Nissan’s Altima and Maxima have been dueling counterparts to the Honda Civic and Accord since both companies first laid headlights upon one another. Jockeying for dominance in the sedan segment, competition is still as fierce as ever.

Enter the 2019 Nissan Maxima, a potent blend of all the features you seek. Find out why this radically-redesigned sedan should be worthy of your shortlist.

Performance Specifications

Which color do you like on your new 2019 Nissan Maxima?

  • Carnelian Red Tintcoat
  • Sunset Drift Chromaflare
  • Deep Blue Pearl
  • Super Black
  • Gun Metallic
  • Brilliant Silver Metallic
  • Pearl White Tricoat

The 2019 Maxima is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine capable of 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. Available in only front-wheel drive, the Maxima is shifted via a continuously-variable transmission.

Entertainment and Safety Features

The 2019 Nissan Maxima has not yet been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, let’s take a closer look at some of the safety features available on select trims of the 2019 Nissan Maxima.

Nissan offers the 2019 Maxima in 5 different trim levels. Base S models ride on 18-inch wheels and illuminate the road via LED headlights and daytime running lights. Keyless entry, a push-button start, and remote start make entering and exiting the vehicle a breeze. Dual-zone climate controls make both driver and passengers comfortable, while an 8-inch touchscreen is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety features include a rearview camera and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

The SV model includes a bevy of safety features worth the upgrade: adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Heated front seats made of leather trimming are also available.

For a dual-panel sunroof, pick the SL trim. You’ll also get front and rear parking sensors, a heated steering wheel, and a Bose premium audio system.

Choose the SR model sportiness and extra interior touches. Riding on 19-inch wheels, potential buyers will enjoy unique interior accents, paddle shifters, and a bit of audio magic from the rear pipes.

Trick your 2019 Maxima out with the Platinum model. It’s not as sporty as the SR, but it’s full of features. A surround-view parking system makes maneuvering in tight spots a piece of cake, while a rear power sunshade blocks out the sun’s rays. Platinum Reserve models upgrade the interior accoutrements to nearly-luxurious levels.  

The base 2019 Maxima is priced at $34,050. SV models are $35,960, and the SL trim costs $38,440. The Platinum and Platinum Reserve models range from $41,440 to $42,580.

The Nissan Safety Shield 360 is available as an addition to the SR model. It comes standard on the Platinum trim. Some included safety features are blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking.

Fuel Efficiency

The 2019 Nissan Maxima achieves respectable ratings for a large V6 engine. Drivers should see around 20 city and 30 highway EPA-estimated miles-per-gallon (MPG) when conditions are favorable.

Those are still good numbers for a non-hybrid sedan, though the extra cost for premium fuel can eat into any gas savings drivers might see.

How the 2019 Nissan Maxima Stands Up to the Competition

Representing the eighth generation of the Maxima dynasty, the current model competes with old rivals such as Honda, Toyota, and Mazda, and new ones as well.

Edmunds offers many compliments to the 2019 Maxima. “Tech controls are easy to use,” and it’s not hard to see why the Maxima checks boxes in a lot of categories for potential buyers. Edmunds’ experts recommend the SR trim level.

Nissan’s flagship sedan can’t compete with the Dodge Charger and Ford Fusion when it comes to second-row stretching space. The Dodge Charger has more power in its V8, but you’ll sacrifice fuel economy.

Ultimately, your final decision rests on how many boxes your particular choice ticks. If you’re looking for a mix of budget, power, sportiness, and capability, the 2019 Nissan Maxima should make your shortlist.

Pros

  • Strong V6 power
  • Updated exterior styling
  • Infotainment is easy to use

Cons

Aggressive styling makes the 2019 Nissan Maxima a popular choice for those who want to have their family sedan and drive the wheels off of it, too. If you’re seriously considering the 2019 Maxima, take an afternoon to test drive the model. See if it fits your needs.

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Rebecca Henderson has a Master's in German and a Bachelor's in Creative Writing. She alternates her time between writing and working on a variety of motorized projects. Most recently, she and her boyfriend have been building a custom drift trike. Rebecca believes that language, love, and a life worth living are only the first ingredients to happiness.