2011 Nissan Maxima: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2011 Nissan Maxima is mostly a carryover, led by subtle appearance changes. Revised exhaust finishers are the main update, while SV models with the Sport Package receive smoked headlights and a darker grille.
About the 2011 Nissan Maxima
7th gen (A35, 2009-2014), third model year, before the mild 2012 styling refresh.
Nissan sells the Maxima as a roomy sedan with a stronger performance flavor than a typical family car, calling it the "4-Door Sports Car." In 2011, its identity is built around a strong standard V6, a driver-focused cockpit, and a more upscale cabin than most mainstream sedans. For many shoppers, the Maxima’s appeal is getting near-luxury comfort and features with sporty acceleration, without stepping into a luxury-brand badge.
The S is the simpler, driver-focused version, with a 290-hp V6, moonroof, dual-zone climate control, power front seats, and Bluetooth. The more polished SV adds leather seating, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, and fog lights while keeping the same engine and transmission.
What changed, by category
2011 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 | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Video Input | ||
| Cooled Seats | ||
| 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 | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Rear Window Shades | ||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2011 Nissan Maxima compared with the 2010 model?
The 2011 Maxima receives only minor appearance changes. Nissan revised the exhaust finishers, and SV models with the Sport Package gain smoked headlights, a dark chrome grille, and gray interior stitching; the rest of the car largely carries over.
Did the 2011 Nissan Maxima get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2011 Maxima keeps the same 290-hp 3.5-liter V6 and continuously variable automatic transmission as the prior year. It remains front-wheel drive.
Were any 2011 Nissan Maxima trims added or dropped?
No, the 2011 Maxima continues with the same S and SV trim structure. The S covers the core equipment, while the SV adds features such as leather seats, Bose audio, and fog lights.
Did the 2011 Nissan Maxima receive new safety or technology features?
No, the 2011 Maxima has no significant lineup-wide safety or technology upgrades. Its core equipment carries over from 2010.
Is the 2011 Nissan Maxima a major update over the 2010 model?
No, the 2011 Maxima is not a major update over the 2010 model. The differences are limited to small styling details, mainly the revised exhaust finishers and the darker treatment on SV models with the Sport Package.