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2020 Nissan Maxima

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2020 2021
MSRP Starts From
$34,450

What's New

  • The full suite of advanced driver assistance tech is standard across all trims (blind spot monitoring, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams and automated emergency braking)
  • The sporty SR trim now comes with the Premium package (panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, automatic rear braking, driver’s seat with memory function and auto-dimming side mirrors)

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Athletic V6 engine
  • Stylish exterior
  • Well-equipped features
Cons
  • Smaller trunk than rivals
  • Squishy steering
  • AWD is not available

Nissan Maxima Overview

The 2020 Nissan Maxima, now in its eighth generation, is a sporty full-size sedan that is well-suited for smaller families and commuters. The Maxima, which received a facelift in 2019, offers five different trims that are powered by a 3.5-lilter V6 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission that delivers 300 horsepower. It’s configured with a front-wheel drivetrain. Adjustable driving modes let the driver change performance based on conditions. The interior of the Maxima is dramatic and features an 8-inch touchscreen display that’s easy to use. The center stack has audio and climate controls that are well-placed and user-friendly. Its trunk space is small (14.3 cubic-feet), but there are decent sized cubbies for small-item storage and the seats fold flat for transport of bulkier cargo.

Trim Specifications

All Maxima sedans come standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, two USB ports, LED headlights, daytime running lights and fog lights. Also standard is dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote engine start, keyless entry and ignition as well as rain-sensing wipers. The base SV and mid-grade SL add heated seats. The sporty SR get gets heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, a dual-panel moonroof and a rear spoiler. The Platinum adds Ascot leather seats, a satin wood interior trim, upgraded wipers and NissanConnect. The Platinum Reserve layers on upgraded leather upholstery and heated rear seats.

Warranty

Basic:
3 Years/36,000 Miles
Drivetrain:
5 Years/60,000 Miles
Corrosion:
5 Years/Unlimited Miles
Roadside Assistance:
3 Years/36,000 Miles

Specs & Safety

Nissan Maxima Specification

Price
$34,450*
Vehicle Type Sedan
Engine Type Premium Unleaded V-6
Seats 5 Person
Horsepower 300p
Torque (lb-ft) 261
Efficiency (MPG) 20 City / 30 Hwy
Transmission CVT w/OD
*Includes Destination Charges

Nissan Maxima Safety

Nissan Maxima Generations

First Generation

1981 to 1984
The first-generation Maxima shared a nameplate with the Datsun 810. It was available as a sedan and a wagon. It had a 2.4-liter 125-horsepower engine and a short-lived 2.8-liter diesel. It was configured with rear-wheel-drive and featured hi-tech warnings such as “your door is ajar,” and “please turn out the lights.”

Second Generation

1985 to 1988
The second-generation Maxima was front-wheel-drive and used an adaptive suspension, one of the industry’s first. It was offered as a sedan and a wagon until 1988 when the wagon was discontinued.

Third Generation

1989 to 1994
The third-generation Maxima cemented itself as a performance sedan. It was equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and was popular throughout its entire lifecycle. Nissan dubbed it a “four-door sports car.”

Fourth Generation

1995 to 1999
The fourth-generation Maxima fell victim of corporate budget cuts, which meant the demise of the independent rear suspension. Other Maxima stalwart features such as a Bose audio system were added, however.

Fifth Generation

2000 to 2003
The fifth-generation Maxima showcased a roomier, more comfortable cabin albeit with uninspired styling. Under the hood was a more powerful 3.0-liter V6 that delivered 222 horsepower.

Sixth Generation

2004 to 2008
For some, the sixth-generation Maxima overcorrected the bland styling, going in the extreme opposite direction with a plump shape and a slot-style longitudinal fixed sunroof. A manual transmission was still available, but the move to a CVT dulled the driving experience for enthusiasts.

Seventh Generation

2009 to 2015
The styling issues were somewhat addressed for the seventh generation Maxima, but the front-wheel-drive configuration further dampened interest in the car at a time when competitors were moving to rear-wheel-drive.

Eighth Generation

2016 to Present
The eight-generation Maxima debuted for the 2016 model year. It was longer, lower and leaner. Power increased to 300 horsepower, but the CVT still turned off enthusiasts. The Maxima received a light refresh for the 2019 model year that changed the front grille, rear bumper and lighting elements.

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