Shoppers considering the Nissan Maxima will need to move fast, at least if they plan to buy a new model. 2023 marks the Maxima’s last year, with production ending by mid-2023, according to a statement from Nissan. For 2023, the Maxima will sing its swan song wearing a new logo and larger price tags across its three available trims (SV, SR and Platinum).
Nissan claims its electrification efforts are the reason for the current Maxima’s demise and hints that the nameplate may return in EV guise in the future. It’s likely the model’s underwhelming sales also played a role, however: Nissan sold only 3,753 units of the Maxima in the first half of 2022 — that’s compared to 44,375 Sentras and 78,610 Altimas.
What’s New?
The Maxima is not going out with any fanfare or special editions for its final run. Instead, the sedan will fade into the shadows with only minor tweaks for 2023. The sole change to the exterior is an updated logo, while the range-topping Platinum trim gets new semi-aniline leather seats and illuminated kickplates inside.
Powertrain
Under the hood, a 300-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and continuously variable automatic transmission return unchanged. Front-wheel drive is standard with no all-wheel-drive option available. The powertrain’s capable acceleration, as documented in our 2019 review, comes with a fuel-economy tradeoff — the sedan gets an EPA-rated 20/30/24 mpg city/highway/combined. Meanwhile, rivals like the Lexus ES offer notably higher fuel-economy figures.
Tech and Safety
2023 Nissan Maxima | Manufacturer image
Standard tech features for all trims include an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and built-in navigation. SR and Platinum trims get an upgraded 11-speaker Bose audio system, while the base SV comes with a standard 8-speaker audio system.
On the safety front, Nissan Safety Shield 360 comes standard, offering a suite of driver-assist features including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking and forward collision warning. Adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition also come standard. Going with an SR or Platinum trim adds a 360-degree camera.
Trims and Pricing
2023 Nissan Maxima | Manufacturer image
The 2023 Maxima is on sale now with a starting price of $39,235 for the SV (all prices include destination). The SV and SR trims see prices climb $300 over 2022, while the Platinum’s updates bring a more substantial $1,100 increase.
- SV: $39,235
- SR: $44,395
- Platinum: $45,345
The SV comes standard with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights with high-beam assist, heated leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The SR is differentiated by 19-inch gloss-black wheels, a unique sport-tuned suspension, a larger rear stabilizer bar and a rear spoiler. Inside, the SR adds ventilation for the front seats and a panoramic moonroof. The Platinum builds on that with its new semi-aniline quilted leather seats and maple wood trim.
Versus the Competition
The Nissan Maxima’s premium appointments help it rival full-size sedans like the Acura TLX, Lexus ES and Chrysler 300; the latter will also be discontinued after 2023. The Maxima is competitive among this set not only thanks to its standard and available features but also its starting price: the 2022 TLX starts at $39,995, the 2023 ES at $42,490 and the 2022 300 at $35,140.
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Keyword: 2023 Nissan Maxima Enters Final Year Starting at $39,235