2014 Nissan Maxima

The Nissan Maxima is available only in two trim levels and these are known as S and SV. Both these trim levels are extremely well equipped and even the base model has features that suggest 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, and so on. There is also a limited edition model unsealed right now called the S Limited Edition.

Which trim should you buy?

The base trim is rather well-equipped even though it is generally one that does not get too much attention. Also considering the fact that the Nissan Maxima is a bit on the pricier side if you check out the SV trim level and edges too close to the territory of luxury badges, we would feel that it is better to stick to the base trim level itself. This is only because the car offers an excellent value for money package in the S trim level.

Powering the Nissan Maxima sedan is a 3.5 L V-6 engine that generates 290 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque. This is available in the same state of tune regardless of trim levels. It is only offered in front-wheel-drive configurations and that is a big disappointment in the car. Transmission choices are restricted to a CVT automatic transmission. However, when it comes to acceleration figures, the engine is quite quick with a 6.4 second 0 to 60 mph time as well as a 14.8-second quarter-mile time. That definitely means that the car is very much capable.

One can see that all the competitors in this category are very equally priced and offer excellent options. And that is very important in the segment. However, when you look at the performance of all the cars, you begin to understand that the Hyundai and Nissan provide much more well-rounded options. The Honda Accord is definitely the fastest car in the segment and also the most fun to drive. 

The fact that the Nissan Maxima comes with only a 3.5 L V-6 might not be excellent news for fuel-conscious buyers. This is because it only returns 19 MPG in the city, 26 MPG on the highway, and 22 MPG combined. The fuel tank capacity is 20 gallons which is the largest fuel tank in this class. However, it is good enough for a range of 380 miles in the city and 520 miles on the highway.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, we can see that the Honda Accord is the most impressive because it delivers 21 MPG in the city, 34 MPG on the highway, and 26 MPG combined which is slightly better than the Toyota Avalon. It also has a bigger fuel tank but it is the Nissan Maxima that sets the benchmark in terms of range. The Hyundai is decently impressive but has the lowest range.

The interiors of the Nissan Maxima are not as modern as many of its competitors. But it is definitely very plush and the material quality is especially excellent. The comfort level inside the cabin is supremely nice and makes the Maxima look like a proper luxury sedan. 

There are few hard plastics but the material quality is generally very nice and the aesthetic inside the cabin is pleasant. It also performs decently in terms of cargo capacity with 14.2 ft.³ of storage. It also offers excellent features right from the base trim level. The car is also very pleasant for people with a larger frame due to space inside.

Interior space of all the cars in this category is pretty much on par, but the Maxima does not have excellent rear-seat legroom which is an important parameter in the segment. However, all the other cars in this category can seat five people with ease and the interior design is also very nice and all of them. However, all the cars offer better cargo space than the Nissan Maxima which is again a weak point of the car. Some standard features include:

• 8-way power driver's seat, manual thigh support extension, and powered lumbar support
• 4-way power passenger's seat
• 60-40 Folding Bench Rear Seat with optionally bucket rear seats
• Leather-Appointed Seat Trim
• Leather Steering Wheel
• Dual-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning
• HomeLink Garage Door Transmitter

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The Nissan Maxima has a 7.0-inch touchscreen interface but does not come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. It is nice and well-integrated into the dashboard. However, the iPod interface is especially excellent and is very easy to learn and use. The sound system offered is also very nice and the experience is definitely special. Some features of the infotainment system include: 

• Nissan 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 8-speaker Bose audio system
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system
• Built-in navigation system
• AM/FM Stereo
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• MP3 Player
• Wireless Cell Phone Hookup
• USB port

In terms of looks, the Nissan Maxima is not a car that is designed to look dramatic or very pleasant. And that is what it does. It appeals to a large category of buyers because it doesn’t offend anyone. But at the same time, it is sufficiently spacious and large. It does not look very premium and that is a weak point.

This is a very closely competitive segment and that spirit exists even in the dimensions of all of these cars. Both in terms of weight as well as size, all these cars are exactly on par. They all offer the exact same ground clearance as well. We find that the Maxima is on the smaller side of the segment while the Toyota Avalon is one of the largest cars. Some standout features include:

• Fully Automatic Projector Beam High-Intensity Low Beam Headlamps w/Delay-Off
• LED Brakelights
• Chrome Grille
• Express Open/Close Skyview Sliding And Tilting, Glass Sunroof w/Sunshade
• 18-inch Aluminum-Alloy wheels
• Chrome Door Handles and Side Windows Trim

The 2014 version of the Nissan Maxima has scored good ratings by the IIHS which is a testament to how safe the car is. It has also earned a four-star safety rating from NHTSA which is the governmental organization responsible for crash testing. We are very much impressed with the car offering lots of airbags, rearview camera, whiplash protection and so on. Some of the standout safety features include: 

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Driveline Traction Control
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• RearView Monitor Back-Up Camera
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags and Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor

The Nissan Maxima is a great pick no matter what way you look at it. It makes up for a good midsize family sedan but does not have quite the same flair as the Honda Accord. For the price point that it is offered at, we find that the Maxima might not exactly be the best buy in the segment.