The Maxima is offered in two trim levels, 3.5 S and 3.5 SV, both of which have a 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The five-seat Maxima serves as Nissan’s flagship sedan and competes with cars like the Dodge Charger and Ford Taurus. New for 2013 A number of new option packages are offered. There’s an SV Value Package that includes a Bose stereo, satellite radio, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and heated side mirrors. A Bose Audio Package includes just the stereo and satellite radio. The Sport Package, meanwhile, gains a 7-inch color screen with a backup camera, USB and iPod inputs, a climate-controlled driver’s seat, and a dark-silver finish for the 19-inch alloy wheels. Exterior Boomerang-shaped headlights and a rectangular grille sit low on the Maxima’s front end, and the taillights are also mounted low. Nissan describes the Maxima’s styling as “liquid motion,” similar to the undulations of a wave. Exterior features include:
Standard 18-inch alloy wheels
Available 19-inch alloy wheels
Standard power moonroof
Optional dual-panel panoramic moonroof
Optional xenon headlights
Optional rear spoiler
Interior The Maxima’s upscale cabin could probably get away with an Infiniti badge. It draws elements from Infiniti’s G and M sedans, and all told, it easily rivals the cabin in a Ford Taurus, another player in its segment. Interior features include:
Standard power front seats
Standard 60/40-split folding backseat
Standard dual-zone automatic climate control
Optional heated and ventilated front seats
Optional heated steering wheel
Optional Bose premium stereo
Under the Hood The Maxima’s 3.5-liter V-6 makes 290 hp and 261 pounds-feet of torque and requires premium gas. A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard. Mechanical features include:
