SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
S 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Don’t want to go far?
Find all cars near me?SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Overall Rating
The Nissan Maxima is one of the few cars that adds excitement and fun to the otherwise dull and monotonous full-sized sedan market. Maxima, the flagship sedan from the Japanese car manufacturer got a thorough refresh in 2019 and the 2020 model gets only a few feature related upgrades. Nonetheless, the 2020 Maxima is a great offering and promises to breathe some life into the dying sedan market.
The Nissan Maxima is one of the few cars that adds excitement and fun to the otherwise dull and monotonous full-sized sedan market. Maxima, the flagship sedan from the Japanese car manufacturer got a thorough refresh in 2019 and thus, the 2020 model gets only a few feature related upgrades. Nonetheless, the 2020 Maxima is a great offering and promises to breathe some life into the dying sedan market.
We suggest you opt for the SR trim which gets the Premium package as a standard for 2020. The SR trim is fine-tuned for a sporty driving experience which is only enhanced by the addition of the panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera system, rear automated emergency braking, a driver's seat with memory function, and auto-dimming exterior mirrors.
SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
The Nissan Maxima is one of the few cars that adds excitement and fun to the otherwise dull and monotonous full-sized sedan market. Maxima, the flagship sedan from the Japanese car manufacturer got a thorough refresh in 2019 and the 2020 model gets only a few feature related upgrades. Nonetheless, the 2020 Maxima is a great offering and promises to breathe some life into the dying sedan market.
The Nissan Maxima is one of the few cars that adds excitement and fun to the otherwise dull and monotonous full-sized sedan market. Maxima, the flagship sedan from the Japanese car manufacturer got a thorough refresh in 2019 and thus, the 2020 model gets only a few feature related upgrades. Nonetheless, the 2020 Maxima is a great offering and promises to breathe some life into the dying sedan market.
For the year 2020, Nissan has segregated the Maxima into 6 well-defined trims which are S, SV, SL, SR, Platinum and Platinum Reserve. The S trim will cost you $34,250 while the maxed out Platinum reserve trim will set you back by $42,680. All trims of the 2020 Nissan Maxima are powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5L DOHC 24 valve V6 that churns out 300 horses @ 6,400rpm and has a maximum torque output of 261 lb/ft @ 4400rpm. This is the same engine that powered its predecessor.
Trims | S | SV | SL | SR | PLATINUM | PLATINUM RESERVE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP (FWD) | $34,250 | $36,300 | $38,640 | $41,450 | $41,540 | $42,680 |
Key Features | Drive Mode Selector with Sport and Normal modes | Adds Upgrades to S | Adds Upgrades to Sv | Adds Upgrades to SL | Adds Upgrades to SR | Adds Upgrades to PlATINUM |
18" Machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels | Intelligent Cruise Contro | Front and Rear Sonar System | Paddle shifters | 19" Machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels | 19" Dark hyper silver aluminum-alloy wheels | |
LED headlights with LED signature Daytime Running Lights | Heated outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicators | Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof with one-touch open/close | Sport-tuned suspension with retuned dampers, stiffer springs, and larger front stabilizer bar | Power-tilt/telescoping steering column | Heated rear seats | |
Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control | 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support | Adjustable ambient LED lighting | Intelligent Lane Intervention | Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers | Semi-aniline Leather-appointed seats with dynamic diamond-quilted leather inserts | |
Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition | Heated front seats | Front-passengerʼs seat powerlifter | 19" Gloss black aluminum-alloy wheels | Rear-window power sunshade | Leather-wrapped steering wheel with contrast insert | |
8-way power driverʼs seat | Leather-appointed seats | Heated steering wheel | LED fog lights | Climate-controlled front seats (heated and cooled) | “Satin Bronze ” faceted interior trim | |
4-way power front passengerʼs seat | Nissan Door to Door Navigation with Premium Traffic | Bose Premium Audio System with 11 speakers, including Centerpoint surround technology | Outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature | ”Satin Birdseye Maple Wood ” faceted interior trim | Charcoal headliner | |
NissanConnect 8" touch-screen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay | Active Noise Cancellation | Memory System – driver’s seat and outside mirrors | NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM with complimentary trial access to 3-year Select and 6-month Premium Plus packages | |||
Driver’s seat manual thigh support extension | ||||||
Premium Ascot Leather-appointed seats with dynamic diamond-quilted Alcantara inserts |
The 2020 Maxima is one of the few cars that come with a bunch of features, even in the base trim. The S trim will get you a large touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 18" machine-finished Alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, push-button ignition and all the features of the Nissan's driver assistance suite. As you move up the trim ladder, the list of features only gets more impressive. The Platinum Reserve trim gets Semi-Aniline leather upholstery, "Satin Bronze " faceted interior trim, Charcoal headliner, 19" Dark hyper silver aluminum-alloy wheels and heated rear seats which is not seen in most of its rivals.
Which trim do we recommend?
We suggest you opt for the SR trim which gets the Premium package as a standard for 2020. The SR trim is fine-tuned for a sporty driving experience which is only enhanced by the addition of the panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera system, rear automated emergency braking, a driver's seat with memory function, and auto-dimming exterior mirrors.
The tried and tested 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 that powered the 2018 and 2019 Maximas again makes its appearance for the year 2020. This engine is very capable and reliable and hence Nissan decided not to tinker with the unit. The V6 churns out 300 horses @ 6,400rpm and has a maximum torque output of 261 lb/ft @ 4,400rpm. The 2020 Maxima comes with a CVT which results in very smooth and composed driving experience.
However, since Nissan has marketed the Maxima as a "sport sedan", they should have included an option for a manual transmission system as well. While the CVT leaves no room for complaining in day to day driving conditions, you will feel a delay in the power delivery on the highway or when you want to show off your car.
Models |
Nissan Maxima |
Toyota Avalon |
Chrysler 300* |
BMW 330i* |
---|---|---|---|---|
MRSP |
$ 34,250 |
$ 35,650 |
$ 36, 395 |
$41,245 |
Engine |
3.5 L Naturally Aspirated V6 |
3.5 L Naturally Aspirated V6 |
3.6L Naturally Aspirated V6 |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | RWD | RWD |
Transmission |
CVT |
8-Speed Automatic |
8-Speed Automatic |
8-Speed Automatic |
Power |
300hp@6,400rpm |
301hp@6,600rpm |
300hp@6,350rpm |
255hp@5,000rpm |
Torque |
261lb-ft@4,400rpm |
267lb-ft@4,700rpm |
264lb-ft@4,800rpm |
295lb-ft@1,550rpm |
*2019 Model Year figures used for reference purposes
Toyota's naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 under the hood of the 2020 Avalon produces 301hp @ 6,600 rpm and 267 lb/ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm. While Toyota can boast about having a more powerful engine on paper, you will hardly feel any difference between the two in a real-world scenario. Both of these engines are extremely capable and hence have reappeared in the latest generations of their respective flagship sedans.
The 2020 Nissan Maxima is one of the faster cars in the segment. The V6 enables this sedan to do a 0-60mph in just 5.7 seconds. As impressive as this figure is, we suspect that the Maxima could have done a better job if it had a manual transmission available. The 2020 Maxima can also finish a quarter-mile drag race in 14.3 seconds.
Therefore, overtaking cars in the city as well as on the highway should be a fairly easy and enjoyable task on the Maxima.
Models |
Nissan Maxima |
Toyota Avalon |
Chrysler 300* |
BMW 330i* |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
5.7 sec |
6 sec |
5.3 sec |
5.8 sec |
Quarter Mile |
14.3 sec |
14.6 sec |
13.8 sec |
14.7 sec |
Top Speed | 145 MPH | 130 MPH | 155 MPH | 131 MPH |
Engine |
3.5 L Naturally Aspirated V6 |
3.5 L Naturally Aspirated V6 |
3.6L Naturally Aspirated V6 |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
Talking about the competition, the Chrysler 300 is the fastest accelerating car in the segment. It does 0-60mph in just 5.3 seconds and completes a quarter-mile in just 13.8 seconds. The Avalon, with a similar engine to that of the Maxima, reaches 60mph from a standstill in 6 seconds and completes a quarter-mile in 14.6 seconds.
The 2020 Nissan Maxima is equipped with vented disc brakes and ABS on all the wheels. This car also gets brake assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) as a standard. The 2020 Maxima does fairly well in the 60-0 mph braking test with a distance of 115 feet. The pedals are smooth and offer decent feedback
The brake bite is not the hardest to kick in the segment but does do its job well.
Models |
Nissan Maxima |
Toyota Avalon |
Chrysler 300* |
BMW 330i* |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Rotors Front |
12.6" |
12" |
12.6" |
12.3" |
Brake Rotors Rear |
12.1" |
11.1" |
12.6" |
11.4" |
Curb Weight |
3564 lbs |
3560 lbs |
4013 lbs |
3411 lbs |
60-0 MPH |
120 ft |
115 ft |
109 ft |
113 ft |
The Chrysler had the shortest stopping distance in the pack at just 109 feet while the Avalon took 115 feet to come to a complete halt from 60 mph.
The 2020 Maxima is one of the better handling sedans in the segment. The acoustic insulation along with the active noise cancellation on board the lastest Maxima makes for a very quiet ride. However, the available engine sound enhancement system with the SR trim re-tunes and delivers an enhanced engine growl into the cabin making it sound sportier than it is.
The Maxima drives well in the Normal mode. The linear power delivery makes the handling fairly predictable. The Sport mode works like a minor shot of adrenalin. The instant power bump along with the louder throttle makes the Maxima a really fun car to drive. Considering its dimensions, this can handles sharp turns well. The optimally tuned suspension also does a good job in masking road imperfections and small speed bumps. The SR trim, however, gets a stiffer suspension and steering wheel and the car doesn't feel too comfortable during turns.
All the sportiness of the 2020 Maxima comes at the cost of its fuel economy. While it's not gas guzzler, the efficiency is lower than the 2020 Avalon who is one of Maxima's prime rivals. This sedan will get you a combined fuel economy of 26 MPG. While the daily commutes in the city will result in a fuel economy of 20 MPG, cruising through the highway will increase the fuel economy figure to 30 MPG. The tank capacity is 18 gallons which give a city range of 360 miles and highway range of 540 miles.
Models |
Nissan Maxima |
Toyota Avalon |
Chrysler 300* |
BMW 330i* |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
20 |
22 |
19 |
26 |
MPG (Hwy) |
30 |
32 |
30 |
36 |
MPG (Combined) |
24 |
26 |
23 |
30 |
Fuel Capacity |
18 gallons |
14.5 gallons |
18.5 gallons |
15.6 gallons |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) |
360/540/432 miles |
319/464/377 miles |
352/555/425 miles |
406/562/468 miles |
Emission (Tons/Year of CO2 Emissions @ 15kMi/Year) |
7.4 |
6.7 |
7.6 |
6.3 |
The BMW 330i has the best-combined fuel economy figure of 30 MPG followed by the Avalon at 26 MPG.
The 2020 Nissan Maxima offers a cabin that has a seating arrangement for 5 passengers. The thoughtfully designed and well-executed cabin is filled with soft-touch materials and a bunch of convenience features. The available "zero-gravity" seats, inspired by NASA's Space technology, does a really good job of keeping you fatigue-free during the extended time on the road. The front seat legroom is among the best in the class while the headroom is above average. The power adjusting options along with the available heating and lumbar support make for one of the most premium front seats in the segment.
Models |
Nissan Maxima |
Toyota Avalon |
Chrysler 300* |
BMW 330i* |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
39.4/56.7/45.0 |
37.4/57.8/42.1 |
38.6/59.5/41.8 |
38.7/56.0/42.0 |
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
36.7/56.7/34.2 |
37.5/57.1/40.3 |
37.9/57.7/40.1 |
37.6/56.0/35.2 |
Talking about the rear seats, it's not as spacious as the front ones. The leg space may be a little constricted for some passengers and lags behind some of its rivals such as the Toyota Avalon. The quality of the seats are however top-notch and they are extremely comfortable and provides ample support.
The 8'' touchscreen is standard across all trims of the 2019 Nissan Maxima. Everything can be controlled with the touch of a finger and yet Nissan has bordered the screen with redundant physical buttons, to be honest. Talking about the quality of the screen, it is vivid and bright. The touch response is also quick and the UI makes it very easy to operate.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also present in all the trims. Hence, you'll not have to worry about connecting your smartphone with the car. The S and SV trims come with a standard 8 speaker system. All the higher trims are equipped with a Bose premium 11 speaker system which includes Bose center point 2 surround technology.
The cargo space of the 2020 Nissan Maxima is one of the smallest in the segment with a capacity of 14.3 cubic feet. While it can easily accommodate your daily stuff, you can easily run out of space sooner than you realize. The rear seats are 60/40 split-folding, but they do not level to the floor. Therefore you may have difficulties in storing your camping gear or other similar things.
Model |
Nissan Maxima |
Toyota Avalon |
Chrysler 300* |
BMW 330i* |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Capacity |
14.3 cu.ft. |
16.1 cu.ft. |
16.3 cu.ft. |
17 cu.ft. |
The Bimmer again comes out on top with a cargo space of 17 cubic feet followed by the Chrysler and the Toyota with a trunk capacity of 16.3 and 16.1 cubic feet respectively.
The Maxima received a facelift in 2019 which gave it a sportier look. The exterior shell of the 2020 Maxima is the same as its predecessor. The prominent snout continues to a V-shaped grille with the Nissan logo on in. The LED lights look like a dragon's side profile with the cuts. The chrome on the grille completes the sporty front fascia.
The lower roofline accounts for a sleek side profile for the all-new Maxima. The rear complements the front. The sharp LED lights with the available spoiler justify Nissan's decision of calling this car a "sport sedan".
Model |
Nissan Maxima |
Toyota Avalon |
Chrysler 300* |
BMW 330i* |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight |
3552 lbs |
3560 lbs |
4013 lbs |
3582 lbs |
Length |
192.8" |
195.9" |
198.6" |
185.7" |
Width |
73.2" |
72.8" |
75" |
71.9" |
Height |
56.5" |
56.5" |
58.5" |
56.8" |
Ground Clearance |
5.3" |
5.3" |
5.3" |
5.7" |
Wheelbase |
115" |
113" |
120.2" |
103" |
Dimensionally, the Chrysler 300 is the largest in the segment. Avalon is slightly longer than the Maxima, however, the latter has a longer wheelbase than the former. The BMW 330i is the smallest car in the pack.
Safety is one of the top priorities at Nissan. The engineers and the designers leave no stone unturned to ensure that all the cars are the safest they can be. Sturdy build quality along with an array of features that are equipped with all the Nissan cars ensure the safety of every passenger inside every Nissan cars running on the roads.
Both of these Japanese cars aim to revive the sedan market in the US. The Maxima and the Avalon are more familiar than you think. They are powered by similar engines and have excellent ride quality. However, if space is your priority, Avalon is the car for you. On the other hand, Maxima is the sportier car of the two. Therefore, it ultimately boils down to your choice and preferences as both of these cars are excellent in their rights.
The Maxima and the Chrysler 300 are two of the top choices in their segment. However, they are meant for two different subclasses of customers. If you are looking for a muscular sedan with unadulterated power and space, the all-American Chrysler 300 should be your choice. On the other hand, the Maxima caters to different set customers altogether. The Maxima is more of a family sedan with a hint of sportiness.
It's very hard not to recommend the 2020 Nissan Maxima to anyone who is looking for a family sedan. Yes, this car has got its share of drawbacks such as constricted rear legroom, small cargo space, and lower fuel economy than some of its competitors. But its pros overshadow the cons. The sportier design of the Maxima is unlike any other car in the segment. The V6 churns out enough horses and along with the finely tuned suspension, the drive quality and the handling of this car are probably the best in the segment. The interior is luxurious and easily give the entry-level German cars a run for their money.