“Sporty, powerful, and fun to drive. Comfortable, with good interior layout and sound system. Excellent handling, cornering, and braking.”
2019 Nissan Maxima: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Nissan Maxima gets a mid-cycle refresh, led by revised front and rear styling and wider access to driver-assist features. Its 300-hp V6 and continuously variable automatic transmission carry over unchanged.
About the 2019 Nissan Maxima
8th generation (A36, 2016-2023), mid-cycle refresh year.
Nissan positions the Maxima as a sportier, more upscale sedan than a typical family four-door. The core appeal is simple: every trim gets a 300-hp V6, a driver-focused cabin, bold styling, and a richer feel than the smaller Altima. For many shoppers, the Maxima’s difference is that it mixes strong straight-line power and sharp looks with everyday comfort, smartphone-friendly tech, and premium features without moving into a luxury-brand badge.
The S delivers the core package with a 300-hp V6, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and LED headlights. The SV and SL focus more on daily comfort, adding features such as leather upholstery, navigation, a panoramic moonroof, and Bose audio. The SR is the sport-focused version with a firmer suspension and paddle shifters, while the Platinum emphasizes luxury with quilted leather, cooled front seats, and a surround-view camera.
What changed, by category
Styling
Nissan revised the grille and rear styling, made LED headlights standard, and updated the wheel designs across the lineup. Cabin materials and trim were also upgraded on much of the range, and a rear spoiler became standard.
Safety
Rear Door Alert and a driver-attention monitor became standard on every trim. A broader driver-assist package joined the lineup and was standard on Platinum, including pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, automatic high beams, lane intervention, and traffic-sign recognition. SV also gained standard adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Tech
The S gained updated front USB and USB-C connections. The SV received an updated built-in navigation system with traffic information.
2019 Nissan Maxima specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 261 lb-ft | 261 lb-ft | 261 lb-ft | 261 lb-ft | 261 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.2 in | 34.2 in | 34.2 in | 34.2 in | 34.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Cooled Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
How is the 2019 Nissan Maxima different from the 2018 model?
The 2019 Maxima has refreshed front and rear styling, standard LED headlights, revised wheels, upgraded cabin trim, and more driver-assist equipment. The engine and transmission remain the same.
Did the 2019 Nissan Maxima get a new engine?
No. The 2019 Maxima retains the 300-hp 3.5-liter V6 and continuously variable automatic transmission used across the lineup.
What safety features were added to the 2019 Nissan Maxima?
Every 2019 Maxima gained standard Rear Door Alert and a driver-attention monitor. The Platinum also received a broader standard driver-assist package with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, automatic high beams, lane intervention, and traffic-sign recognition.
Is the 2019 Nissan Maxima worth considering over the 2018 model?
Yes, if updated styling and added safety equipment matter to you. The 2019 model has a more modern look and broader driver-assist coverage, but its performance is essentially unchanged from 2018.
2019 Nissan Maxima Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Nissan Maxima.
4.3
2019 Nissan Maxima
(127 reviews)
“It is a sporty, peppy car that handles very well. It is a little noisy and I wish the ride was a little softer but overall, I love the car!”
“You will not be disappointed, this is an excellent buy and well worth the investment. The technology innovations alone put this car in a class above most.”