2013 Nissan Maxima

2013 Nissan Maxima

Starting MSRP $31,000–$33,240

MPG City: 19 Highway: 26

Available Engines

290-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 (premium)

Transmissions

2-speed CVT w/OD and auto-manual

Vehicle Overview

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:

• Sport and manual modes
• Optional shift paddles
• Optional sport suspension

Safety

Safety features include:

• Side-impact and side curtain airbags
• Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
• Electronic stability system with traction control
• Active front head restraints
• Available backup camera