2020 Nissan Maxima SR Review
The most recent Nissan Maxima has been around since 2015, and now, about five years into its life, Nissan crafted a good old mid-cycle refresh to entice potential buyers with some attractive new equipment. We took the updates as an opportunity to grab a 2020 Maxima SR and put the sporty four-door through its paces during a road trip from San Jose, California, to Ashland, Oregon.
Design and Exterior Features
This test car wore 19-inch, two-tone wheels and lustrous Sunset Drift paint. The hue costs an extra $395, but it’s one of the best colors in Nissan’s palette. The illumination package ($545) adds customizable interior accent lighting and exterior ground lighting. A rear diffuser for $370 rounds out the exterior, enhancing the sedan’s factory tuner appearance. Overall, this SR was lightly optioned due to its slew of standard equipment, including floor mats, a trunk mat, a first-aid kit, and bag hooks for a total of $375.
Performance and Handling
Nissan’s 3.5-liter VQ-series V-6 engine feels at home in the Maxima, producing 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. This power is ample for navigating through traffic or speeding down the freeway. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission that provides a seamless power delivery. While the engine noise can resemble a chainsaw at higher revs, the startup sound is pleasantly deep and throaty.
Steering is surprisingly heavy; Nissan opted for a hydro-electric system in the Maxima, resulting in nimble turn-in and a weighty feel during aggressive driving. The wheel itself, wrapped in leather with additional leather inlays, enhances the driving experience.
Suspension and Ride Quality
The suspension tuning leans toward the sportier side. Even when the Maxima is full of passengers and baggage, it remains fun to drive on southern Oregon’s twisty roads. The active suspension-damping system keeps the chassis stable in various circumstances, while the brake pedal offers firm and responsive action. The overall package delivers an impressive degree of capability and a charming old-school feel.
Interior Space and Comfort
This full-size sedan provides ample utility, with a trunk large enough to fit four carry-on bags comfortably, possibly accommodating a fifth or sixth bag. Backseat passengers enjoy plenty of space during road trips. The dual sunroofs are a bonus for those sitting in the rear; however, the rear armrest cupholders could be larger to accommodate multiple coffee cups.
Safety Features
All Maxima models come equipped with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 technology for the 2020 model year. During long freeway stretches, adaptive cruise control adds convenience by assisting with traffic spacing and lane-keeping.
Conclusion
The interior, while well-appointed, shows signs of age with noticeable hard plastics and a rather cluttered center area around the shifter. However, the cellphone cubby proves useful for devices plugged into the USB port for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto duty.
The updated Maxima proved to be a pleasant surprise as a road trip companion. While the car brims with equipment and performance capabilities priced at $44,030 after destination charges, there’s room for more updates to maintain its freshness. Competing models like the Toyota Avalon and Kia Cadenza offer modern alternatives, yet with the SR trim’s sporty suspension tuning, the Maxima still stands out.
In summary, don’t overlook sedans for road trips. The Maxima offers comfort, spaciousness, and efficient dynamics that rival SUVs. Nevertheless, it may be time for a complete overhaul to keep pace with its competitors.
