2012 Nissan Maxima Reviews, Pricing & Specs

With a bit of a refresh, Nissan’s 4-door flagship enters 2012 with a redesigned front fascia, some new interior treatments, new wheels and...

With a bit of a refresh, Nissan’s 4-door flagship enters 2012 with a redesigned front fascia, some new interior treatments, new wheels and extra color options. Despite this, buyers will see no price increases over the 2011 Maxima, making these small changes all the more attractive. This FWD midsize comes in two trim designations – 3.5 S and SV, both powered by a 290-hp, 3.5-liter V6 with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and optional paddle shifters.

Starting at the front, a new fascia includes a redesigned grille and headlamps, matched by similar changes in the rear. 18- and 19-inch alloys are new as well, and buyers now have the option of Java Metallic and Dark Slate for exterior paint.

Inside, there’s a new audio display as well as new audio and climate control knobs. New trims show up as well – a dark piano hairline and Atlantic cherry wood tone to complement the new beige interior color. A sharp eye will also notice that white is the new illumination color for the gauge clusters as well. Otherwise, the Maxima is a physical carryover.

A new Limited Package can further augment your Maxima with HID xenon headlights behind smoked covers sitting above fog lamps, Dark Hyper Silver 18-inch alloys, a rear spoiler, turn signal side mirrors and a dark satin chrome grille. Inside changes include illuminated kick plates, metallic trim and a compass added to the rearview.

But without the option package, the base 3.5 S trim comes standard with 4-wheel antilock discs, traction and stability control, a leather-wrapped, multi-function tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power front bucket seats, a power sunroof, Bluetooth, 6-CD/MP3 changer, keyless access and start and automatic headlights. The SV further adds leather upholstery, a Bose stereo with satellite radio, fog lights and mirror-mounted turn signals.

The SV has several options packages available, capable of upping the sport, luxury or technology as you see fit. A Premium Package will add features like upgraded leather, a heated and cooled driver’s seat, power steering wheel with paddle shifters, a memory system and rear bucket seats, rear-view camera, USB, hard drive, 2-panel sunroof, heated power mirrors and unique interior trim.

If sport satiates, there’s a package for you as well. A power steering wheel with paddle shifters will help you make the most of a sport suspension, rear spoiler and 19-inch alloys, and Nissan has upgraded the leather for the front and rear bucket seats as well. You’ll get heat up front and for the power mirrors, a memory system, xenon headlights and metallic interior trim.

Small changes for the Maxima in 2012, but with no monetary penalty to you. That’s always a good thing, especially from a car that’s been so successful already. The Maxima offers luxury, sport or a combination of the two as per your preference, and a price that stays the same is always the preference.