Pros & Cons
- Well-made and attractive cabin
- Tech controls are easy to use
- Sharp handling for a midsize sedan
- Cushy ride, as long as you don't get the SR trim
- The cabin feels small, with limited backseat legroom and headroom
- Limited number of available driving aids
- It has a less roomy trunk than rivals
- Subpar fuel economy
Other years
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Which Maxima does Edmunds recommend?
If you're looking at the Maxima, it's because you want something that rides and handles more like a sports car. For that reason, we'd opt for the SR. This trim comes with retuned dampers, stiffer springs, and a larger front stabilizer bar to optimize the car's handling ability. It also has paddle shifters to give some control of the transmission back to the driver.
Edmunds' Expert Review
Driving
7.5The Maxima isn't a "four-door sports car" as Nissan claims. It's not even a sport sedan, but it is impressive for a midsize sedan, with above-average handling and strong acceleration from the 300-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Torque steer is evident, though.
Comfort
8.0The Maxima is a quiet car with a ride that nicely toes the line between comfort and feel for the road, and it isn't tripped up by bigger bumps. It is certainly akin to entry-level luxury cars and a step up from most midsize family sedans.
Interior
7.0Overall, the Maxima's interior looks great and the controls are easy to use. But passenger space is limited, and entering and exiting can be difficult, especially in the rather tight back seat. Visibility also leaves something to be desired, though useful side mirrors and safety aids help.
Utility
7.0The Maxima's overall cargo capacity is disappointing considering the vehicle's exterior size. In terms of both trunk space and small-item storage, it ranks behind similarly sized vehicles. That said, the Maxima has a few tricks to add some convenience back.
Technology
7.0Nissan's technology features are easy to use. Smartphone integration is standard, and the Maxima offers quite a few features standard or on low to midtrim levels. However, the overall functionality and appearance are a bit behind the curve of the newest systems from competitors.
Jump to:Related 2019 Maxima articles
Scorecard
Overall | 7.4 / 10 |
Driving | 7.5 |
Comfort | 8.0 |
Interior | 7.0 |
Utility | 7.0 |
Technology | 7.0 |
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 Nissan Maxima.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Vic,09/11/2019
3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
I rented this car and liked it enough to do some more research on it and leave a review. I drove it 1000 miles on a road trip and it was extremely comfortable. It had more than enough horses to pass. Cabin is quiet. Cruise control is easy to use. Plenty of standard tech. I'm baffled why I don't see more on the road.
RICHARD,08/16/2019
3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
My 2016 MAXIMA SV lease was up, loved the car so much decided to upgrade to a 2019 SR SUPER BLACK and optioned it out. 2ND TO NONE! for the $$ this car is BAD A**!
John,09/13/2019
3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
We bought a 2016 Maxima sr, new. We loved this car until the problems just kept mounting. It has been in the shop numerous times (oil leak) took 3 days to find and fix. At least four factory recalls, which were fixed. The latest a bracket holding the muffler up broke, $200 fix. Drove it home the emission light came on. Went back to the dealer $875.00 to replace an oxygen sensor
but that wasn't the only problem. A transmission code pops up. Needs a new transmission the CVT is slipping. That is at least covered by the drivetrain warranty. The car has 43k miles. Garaged, no dirt roads, very little city driving mainly hwy, no abuse. I have had 2 Maxima's, 2 Altima's. and a 350z. Done with Nissan.
Mike Laboy,03/21/2019
Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
We tried many other comparable makers and they weren't close in Quality, options, accessories or looks.
Safety
Our experts like the Maxima models:
- Intelligent Forward Collision Warning
- Warns the driver if a front collision is imminent.
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Works with the Intelligent Forward Collision Warning system. Automatically applies the brakes to lessen the impact of a front collision.
- Intelligent Around-View Monitor
- Provides a 360-degree, top-down view of the Maxima to help when parking.
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