Vehicle Overview

The Maxima returns 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 is based on the same platform as the Altima, but it serves as Nissan's flagship sedan. It competes with cars like the Dodge Charger and Ford Taurus.

New for 2012

The 2012 Maxima sports a new grille, new taillights and newly styled 18- or 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The interior, newly offered in beige, can now have Atlantic Cherry faux wood trim. A new Limited Edition Package includes xenon headlights with a smoked appearance, 18-inch dark silver wheels, a rear spoiler, a dark chrome grille and illuminated sill plates.

Exterior

Boomerang-shaped headlights and a restyled grille sit low on the Maxima's front end, and the new 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

Interior

The Maxima's cabin could probably get away with an Infiniti badge. It draws elements from Infiniti's G and M sedans, while the wraparound dash looks much like the one in the Altima. 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 seats
• Optional ventilated driver's seat

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 shift modes
• Optional paddle shifters
• Optional sport suspension

Safety

Standard safety features include:

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