Introduction

The 2020 Nissan Maxima is a stylish mid-size sedan with a smooth and powerful V-6 engine coupled to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), sending power to the front wheels. 

For 2020 the Maxima gets standard automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, active lane control and adaptive cruise control. 

The Maxima was recently refreshed, with distinctive large LED headlamps, quilted faux suede seats, textured accents and a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel. 

The 3.5-liter V-6, tried and true, makes 300 horsepower. An SR model brings sporty handling with its beefier suspension, 19-inch wheels, as well as paddle shifters to guide the CVT through simulated gears. 

The Maxima gets EPA ratings of 20 mpg city, 30 highway, 24 combined, but that great engine needs premium fuel.
The NHTSA has only tested Maxima for rollover, where it gets five stars. But IIHS gave the 2019 Maxima its Top Safety Pick award with its top 'Good'? ratings in every category except headlights. 

Lineup

The 2020 Maxima is sold in S, SV, SL, SR, and Platinum trims,

The $35,145 Maxima S comes with standard active safety features, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 18-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, and two USB ports,

The sporty SR comes in at over $42,345, with a panoramic roof, premium sound, and leather upholstery, along with the stiffer sport suspension with better sway bars, more responsive brakes, blacked-out trim and 19-inch wheels. 

Maxima SV and SL models add more luxury touches like leather seats and satellite navigation, but the $42,435 Platinum has the most, including Bose audio, a dual-pane panoramic moonroof, a surround-view camera system, 19-inch wheels, heated and cooled leather seats up front, real wood trim, and more. 

Nissans have a 36-month/36,000-mile limited warranty, and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

Walkaround

The Maxima is undeniably handsome, with dramatic character lines, a floating roof design, and big LED headlights that are bright to the eyes, even if the IIHS doesn't think they're tops. The Nissan V-shaped grille seems bigger and bolder than ever on the Maxima.
The SR, with its black 19-inch wheels and trim, looks properly sporty. 

Interior

The interior is draped in fine materials, at least with the top trims, while all trims show some sport, for example the flat-bottomed steering wheel. The center stack is angled towards the driver, and there's an abundance of real knobs and buttons, as opposed to everything being on a touchscreen that demands focus. 

The comfortable front seats make up for the tight rear seat. The base cloth seats are power-adjustable, well bolstered, and comfortable for long hours behind the wheel. The higher trim models add finer materials like real leather and grippy synthetic suede. 

The rear is comfortable for just two adults, who have just 34.2 inches of leg room, while head room is compromised by the sloping roofline. The smaller Nissan Altima actually has a more comfortable rear seat. 

The trunk is also on the small side, with 14.3 cubic feet. 

Driving Impression

The 3.5-liter V-6 makes 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. There aren't many engines that have been around this long, which is by no means saying it feels old. It's been steadily updated over the years, and the best word for it might be perfected. 

It's teamed with a CVT that belongs in an economy car, not a sedan with so much potential like the Maxima. The CVT drones on, holding its revs too long. The Maxima deserves a sharp 8-speed automatic. While we're at it, the Maxima also deserves the option of all-wheel drive. 

When we say the Maxima has potential, it's not only because of the engine, but also because the ride is supple and the handling is good.
The SR model helps with the driving dynamics, but it can't save the Maxima. The Maxima used to be known for its sportiness, and the SR tries to bring the spirit back, with a firmer suspension and better brakes. 

Summary

The 2020 Nissan Maxima bristles with style, and has a great engine that would be a winner with a sharp 8-speed automatic transmission. Handling is good, safety technology is strong, and for those who can't go without its attention-grabbing looks, the 2020 Maxima lives mostly up to the hype. 

 

-By Sam Moses with driving impressions by The Car Connection.