2012 Nissan Maxima: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Nissan Maxima’s main change is a light styling refresh led by a new grille, revised taillights, and new wheel designs. The V6 powertrain and S/SV trim lineup carry over.
About the 2012 Nissan Maxima
7th generation (A35, 2009-2014), mid-cycle refresh year
Nissan pitches the Maxima as a large sedan with a sports-car edge: strong V6 power, quick steering, a driver-focused cockpit, and a more upscale cabin than a typical mainstream family sedan. It targets shoppers who want speed and style without moving to a luxury badge. The Maxima’s core draw is the mix of 290-hp performance, a more personal-feeling cabin, and comfort features that make it feel richer than an ordinary midsize sedan.
The S is the sporty entry trim, with a 290-hp V6, power moonroof, power front seats, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and push-button start. The SV keeps the same engine but adds a richer cabin with leather-appointed sport seats, Bose audio, extra driver-seat support, fog lights, and a garage-door opener.
What changed, by category
2012 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 | ||
| Heated Mirrors | ||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| 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 2012 Nissan Maxima?
The 2012 Maxima received a light mid-cycle refresh. Its main updates were a new grille, revised taillights, new wheel designs, white gauge lighting, revised cabin trim, and redesigned audio and climate-control knobs.
Does the 2012 Nissan Maxima have a different engine than the 2011 model?
No. The 2012 Maxima carries over the 290-hp 3.5-liter V6 and continuously variable automatic transmission used in the 2011 model.
Was the 2012 Nissan Maxima fully redesigned?
No. The 2012 Maxima is a mid-cycle refresh of the seventh-generation model introduced for 2009, not a full redesign.
Did the Maxima trim lineup change for 2012?
No. The 2012 Maxima continued with S and SV trims. Both received the year’s exterior and interior updates.
What is the difference between the 2012 Maxima S and SV?
The 2012 Maxima SV is the more richly equipped trim. It adds leather-appointed sport seats, Bose audio, extra driver-seat support, fog lights, turn-signal mirrors, and a garage-door opener over the S.