It’s the last year for the current-generation Nissan Maxima. This stylish front-wheel-drive (FWD) sedan continues to offer premium luxury and sporty driving manners at a good price.
The 2023 Nissan Maxima continues to be offered in three trim configurations: SV, SR, and Platinum. Changes are minimal for 2023, but all three trim levels now get a Rear Seat Reminder and Nissan’s new brand logo.
Perhaps more notable: The 2023 Nissan Maxima Platinum now gets semi-aniline seat leather and illuminated kick plates, upping its luxury quotient a bit. The practicality of this 5-seat sedan continues to be enhanced by a standard 60/40-split folding rear seat.
Competitors for the Nissan Maxima include the Acura TL and the Toyota Crown, the new replacement for the discontinued Toyota Avalon.
On duty under the Maxima’s hood is Nissan’s proven 3.5-liter V6 engine, which sends 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Nissan recommends premium fuel for the Maxima. The EPA rates this Tennessee-built sport sedan at 20 mpg city/30 mg highway/24 mpg combined. Its 18.0-gallon fuel tank allows the Maxima to travel more than 400 miles between fill-ups.
Let’s look at the three trim configurations of Nissan’s flagship sedan.
2023 Nissan Maxima SV: $38,140
The Nissan Maxima SV offers buyers a generous amount of luxury and performance for less than $40,000.
For proof, look at its varying assortment of standard safety, infotainment, and driver-assist technologies. Highlights include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a lane-departure alert, and rear cross-traffic alert with braking. Moreover, adaptive cruise control is standard, as is an 8-inch touchscreen that controls an 8-speaker sound system offering Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a CD player — remember those?
Besides leather upholstery (with contrast stitching) and satin chrome interior trim, the Maxima SV gets a tilt/telescoping flat-bottom steering wheel, heated, power-adjustable front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, one-touch up/down power front windows, and push-button ignition. Other standard SV niceties include LED headlights and taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a pair of illuminated USB ports, and heated side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals.
Other appreciated Maxima SV elements include its rear parking sensors and driver-attention monitor, which senses if the driver is tired or asleep. And with the proximity key remaining in your pocket or purse, you can unlock the Maxima, start it, and drive away without fumbling for your keys.
As in 2022, Nissan doesn’t offer any large option packages, but you can individually order a Maxima SV with a rear spoiler, splash guards, illuminated kickplates, and upgraded 18-inch wheels. Pearl White TriCoat paint is a $395 option.
With the $1,095 destination fee, the 2023 Nissan Maxima SV costs $39,235. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing with zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $705. See 2023 Nissan Maxima SV models for sale near you
2023 Nissan Maxima SV includes:
- Power front seats – Heated and upholstered in leather, the Maxima SV’s comfortable front seats offer 8-way power-adjustability for the driver and 4-way power for the front passenger.
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto – It’s remarkably convenient to have your smartphone’s apps (and other features) on the Maxima’s touchscreen.
- 3.5-liter V6 – With 300 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque, this proven engine makes for relaxed freeway cruising and easy passing.
2022 Nissan Maxima SR: $43,300
If you’re looking for better performance and a bit more luxury, we recommend spending a bit extra for the Nissan Maxima SR.
That’s because the Maxima SR gains firmer sport suspension and black 19-inch wheels, plus black exterior trim (including a gloss-black grille) and a rear spoiler that make this midsize Nissan sedan look aggressive without being juvenile.
A dual-panel moonroof, LED fog lights, front parking sensors, and a 6-way power passenger seat with an up/down adjustment further distinguish the Maxima SR. The driver’s seat also gets some attention in the form of manual thigh extenders and memory.
Also notable: The SR gets perforated seat leather with diamond-quilted Alcantara inserts, and the heated leather-wrapped steering wheel gains shift paddles that make for a sportier driving experience.
Rounding out the Maxima SR’s interior upgrades are a 360-degree monitor, lane-keeping assist, rear USB charging ports, ambient interior lighting, satin dark chrome trim, a black headliner, an 11-speaker Bose audio system, and Active Noise Cancellation.
With the $1,095 destination fee, the 2023 Nissan Maxima SR costs $44,395. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing with zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $798. See 2023 Nissan Maxima SR models for sale near you
2023 Nissan Maxima SR includes:
- Paddle shifters – These paddles behind the steering wheel help the Maxima’s CVT act more like a conventional automatic with traditional upshifts and downshifts.
- Premium Bose sound system – With three extra speakers, the SR’s sound system positively fills the Maxima cabin with good tunes.
- Sport suspension – The sport-tuned springs and shock absorbers aid the Maxima SR’s agility without creating a punishing ride.
2023 Nissan Maxima Platinum: $44,250
As the most luxurious Maxima, the Platinum features all of the upscale features of the SR. But it does not get that sporty model’s black 19-inch wheels or its sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, and black exterior trim.
What the Maxima Platinum does get is this: a much richer interior featuring semi-aniline leather seat upholstery with diamond-quilted leather inserts, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel (with memory), a rear window power sunshade, Satin Birdseye Maple Wood interior trim, heated rear seats, illuminated kickplates, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
We think the 2023 Nissan Maxima Platinum looks exceptionally sharp in Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, an upgraded paint that adds $395 to the total.
With the $1,095 destination fee, the 2023 Nissan Maxima Platinum costs $45,345. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing with zero down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $815. See 2023 Nissan Maxima Platinum models for sale near you
2023 Nissan Maxima Platinum includes:
- Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel – Power adjustments make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. Comes with memory too.
- Rain-sensing wipers – These automatically activate whenever rain hits the Maxima Platinum’s windshield.
- Power rear sunshade – Tired of that sunlight hitting rear passengers in the back of the head? Raise the Platinum’s sunshade.
