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Nissan Maxima: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Nissan Maxima is a five-seat large sedan known for pairing strong V6 power and bold styling with a more upscale, driver-focused feel than a typical family car. Nissan called it a “4-Door Sports Car,” though it remained a comfortable, front-wheel-drive everyday sedan.
The Maxima consistently aimed to make a practical large sedan feel more engaging and more premium. Its 2009 and 2016 redesigns renewed that theme with stronger V6 engines, driver-focused cabins, and sportier styling. The eighth and final generation sharpened the look and added modern phone connectivity and broader safety technology before the Maxima ended after 2023.
Strengths
- The V6 delivers brisk acceleration, with eighth-generation models producing 300 horsepower.
- The cabin feels richer and more focused on the driver than a typical mainstream family sedan.
- Its bold shape gives it a distinct identity among conventional large sedans.
- Every 2020-2023 Maxima has a broad safety suite that includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Apple CarPlay is standard from 2017 onward, while 2018 and newer models also include Android Auto.
- It balances its sporty character with the comfort and convenience needed for commuting and longer trips.
Who it's for
The Maxima suits someone who wants a comfortable daily sedan but finds an ordinary family car too plain. It is a good fit for commuters and road-trip drivers who value quick V6 acceleration, a richer cabin, and distinctive styling more than maximum back-seat or trunk space.
Nissan Maxima lineup
In the later eighth-generation lineup, the SV is the straightforward entry point and carries the Maxima’s core V6 power, comfort, and technology. Pick the SR if you want the sport-focused version; in recent years it also gained premium touches that had previously been optional. Step up to the Platinum when cabin luxury matters most, with top-tier models receiving richer seating materials and added rear-seat comfort features. Earlier Maximas commonly used a simpler S and SV structure, with option packages separating the sportier and more luxurious versions.
Nissan Maxima generations
From 2009 to 2023, the Maxima spans two generations. The current 8th Generation — A36 arrived for 2016, following the 7th Generation — A35 (2009–2014).
8th Generation — A36 (2016–2023)
The Maxima returned after skipping the 2015 model year with a lower, longer, and lighter body, sharper styling, and a more upscale cabin. It kept front-wheel drive but gained a revised 300-hp V6 and automatic transmission.
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2023
Final U.S. model year. New exterior badges arrived, while Platinum gained upgraded quilted leather seats and illuminated kick plates.
2022
Platinum gained standard heated rear seats; the rest of the lineup carried over.
2021Trim changes
The 40th Anniversary Edition joined the lineup, while the regular range was reduced to SV, SR, and Platinum.
2020
The full safety suite became standard across the lineup, and SR gained previously optional features including a panoramic moonroof and surround-view camera.
2019Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, standard LED headlights, new wheel designs, upgraded cabin materials, and wider access to driver-assistance features.
2018
Android Auto became standard, and the grille gained darker accents.
2017
Apple CarPlay became standard on every trim.
2016New generation
Full redesign with a lower, longer, and lighter body, a revised 300-hp V6, an updated automatic transmission, and a new five-trim lineup.
7th Generation — A35 (2009–2014)
This redesign used a wider, shorter body and a more driver-focused cabin than the previous Maxima. It paired a stronger 290-hp V6 with an automatic transmission and offered a simpler S and SV trim lineup.
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2014
SV gained a 7-inch display, rearview camera, USB input, and xenon low-beam headlights in this final model year.
2013
New and revised option packages reshuffled features, and Pearl White paint was added.
2012Mid-cycle update
Updated grille, taillights, wheels, gauge lighting, cabin trim, and audio and climate controls.
2011
Small appearance updates included revised exhaust tips and darker front-end details on SV models with the Sport Package.
2010
Bluetooth hands-free calling became standard on both trims.
2009New generation
Full redesign with a wider, shorter body, a more driver-focused cabin, a stronger 290-hp V6, and standard stability control.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Nissan Maxima.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nissan Maxima a sports car or a family sedan?
It is a four-door sedan with a sporty focus. Nissan built the Maxima around strong V6 acceleration, bold styling, and a driver-focused cabin, but it still has five seats, everyday comfort, and a usable trunk.
Does the Nissan Maxima come as a hybrid?
No. Maximas from 2009 through the final 2023 model year use a gasoline V6. There is no hybrid version in those generations.
Does the Nissan Maxima have all-wheel drive?
No. The Maxima uses front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive. In the final 2023 lineup, every trim pairs front-wheel drive with a V6 and an automatic transmission.
Does every Nissan Maxima have a V6?
Every Maxima from 2009 through 2023 has a 3.5-liter V6 and an automatic transmission. Seventh-generation cars make 290 horsepower, while the redesigned 2016-2023 cars make 300 horsepower.
Is the Nissan Maxima practical enough for everyday use?
Yes, if a sedan suits your needs. The eighth-generation Maxima seats five and has a 14.3-cubic-foot trunk. Its 34.2 inches of rear legroom make it more suitable for occasional adult passengers than for buyers seeking especially roomy back seats.
What are the main Nissan Maxima generations to know?
The seventh generation ran from 2009 through 2014. Nissan skipped the 2015 U.S. model year, then introduced the redesigned eighth generation for 2016. That version received a styling update for 2019 and ended production after 2023.
Which Nissan Maximas have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Apple CarPlay became standard on every Maxima for 2017. Android Auto joined it as standard equipment for 2018, so 2018-2023 models have both systems across the trim lineup.
When did the Maxima get a full standard safety suite?
For 2020, every Maxima gained a broad standard safety suite with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and front and rear automatic emergency braking. Equipment on earlier cars varies by year and trim.
Nissan Maxima Reviews
What owners are saying about the Nissan Maxima.
4.3
Nissan Maxima
(2,652 reviews)
“My car is sporty and luxurious. Has plenty of pick up. If you want a sports car and a luxury car, buy a Nissan Maxima.”
“It is a quick car that is fun to drive. It is completely comfortable to drive long distance in. Apple Car Play is the absolute best. The sound system is pretty nice. Plenty of trunk space. You can see everything at night with the headlights.”
“The only complaint I have about my new Maxima is the emergency brake. I wish that it would either be a handle in the center console, or that the existing emergency foot brake would automatically release when the transmission is moved out of Park.”
“I love the overall style and convenience. Great handler on the road. A big turnoff is the interior smell. It's nauseating and terrible for my kids and I.”
“IT'S A BEAUTIFUL CAR, HANDLES VERY WELL AND VERY COMFORTABLE. I LOVE DRIVING IT!”
Sources
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2023 / 2023 Nissan Maxima Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2022 / 2022 Nissan Maxima Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2021 / 2021 Nissan Maxima Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2020 / 2020 Nissan Maxima Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2019 / 2019 Nissan Maxima Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2018 / 2018 Maxima Brochure En
- nissannews.com — Usa / Releases / Nissan Announces U S Pricing For Enhanced 2017 Maxima
- nissanusa.com — Maxima / 2013 / 2013 Nissan Maxima owner manual