2013 Nissan Maxima

The trim range of 2013 is very short as it only consists of two trim levels. But on the bright side, you are free from the confusion and headache due to confusing trim levels and their packages. The base S trim on the 2013 Altima has all the basic features for your comfort. It has seats covered in cloth upholstery, an 18-inch aluminum alloy that helps it run, and a 6-speaker sound system that lets you enjoy your favorite playlist. However, when you look at the top SV trim, it increases the level of comfort by adding various features such as HomeLink universal transceiver, leather seats, and various packages as per your needs.

There are no optional packages given on the base trim while it is completely opposite for the SV trim. The premium package adds a dual-panel moonroof with a power-retractable sunshade, premium mood lighting, and Atlantic Cherry wood-tone trim. With the Sports Package, Maxima gets metallic trim, 7-inch QVGA color monitor, rearview monitor, heated outside mirrors with a reverse tilt-down feature, power-tilt/telescoping steering column, climate-controlled driver’s seat, and heated front-passenger seat, parallel-seamed leather-wrapped heated steering wheel with paddle, shifters, and rear bucket seats, 

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If you can stretch your budget a little, SV trim is a perfect fit for you. It has all the amenities you require and the availability of different packages gives you the freedom to customize your car as per your taste. 

Both trims of the Maxima come with a 3.5-liter V6 naturally-aspirated gas engine which is mated to a continuous variable transmission. It churns out 290 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque. This power is directed towards the front wheels only as FWD is the only drivetrain given on the 2013 Maxima. That said, the Maxima can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 5.8 seconds which makes it the fastest sedan in the competition.

Coming to the driving experience and ride quality, the Nissan Maxima has performed pretty well. The steering wheel is precise and the brakes have good feedback. With the Sports package, you can add sport-tuned suspension which makes the ride hard and not as comfy as it is with the soft suspensions. A shift feature has been given with the CVT which allows you to explore all 6 gear ratios.

Toyota Avalon might have the lowest engine output in terms of horsepower and torque but it is infinitesimally faster than the Hyundai Azura. With the highest power figures, Chevrolet Impala finishes the 0-60 mph mark 0.4 seconds later than the Nissan Maxima. Lastly, the Hyundai Azura takes around 6.3 seconds to cross 60 mph from a standstill.

The fuel consumption of the Nissan Maxima is not the highest in the segment but it is not very minimal either. Maxima returns a fuel economy of 19/26/22 mpg in the city/highway/combined respectively. However, to balance out the low fuel economy against few rivals Maxima has the largest fuel storage capacity.

The Toyota Avalon is wearing the crown for being the least thirsty car but it has the smallest fuel tank. That said, the fuel economy of the Chevrolet Impala is 2,1,3 mpg less in the city, highway, and combined as compared to the Toyota Avalon. Lastly, Hyundai Azura is the second most fuel-efficient sedan which returns a fuel economy of 1 mpg, 2 mpg, 2 mpg less than the Toyota Avalon. 

The interior of the 2013 Nissan Maxima is the same as last year's model. The cabin is filled with decent-quality materials. Piano-hairline trim is present on various parts of the cabin but it can be replaced with the optional Atlantic Cherry wood-tone trim or metallic trim on the SV trim. Cloth seats are standard but they can be upgraded to leather seats or premium leather seats under the sports package. That said, leather wrapping is given on the steering wheel and gear shifter handle. However, a parallel-seamed leather-wrapped steering wheel is optional under the Sports package.

Standard 8-way power driver seat with manual lumbar support can be replaced with the power lumbar support. The passenger seat gets only 4-way power adjustment. The rear seats can fold into a 40/60 pattern. The standard convenience features given in the cabin are manual tilt and telescopic steering column, Nissan intelligent key, dual 12v power outlet, auto-dimming inside mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, multi-functional trip computer, and one-touch power front row windows. The heated steering wheel and front seats are given under the Cold Package.

The Maxima is stingy when it comes to interior space as it has the least passenger volume in the competition. On the other hand, Azera has the hairiest interior. Furthermore, the Impala is following the lead of the Azera. Lastly, the most spacious cabin belongs to the Toyota Avalon. Talking about the cargo capacity, Impala has the biggest trunk which offered a cargo capacity of 18.6 cu-ft while Maxima has the smallest trunk with a cargo capacity of 14.2 cu-ft. Major interior features include:

• Cloth seats
• Heated front seats (optional)
• Heated steering wheel (optional)
• Power tilt and telescopic steering wheel (optional)
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Nissan intelligent key system
• Premium mood lighting (optional)
• Heated and cooled driver’s seat (optional)
• HomeLink universal transceiver

How intuitive is the 2013 Nissan Maxima’s infotainment unit?

Talking about the entertainment features, you get an 8-speaker sound system, CD player with MP3 capability, and aux jack some standard features given on the base 2013 Nissan Maxima. But if you go for the SV trim, under the Tech Package you get a 7-inch touchscreen, navigation system, SiriusXM, Zagat Survey restaurant reviews, and Bluetooth. There are also other optional features such as a 9-speakers Bose sound system, SiriusXM, speed-sensitive volume control, and radio data system given under the Audio Package. Major infotainment features are:

• CD player
• 8-speakers sound system
• SiriusXM satellite radio (optional)
• 9-speakers Bose sound system (optional)
• Speed sensitive volume control (optional)
• 7-inch touchscreen (optional)
• 7-inch QVGA color monitor for vehicle information (optional) 

The Exterior language of the Maxima is eye stealing. With all the smooth curves and defined body lines, one can mistake the Maxima for the luxury segment sedan. A chrome grille that goes beautifully with Java Metallic exterior paint just makes anyone’s heart stop. Auto on and off headlights are given at the front while LED taillights and dual mufflers with rolled chrome-tipped finishers add a sporty vibe to the Maxima. 

19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, rear spoiler, HID Xenon headlights, and Heated side mirrors are given on the SV trim as optional features given under the Sport Package. Dual power side mirrors are standard on the base trim but get turn signal indicators attached on the SV trim. 2013 Maxima stands on the 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and has a power sliding moonroof.

After evaluating the exterior dimensions of the Maxima and rivals, it is clear that the Impala is the longest plus tallest, the Maxima is the widest, and the rival from the Hyundai has the largest wheelbase. As for the ground clearance, every sedan has nearly the same value. In terms of curb weight, the opponent from the Chevrolet weighs more than any sedan in the competition. Major exterior features are:

• 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
• Dual Panel Moonroof with power retractable sunshades (optional)
• Rear spoiler (optional)
• Fog lights
• Automatic on/off headlights
• Heated outside mirrors (optional)

According to NHTSA data, the 2013 Nissan Maxima has received an overall safety rating of 4 stars out of 5 and the worst performance Maxima shows in the frontal crash tests. As per IIHS, 2013 Maxima has earned a mixture of Good, Acceptable, and Marginal ratings in the crashworthiness tests. Compared to Maxima, some rivals have better safety ratings. 

Ratings aside, there are no advanced safety features given in the 2013 Maxima as there are mostly just basic safety features such as cruise control, vehicle security system, tire pressure monitor, engine immobilizer, airbag system, brake assist, traction control system, ABS, and electronic brake-force distribution. Major safety features are:

• Cruise control
• Brake assist
• Engine immobilizer
• Tire pressure monitor
• Vehicle dynamic control system

The 2013 Nissan Maxima has better acceleration than fellow rivals and ground clearance is slightly better but in other areas, rivals have a better score. Be it interior space or fuel economy, cargo space or safety ratings, opponents are beating Maxima brutally. However, in terms of other amenities, the Nissan Maxima does hold an edge. Therefore, the 2013 Maxima is a mixed bag, and alternatives such as Azera and Avalon from Hyundai and Toyota respectively are a better deal.