2019 Nissan Maxima

The Maxima comes in five different trim levels. The entry-level S comes with 18-inch wheels, fog lights, and it has LED daytime running lights. Bump up to the SV for heated side mirrors, while the SL adds a dual-panel sunroof and an active engine sound enhancement system. The SR adds 19-inch wheels to the SL along with a sport-tuned suspension. This model removes the sunroof but adds LED headlights, and adds the option of a rear spoiler and the Midnight Edition Package. Choose the Platinum for LED headlights and automatic windshield wipers, and you'll also get an auto-dimming driver's side mirror.

All the Maxima models get the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine that creates 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. Nissan adds a continuously variable transmission, and it comes standard with front-wheel drive. This engine will get up to 20 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, which is excellent for its class.

The Maxima is a sporty looking sedan, and it drives like one too. The CVT that works with the engine is one of the best on the market, offering a smooth ride and easy handling. The D-Step simulated gearshift logic adds to the performance of the CVT, making it feel more like a traditional transmission, and the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters also add to the performance. The Maxima SR has several systems to improve the ride including Active Ride Control which uses the brakes to smooth out bumps in the road and Active Trace Control which uses targeted braking to keep the car in line.

There is room for up to five people in the Maxima with cloth upholstery in the lower-end trims. There are several different leather upgrades available for the seating, including a luxurious diamond-quilted upholstery. Nissan also makes both heated and ventilated seats available along with heated rear seats, and you can also get a heated steering wheel. In the trunk, there are over 14 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats which have a 60/40 split. There is an abundance of standard technology in the Maxima including an 8-inch touch-screen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and two USB ports. The SV adds a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, and the Platinum comes with NissanConnect services. These include remote start, an emergency telematics system, and collision notification.

All the Maxima trims come standard with a rearview camera, and they all have forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The SV trim adds both front and rear parking sensors, and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. The SR comes with a 360-degree top-down parking camera as an option, and the Platinum makes this standard.