2019 Nissan Maxima Preview

Interior Features:

Nissan updates the Maxima’s interior for 2019, in order to better position the car as a premium alternative to the mainstream Altima midsize sedan.

Changes are dependent on the trim level, but include modifications to the dashboard, door panels, steering wheel, seats, speaker grilles, and more help to justify the car’s premium pricing. They are perhaps most noticeable in the Maxima SR, which gets new orange stitching, orange micro-suede inserts, and diamond-quilted leather upholstery.

Optional Features:

For the most part, options are not available for any given version of the Maxima, though buyers can choose a handful of factory and dealer accessories.

There are two exceptions to this rule. The first is the new SR Premium Package, which installs a panoramic moonroof, a Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, a 360-degree surround view monitoring system, and Dark Satin trim.

The second is the new Platinum Reserve Package, which equips the new Maxima like a true luxury car. Exclusive 19-inch aluminum wheels, heated rear seats, quilted high-end Rakuda Tan semi-aniline leather with matching steering wheel inserts, and Satin Bronze cabin trim.

Under the Hood:

Carried over from last year, Nissan’s excellent VQ-series 3.5-liter V6 engine makes 300 horsepower. Yes, it’s getting along in years, but like a fine wine, it has aged gracefully and boasts numerous historical achievements unmatched by most 4-cylinder whippersnappers. It’s matched to Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission, which powers the car’s front wheels.

Safety:

Nissan expands the Maxima’s list of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems with new Safety Shield 360 technologies, which are optional for the SR trim and standard with Platinum trim.

Safety Shield 360 enhances already available features with new pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning systems. The package also includes automatic forward emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights, each of which carries over from the previous year.

Every 2019 Maxima includes a driver alertness system that monitors for sleepiness or inattention, and recommends a break from driving. Every new Maxima also gets a Rear Door Alert notification system that chimes to remind the driver to check the rear seats, just in case you may have forgotten about something, or someone, important.

Technology:

Nissan makes a couple of enhancements to the Maxima’s infotainment system for 2019.

First, the SiriusXM satellite radio and service program is upgraded. Second, the unique Door-to-Door Navigation function, which allows your phone to continue providing directions even after you’ve parked the Maxima blocks away from your destination and are now on foot, is enhanced.