Nissan seems to have made a host of
refinements, a light styling refresh, and new features for 2019 to its large
Maxima sedan. The Maxima although no sports sedan, it gives a general feel of
quality with a generous helping of features. The changes in the 2019 Maxima
reflect a mid-cycle refresh to the fully redesigned 2016 Maxima. The changes
include new led headlight bulbs
, revised LED tail lamps,
a more pronounced grille, larger fog-lamp surrounds, new chrome detailing on
the front bumper, and a new lower rear fascia with integrated quad exhaust
finishers set the 2019 Maxima visually. The cohesive look beautifully
integrates the Maxima into the Nissan lineup among all-new models such as the
Altima mid-size sedan and the Kicks subcompact crossover. The Murano, a
crossover cousin the Maxima is also due to receive similar styling upgrades in
the year.
The changes inside the cabin are even
more subtle. It’s still spacious and comfortable, at least at the outset and it
features driver-focused cockpit styling, all the things that have attracted us
in the past. The rear seat continues to be less roomy as in most competitors or
even as those in a few mid-size sedans that are a size smaller. Upgrade is
evident in the materials used all throughout, right from the instrument panel
to the upholstery.
In the SR model you now have a black
headliner and orange detailing on the quilted leather and micro suede seats. In
the top-of-the-line Platinum trim, you can have the Platinum Reserve package
that includes beautiful saddle-colored semi-aniline leather seats, faceted
satin-bronze interior accents, unique 19-inch wheels and heated rear seats, all
for $1140.
In the Maxima you have significant tech
upgrade as well. You would get updated navigation on all but the base S model,
additional USB-C ports, and Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration. An
interesting platter of driver-assistance features include front and rear
automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear
cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlamps,
but it's only available on the top two trim levels, the SR where optional and
the Platinum where standard.
Some of the characters of the Nissan Maxima
remain unchanged. The endearing dynamic
traits live on, including its assertive V-6 power and predictable handling. Many
sure are wondering why the Maxima did not inherit the new variable-compression
engine or its optional all-wheel drive from the Altima, and the ride on Platinum-spec
test car feels rougher than the earlier test drives of the Maxima. The sportier
SR trim rides firmer nevertheless.
Although the design details of the redesigned
steering wheel draws inspiration responses to steering inputs from the helm found
in the mighty GT-R. The wheel is just as numb and uncommunicative as before. It’s
the same with the mushy brake pedal, which is a bit of a disappointment on the
above average braking performance previously recorded.
Nevertheless, due to the
19-inch wheels with Goodyear Eagle Touring rubber, the 2019 Maxima outperforms
in braking the last Maxima tested by five feet from 70 mph. The 2019 Maxima has
outperformed the 2017 Maxima on the skid-pad with 0.89 g in lateral grip.
Even if there aren’t any significant
changes, Nissan remains committed to the legend that goes back decades even in
a declining segment. LED lighting nevertheless, is an upgrade worth mentioning.
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