2020 Nissan Maxima Pros vs Cons

Nissan often refers to the Maxima as being a four-door sports car. While the 2020 Nissan Maxima may not exactly fit that description, it’s still one of today’s best large sedans under $40,000. It’s comfortable and engaging to drive. You may also like the Maxima’s bold exterior styling. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Maxima such a solid choice.

What’s New for 2020?

Last year, Nissan gave the Maxima a fresh look and added an extra number of standard features. While the 2020 model does not receive any drastic updates, the sporty Maxima SR now comes standard with a previously optional Premium Package. It brings niceties like a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree Around View Monitor camera system, and rearward automatic braking.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Nissan Maxima – The Pros

1. Good Performance From Its Standard V6 Powertrain

All variants of the 2020 Nissan Maxima come equipped with the same powertrain. Motivating the Maxima is Nissan’s legendary VQ-Series V6 engine. Dual overhead cams and a high-flow induction system help it to develop more than 300 horsepower. Although there are faster sedans in the segment, most drivers will be more than happy with the Maxima’s acceleration. Expect to hit 60 mph in around 5.8 seconds. When merging with highway traffic, you’ll definitely appreciate the Maxima’s strong output.

2. Not Bad On Gas for a Family-Sized Sedan

Despite needing premium unleaded gasoline, the 2020 Nissan Maxima is still considered to be an efficient family car. Instead of using a traditional automatic gearbox, Nissan equips the Maxima with a continuous variable transmission. This feature helps minimize fuel consumption by helping to keep the engine at the optimum rpm. When driving in city traffic, expect the Maxima to return up to 20 mpg. Meanwhile, cruising on the highway increases fuel economy to 30 mpg.

3. A Family Car That Offers Driving Fun

Although the 2020 Nissan Maxima may not be a genuine sports sedan, it still has the ability to keep you entertained on the road. Handling is impressive for a large sedan. This is especially true for the athletic Maxima SR, which comes equipped with sports-tuned suspension dampers. When driving the Maxima SR around curves, you’ll quickly notice its agile road manners. Nissan also equips the Maxima SR with an engine sound enhancer.

4. Comfortable Seats and a Well-Cushioned Ride

The 2020 Nissan Maxima definitely puts a big priority of comfort. Even the base Maxima S benefits from Nissan’s top-rated Zero Gravity front seats. These seats are engineered to reduce stress on your joints and muscles, which equates to a far more relaxing drive. Heated and ventilated seat functions are found on the upper trims. Families will also enjoy the Maxima’s well-cushioned ride. While this car feels especially comfy on the open highway, it also offers a good ride on battered city streets.

5. Bold Exterior Styling That Makes You Look Twice

Understandably, many people are instantly drawn to the Maxima’s bold exterior styling. Last year, Nissan enhanced the sedan’s front fascia by adding revised LED headlamps and a stronger V-Motion grille. Prominent body lines also help give the Maxima a unique look. Every trim features four integrated exhaust outlets, which add to the sedan’s sportiness. Featuring a trunk-mounted rear spoiler and unique 19-inch wheels, the Maxima SR screams performance. You also have access to cool paint finishes like Sunset Drift Chromaflare and Deep Blue Pearl.

6. Very Safe Car for Daily Driving

You and your passengers will appreciate the Nissan Maxima’s high level of impact protection. We anticipate the 2020 model to yet again receive great crash scores from the IIHS. Every trim now benefits from forward collision warning with automatic braking, which has become one of today’s hottest safety technologies. Furthermore, smart cruise control and blind-spot monitoring are found on most trims. Parents will be especially thankful for the Maxima's Rear Door Alert feature, which makes pets and young children less likely to get left behind.

7. A Fulfilling List of Features Come Standard

Although you may be tempted by the upper Maxima trims, even the base model is loaded with a lot of equipment. Technology lovers will enjoy the standard Nissan Connect interface. An 8.0-inch touchscreen handles all of the infotainment functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make downloading smartphone apps an easy process. Navigation is also built into Nissan Connect. Other standard equipment includes an eight-speaker sound system with satellite radio, dual USB ports, and push-button ignition.

8. Around View Monitor Makes Park an Easier Chore

Like most people, you probably hate the stressful task of driving in jammed-packed parking area. To make life easier in crowded places, Nissan offers the Maxima with its highly recommended Around View Monitor camera system. This four-camera system helps you to gain a birds-eye view of obstructions. You can select front, rear, and curb-side views. Moving Objection Detection is built into the system, which warns you of objects crossing your path.

9. Platinum Reserve Package Adds Luxury

The 2020 Nissan Maxima has a high-quality interior. However, you can give the sedan an even more upscale character by opting for the Premium Reserve package. Available on the range-topping Maxima Platinum, this package upgrades the interior with a charcoal headliner and double-stitched leather seating surfaces. During the winter, your passengers will appreciate the heated rear seats. Aside from enhancing the interior, the Platinum Reserve package also decks out the Maxima with exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels.

10. Nissan Connect Services Will Enhance Your Driving Experience

Nissan Connect Services is a feature worth getting. Not only does Nissan Connect Services provide all-day emergency support, but it also gives drivers remote access to the car. You’ll be able to remotely start the engine, adjust the cabin temperature, and lock/unlock the doors. Furthermore, parents can program the system to set a speed limit and boundary alerts for their teen driver.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Nissan Maxima – The Cons

1. Does Not Have the Biggest Backseat

Most families won’t have any big complaints about the Nissan Maxima’s spaciousness. However, some of your tall family members may need more legroom. When compared to today’s other large sedans, the Maxima’s backseat feels a bit confined. Both the 2020 Toyota Avalon and the 2020 Chevrolet Impala provide a far more accommodating rear seat. Before buying a new Maxima, make sure your family has enough room to travel in comfort.

2. All-Wheel Drive Is Absent

Every new Maxima features a front-wheel-drive system. This means the sedan will confidently manage most driving conditions. However, wintry weather may cause some trouble for the Maxima. Folks living in snow-prone regions of the country will likely need an AWD-equipped car. Some alternatives that offer all-wheel drive include the 2020 Subaru Legacy and the 2020 Nissan Altima.

3. Quick But Not Fast Enough for Some Drivers

The 2020 Nissan Maxima offers an admirable level of performance. Nevertheless, some drivers will still crave more muscle under the hood. A twin-turbo V6 engine helps the Kia Stinger to clock a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. You’ll also find the V8-powered Chrysler 300 to be a few ticks quicker than the Maxima.

4. Some Safety Technologies Are Offered

As mentioned earlier, the Nissan Maxima is a very secure family car. Furthermore, its available safety technologies operate well during real-world settings. However, some driver-assist features are not offered. You can’t get the Maxima with lane-keep assist, which comes standard on cars like the Toyota Avalon and the Honda Accord. You’ll also miss out Nissan’s latest ProPilot Assist system. Although you must keep your hands on the wheel, this system essentially allows the vehicle to drive itself on the open highway.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

2020 Toyota Avalon

Some people will be cross-shopping the 2020 Toyota Avalon and the 2020 Nissan Maxima. The Avalon is spacious and reliable. However, you may prefer the Maxima’s edgier exterior styling.

2020 Honda Accord

The new 2020 Honda Accord is also a good match for the 2020 Nissan Maxima. While the Accord is engaging to drive like the Maxima, its standard engine is far less powerful. You’ll also appreciate the Maxima’s super-comfortable Zero Gravity front seats.

2020 Nissan Altima

If you desire all-wheel drive, the new 2020 Nissan Altima will prove to be a good option. It also returns better fuel efficiency than the Maxima. However, don’t expect the Altima to feel quite as luxurious on the inside. Quilted leather seats and upgraded interior trim make the Maxima Platinum feel more like a premium luxury sedan. Nissan designed the Altima to offer great everyday practicality as opposed to pure luxury.

Conclusion

If you don’t want to spend big bucks on a German luxury sedan like the BMW 5-Series, the new 2020 Nissan Maxima will be a great compromise. It handles well and cranks out enough power to keep you happy. Creative exterior styling also helps the Maxima to turn heads. Expect the Maxima SR to offer even more driving enjoyment. While the Maxima is extremely comfortable, be aware of its smaller backseat.