2019 Nissan Maxima vs 2020 Nissan Maxima

The 2019 Nissan Maxima featured a refined version of Nissan’s V-shaped design, which had become more acceptable over the years. For 2019, the Maxima received new projector-beam LED headlights with intricate reflector patterns, an edgier grille, and a silver bumper strip beneath enlarged fog-lamp enclosures. The LED taillights were tinted black and featured similar reflector patterns for the turn signals, sitting above a revised bumper and quad tailpipes. Despite these updates, the Maxima retained its concave front fascia, wavy side creases, and the distinctive “floating roof” design. Inside, the Maxima boasted upgraded, softer materials, with the SV trim showcasing contrast stitching, tight panel gaps, and polished black console trim. The all-black interior of the SV trim highlighted its quality with ample padding and upscale textures, making it a stylish and comfortable choice.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima continued to embody Nissan’s signature design elements, including the V-Motion grille, jewel-like LED headlights, and daytime running lights. The floating-roof design, accented by a heavy beltline, extended to the rear where quad-tip exhaust finishers rested. The Maxima SR models featured a sporty rear spoiler. The Maxima was available in S, SV, SL, SR, and Platinum trims, with the Platinum trim offering premium features. The cabin of the Maxima was filled with high-quality materials, with the Platinum trim level showcasing semi-aniline leather appointments and Satin Bronze faceted interior finishers. The thick center console created a segmented front row experience, but the spacious cabin provided ample room for passengers. Standard features included an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a host of other modern conveniences.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that sent power to the front wheels. Despite the potential for torque steer, the Maxima managed to mitigate it effectively, providing smooth and immediate thrust without the annoying sound of an engine strained at high revs. The CVT simulated gear ratios well, and the V6 engine was praised for its strength and sound. However, the mushy brake pedal and numb steering detracted from the driving experience. The Maxima’s suspension offered a near-perfect combination of ride quality and nimble response, making it fun to drive despite its steering and brake deficiencies. The EPA-estimated fuel economy was 20 mpg city, 30 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima also featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. While marketed as a "four-door sports car," the Maxima was more comfortable as a cruiser. The Sport drive mode and paddle shifters in the SR trim made the driving experience more engaging, but the Maxima excelled in comfortable cruising, absorbing road imperfections and keeping noise at bay with active noise cancellation technology. The Maxima’s front-wheel drive and 18-gallon fuel tank were standard, and the car felt planted in most driving situations. The EPA-estimated fuel economy was 20 mpg city, 30 highway, and 24 combined, similar to its competitors. The Maxima did not offer a hybrid option, unlike some of its rivals.

The 2019 Nissan Maxima featured a single 8-inch display integrated into the dash, operated by touch or knob, with quick response times and shortcut buttons for easy access to functions. The climate and heated-seat switches were conveniently placed. The Maxima’s thick pillars and slim D-pillar slightly compromised sightlines, and the trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of space, smaller than some competitors. However, the front seats were exceptionally comfortable, designed to reduce muscle fatigue with Zero Gravity technology. The seating position was driver-oriented, with a flat-bottom steering wheel and canted center stack.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima offered spacious seating, a large trunk, and modern features. The thick center console limited the feeling of spaciousness, but the cabin provided ample room for passengers. The front seats were comfortable for long road trips, though the Maxima was outdone by competitors like the Kia Cadenza and Hyundai Sonata in legroom. The Maxima delivered more headroom than its rivals, with up to 39.4 inches. The trunk space was 14.3 cubic feet, less than the Sonata, Cadenza, Avalon, and Accord. Despite the numbers, the Maxima handled cargo and seating needs well during testing. The front in-door bottle holders could handle 20-ounce bottles, a handy feature for families.

The 2019 Maxima featured an updated navigation system (except the base S trim), with a customizable home screen and detailed maps. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a high-speed USB-C port. The Maxima was compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, offering remote services through NissanConnect. The instrument panel screen could display multiple readouts simultaneously. The Bose stereo with active noise cancellation was adequate, but the lack of ProPilot Assist was a notable omission.

The 2020 Maxima came standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 7-inch driver information display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all models, with NissanConnect Services available on the Platinum trim. The Bose Premium Audio system was an optional upgrade. The Maxima offered features like the Around View Monitor camera system, power rear sunshade, keyless entry, and USB-A and USB-C ports in the front and rear. While the technology was not the most modern, it provided essential functionality and convenience.

The 2019 Maxima came with standard safety features like forward-emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor. The SV trim added blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, while the SR trim included pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Platinum models featured reverse emergency braking. The Maxima received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2020 Maxima included Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard across all trims, offering a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assist technologies. Standard features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, and a driver alertness monitor. The Maxima performed well in IIHS and NHTSA safety tests, with top ratings for front crash prevention.