2022 Nissan Maxima Pros vs Cons

Once touted as a “four-door sports car” by Nissan, the Maxima remains a good option for folks in the market for a fun family sedan. Drivers will appreciate the Maxima’s rather luxurious interior and impressive handling. Sharp styling also helps this car to remain competitive against its more expensive rivals. Here are the key reasons why you should consider buying a new 2022 Nissan Maxima.

What’s New for 2022?

This year, heated rear seats have been added to the range-topping Platinum trim’s list of standard equipment. A new Scarlet Timber Tintcoat paint color arrives as well.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2022 Nissan Maxima – The Pros

1. Gutsy V6 Powertrain

Many people enjoy the Maxima’s gutsy powertrain. Although this sedan’s V6 engine has been around for quite some time, it has received plenty of awards over the years. Automotive journalists praise the engine for its strong punch and quick-revving nature. There’s 300 horsepower resting under the hood, which is enough muscle to promote a lively performance. Drivers can look forward to enjoying good acceleration. When launched from a stop, the Maxima races to 60 mph in a fleet-footed 5.7 seconds.

2. Quiet & Efficient Driving Experience

When behind the wheel of the 2022 Nissan Maxima, you won’t hear a great deal of outside noise. Although the sedan’s engine produces a muscular growl when accelerating hard, it’s an extremely pleasant sound. Noise-cancellation technology helps suppress any unwanted frequencies. Nissan deserves a pat on the back for designing this car with such a quiet cabin. A freeway fuel economy rating of 30 mpg also makes the Maxima a great option for drivers who a lot of commuting on the highway.

3. Handles Very Well for a Full-Size Sedan

Although the 2022 Nissan Maxima may not be a true sports car, it still has a fun-to-drive demeanor. A wide stance and firm suspension help the Maxima to fly through corners like a smaller car. Nissan also engineers the Maxima with a few performance-enhancing technologies. When taking sharp curves, Active Trace Control helps stabilize the sedan by automatically applying braking pressure to the wheels. Meanwhile, Active Ride Control promotes a smoother drive when passing over bumps.

4. Stylish and Aggressive Exterior Design

The Maxima’s aggressive exterior design helps separate it from the pack. An angry V-Motion grille and premium boomerang headlamps give the front fascia a cool look. On the rear, squared exhaust tips give the sedan a more muscular profile. Nissan’s “floating roof” adds another sporty touch. Folks who prefer a slightly racier look can go for the Maxima SR. Blacked-out exterior details give it a special appearance. Paint color options, such as Sunset Drift ChromaFlair and Pearl White Tricoat, further bolster the Maxima’s road presence.

5. Extremely Comfortable Zero-Gravity Front Seats

Drivers who often take road trips will find the 2022 Nissan Maxima to be a great travel companion. They can expect to experience outstanding comfort on the open highway. Nissan’s trademark Zero Gravity seats make long-distance drives more relaxing. Many people consider these NASA-inspired seats to be among the segment’s coziest. They are specially engineered to reduce pressure on the spine, which is a major benefit for back pain sufferers. A rewarding 45 inches of front legroom also makes the Maxima a top pick for tall drivers.

6. Costs Less Than a European Luxury Sedan

Prices for today’s European luxury sedans can be a bit steep. Drivers who are looking to save some cash should strongly consider the new Maxima. A starting MSRP of slightly more than $37,200 makes the entry-level Maxima quite a value. Even the top-of-the-line Platinum trim undercuts the competition by a lot of money. It’s loaded with all the necessary luxury appointments. Highlights include diamond-snitched leather upholstery, climate-controlled front seats, and maple wood accents.

7. Easy-to-Use Electronics Come Standard

The 2022 Nissan Maxima comes standard with easy-to-use electronics. Nissan’s Advanced Drive-Assist Display is a nice convenience. Mounted within the car’s gauge cluster, this 7.0-inch screen gives you quick access to key information. Among the available data includes driving directions, fuel economy, tire pressure, and safety alerts. Drivers will also enjoy the simplicity of the car’s infotainment system, which provides an 8.0-inch touchscreen. Voice-controlled navigation with real-time traffic updates, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and advanced smartphone connectivity are all built into the interface.

8. NissanConnect Services App Helps Parents to Track Their Teen Drivers

This is a highly recommended car for young drivers. Parents who have a teen driver at home will appreciate the Maxima’s NissanConnect Services app. If their child goes over the set speed limit or travels beyond a geographical driving boundary, a notification can be sent to their phone. A curfew alert can be activated as well, which lets a parent know when their teen is running late.

9. Strong Safety Scores

When last evaluated at the federal government’s crash-testing facility, the Maxima managed to score a five-star overall safety rating. This sedan’s excellent crash protection also enabled it to receive an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation. Several smart safety technologies come standard, including forward emergency braking and blind-spot awareness. If the driver is involved in a crash that triggers the airbags, the Maxima is engineered to automatically call for help.

10. A Reliable Car That’s Affordable to Maintain

The 2022 Nissan Maxima is more dependable than most German luxury sedans. It receives a top rating in long-term reliability. Owners rarely report any major mechanical flaws. Drivers will also be thankful for the Maxima’s reasonable cost of maintenance.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2022 Nissan Maxima – The Cons

1. Could Use More Rear Legroom and Trunk Space

Although the 2022 Nissan Maxima may compete in the full-size sedan class, it’s actually not as spacious as most midsize models. The Nissan Altima gives families more overall space to stretch out. There’s only 34.2 inches of legroom in the Maxima’s backseat, which is below average for the segment. Tall folks will have the most issues with the Maxima’s rear-seat accommodations. Another weak point is the sedan’s smaller trunk. Families won't be able to stuff their suitcases with as many clothes.

2. Continuous Variable Transmission Limits the Sedan’s Driving Fun

To help boost fuel economy, Nissan equips the maximum with a continuously variable transmission. While this transmission is a good performer, it’s not as engaging as a traditional automatic gearbox. Some drivers will miss the sensation of feeling the gears shifting.

3. All-Wheel Drive Not Offered

The 2022 Nissan Maxima comes standard with a front-wheel-drive setup. Unfortunately, an AWD system is not offered on any trim. While the Maxima can handle light snow, it’s not recommended for extremely wintry road conditions. Folks who reside in a snow-prone region should consider the Nissan Altima, which does offer an intelligent AWD system.

4. Not a High-Performance Sports Sedan

Despite still being called a “four-door sports car” by Nissan, the Maxima is not as sporty as it once was. Some driving enthusiasts will ultimately desire a more capable performance machine. While the Maxima can deliver a fun drive on most roads, it’s not nearly as athletic as a BMW 3-Series.

5. Certain Premium Features Are Not Offered

Certain features are missing on the Nissan Maxima. While the sedan’s Zero Gravity seats are extremely comfy, massaging functions would promote an even more relaxing drive. Wireless charging and wireless smartphone integration are also not offered.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Nissan Maxima vs 2022 Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger gives car shoppers access to some powerful V8 powertrains. However, it loses to the Nissan Maxima in a few key areas. Owners and mechanics give the Maxima a higher reliability rating. A greater number of premium features also come standard on the Maxima, including leather seats and navigation. Charger fans who desire a Wi-Fi hotspot must pay extra as well.

2022 Nissan Maxima vs 2022 Kia Stinger

Many people will appreciate the Kia Stinger's sharp driving dynamics and large cargo area. While the Stinger performs like a true sports sedan, taller drivers will like the Maxima's extra head- and legroom. Rear automatic emergency braking is also only found on the Maxima.

2022 Nissan Maxima vs 2022 Honda Accord

The 2022 Honda Accord continues to receive great reviews from the automotive world. However, it comes standard with a less powerful turbo four-cylinder engine. A standard flat-bottom steering wheel also makes the Maxima's cockpit feel sportier. To get leather upholstery, Accord buyers must step up to a higher trim level. Another one of the Maxima's advantages is its standard eight-speaker sound system. Don't expect the Accord's standard four-speaker stereo to sound as good.

Conclusion

The 2022 Nissan Maxima is the perfect middle ground between a sports sedan and a luxury cruiser. A strong V6 engine and sharp handling enable Maxima drivers to have some real fun. Meanwhile, Nissan's top-rated Zero Gravity seats enable you to unwind throughout the day. An excellent safety profiles gives car shoppers more reason to pick the new Maxima.

While there are many upsides to buying a new Maxima, there are also some shortcomings to consider. Because of the Maxima's below-average rear legroom, it may not be a good choice for drivers who need more space for their adult-sized family members. A smaller trunk also limits the sedan's ability to accommodate extra travel gear. Of course, folks living in the Snowbelt will be forced to go without all-wheel drive.