2009 Nissan Maxima: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2009 Nissan Maxima is an all-new, seventh-generation redesign. Its biggest change is a more driver-focused sport-sedan setup, backed by a stronger V6, a new body and cabin, and a revised automatic transmission.
About the 2009 Nissan Maxima
7th generation, first year of the redesign.
Nissan positioned the Maxima as a sportier alternative to a typical family sedan: a roomy four-door with strong V6 power, sharper steering, and a more upscale cabin than the mainstream midsize crowd. Its core appeal was blending everyday sedan usefulness with a more energetic feel and bolder styling, aimed at shoppers who wanted comfort and rear-seat space without giving up a driver-focused personality.
Nissan positioned the redesigned Maxima as a sporty four-door with a more driver-focused cabin. The S has cloth seats but still brings a moonroof, power front seats, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The SV adds leather-appointed sport seats, Bose audio, fog lights, turn-signal mirrors, and HomeLink without changing the basic powertrain.
What changed, by category
2009 Nissan Maxima specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 261 lb-ft | 261 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.2 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.6 in | 34.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| HID Headlights | ||
| Heated Mirrors | ||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Rear Window Shades | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2009 Nissan Maxima fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2009 Maxima begins the seventh generation with a new body, a redesigned cabin, greater structural rigidity, a stronger V6, and a revised automatic transmission.
What changed from the 2008 Maxima to the 2009 Maxima?
The 2009 Maxima is a full redesign rather than a light update. It has a wider and shorter body, a more driver-focused cabin, 290 horsepower, a revised continuously variable automatic transmission, standard stability control, and S and SV trims in place of the previous SE and SL structure.
What engine and transmission does the 2009 Maxima have?
Every 2009 Maxima has a 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a revised continuously variable automatic transmission that includes manual control and a Ds drive-sport setting.
What is the difference between the 2009 Maxima S and SV?
The SV mainly adds a more upscale cabin and extra convenience features. Both trims have the same 290-hp V6, while the SV adds leather-appointed sport seats, Bose audio, fog lights, turn-signal mirrors, and HomeLink; the S has cloth seating, a moonroof, power front seats, and dual-zone climate control.
Does the 2009 Nissan Maxima have standard stability control?
Yes. Vehicle Dynamic Control, Nissan’s stability-control system, and traction control are standard on every 2009 Maxima trim.