2010 NISSAN MAXIMA
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2009 Nissan Maxima is a midsize entry-level luxury sedan available in S and SV trim levels. The base model S comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, cruise control, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt/telescoping steering column, eight-way driver and four-way passenger power front seats, a 60/40-split rear seat, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a trip computer, an auto-dimming inside mirror and an in-dash six-CD changer with an auxiliary audio jack.
The Maxima SV adds foglamps, a driver seat manual thigh-support extender and power lumbar support, leather upholstery, a compass, a Homelink universal garage remote and a nine-speaker Bose stereo upgrade.
The SV can be equipped with either the Premium or Sport packages, which offer much of the same equipment but differ in key areas. Both add transmission paddle shifters, xenon headlights (available separately, but curiously, this requires adding Bluetooth, too), a driver-side auto-dimming outside mirror, heated front seats, driver memory functions with automatic entry/exit, a power tilt/telescoping steering column, a heated steering wheel, rear bucket seats with a center trunk pass-through (60/40-split feature deleted), upgraded leather upholstery and trim, Bluetooth (available as a stand-alone option) and satellite radio.
The Premium Package is differentiated by a dual-panel sunroof, a rearview camera, a seven-inch LCD screen, a cooled driver seat, rear-seat audio and HVAC controls, automatic up/down rear windows, a power rear window shade, wood trim, an audio-visual auxiliary audio jack and a dedicated iPod interface. The Sport Package features a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, a rear spoiler and metallic-look interior trim. High-performance summer tires are an added option with the Sport Package.
The Technology Package available on the Maxima SV adds a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic, a rearview camera, an auxiliary audio-video jack, a dedicated iPod interface, satellite radio, a single in-dash CD player (which replaces the six-disc version) and 9.3GB of digital music storage. This package is cheaper when combined with the Premium Package, since several features overlap. The heated front seats, steering wheel and outside mirrors can also be had in the Cold Package.
Powertrains and Performance
Every 2009 Nissan Maxima comes with a 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 hp and 261 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a CVT that can be overridden by six artificial "gear" ratios selected by the driver with steering-column-mounted paddle shifters (SV trim only).
At our test track, the Maxima SV went from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Its fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined
Safety
Every 2009 Nissan Maxima comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front and rear outboard active head restraints. A rearview camera is optional
Interior Design and Special Features
The 2009 Nissan Maxima features design and craftsmanship worthy of its luxury-car price. In fact, the Maxima's cabin -- in Premium and Sport guise -- is probably a tad nicer than that of Infiniti's G35. Buttons and knobs move with well-damped precision, while the dash and door sill tops are covered in a soft-touch material. The many buttons and knobs for audio controls, climate controls and the available navigation system are well-placed and well-spaced so each function is easy to find, whether you've gotten into the car for the first or 101st time.
The dual-zone automatic climate controls are a model of simplicity, while the stereo can be controlled via dedicated buttons or (with the Technology Package) a multipurpose control knob placed below the 7-inch display screen. With that package also comes the best solution for in-car iPod control we've seen to date. Plugged into the USB port beneath the center console bin, an iPod is completely controlled via the multipurpose knob, steering-wheel-mounted toggle switch and LCD screen menus that nicely mimic the iPod's actual controls.
Space inside the Maxima is quite good, with a comfy driver seat that provides an excellent range of adjustment. The available rear bucket seats make the middle seat practically useless, but they are very comfortable. The trunk can hold 14.3 cubic feet of stuff that enters through a wide opening.
| Dimensions |
 |
| | |
 |
| Exterior |
| Length: 190.6 in. |
Width: 73.2 in. |
| Height: 57.8 in. |
Wheel Base: 109.3 in. |
| Curb Weight: 3556 lbs. |
| Interior |
| Front Head Room: 38.5 in. |
Front Hip Room: 53.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room: 56.3 in. |
Rear Head Room: 36.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room: 55.1 in. |
Rear Hip Room: 53.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room: 43.8 in. |
Rear Leg Room: 34.6 in. |
| Luggage Capacity: 14.2 cu. ft. |
Maximum Seating: 5 |
 |
| Performance Data |
 |
| | |
 |
| Performance |
| Base Number of Cylinders: 6 |
Base Engine Size: 3.5 liters |
| Base Engine Type: V6 |
Horsepower: 290 hp |
| Max Horsepower: 6400 rpm |
Torque: 261 ft-lbs. |
| Max Torque: 4400 rpm |
Drive Type: FWD |
| Turning Circle: 37.4 ft. |
| Fuel Data |
 |
| |
| Fuel |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gal. |
|
| EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined) |
| Automatic: 19 mpg / 26 mpg / 22 mpg |
|
| Range in Miles: |
Automatic: 380 mi. / 520 mi. / 440 mi.
| Basic: 3 yr. / 36,000 mi. |
| Drivetrain: 5 yr. / 60,000 mi. |
| Roadside: 3 yr. / 36,000 mi. |
Rust: 5 yr. / Unlimited mi.
Options
|
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg. |
|
SV |
$3,450 |
$2,993 |
|
Upgraded leather upholstery, heated front seats, cooled driver seat, rear bucket seats, trunk pass-through, power tilt/telescopic heated steering wheel w/paddle shifters, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), 2-panel sunroof w/power sunshades, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night and tilt-down back-up aid, monitor screen, rearview camera, satellite radio, iPod adapter, wireless cell phone link, rear radio and climate controls, power rear sunshade, automatic up/down rear windows, ambient interior lighting, woodgrain interior trim, cargo net, xenon headlights. Deletes split folding rear seat. |
|
Sport Pkg. |
|
SV |
$2,300 |
$1,995 |
|
Upgraded leather upholstery, heated front seats, rear bucket seats, trunk pass-through, power tilt/telescopic heated steering wheel w/paddle shifters, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night and tilt-down back-up aid, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, faux carbon fiber interior trim, cargo net, rear spoiler, xenon headlights, sport suspension, 245/40VR19 tires. Deletes split folding rear seat. |
|
Tech Pkg. |
|
SV |
$2,400 |
$2,082 |
|
SV w/Premium Pkg. |
$1,850 |
$1,605 |
|
SV w/Sport Pkg. |
$2,250 |
$1,952 |
|
Navigation system, voice recognition, traffic information, satellite radio, iPod adapter, hard drive, rearview camera. Replaces 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single-disc CD/MP3 player. Requires wireless cell phone link and xenon headlights unless ordered w/Premium Pkg. or Sport Pkg. |
|
Cold Pkg. |
|
3.5 SV |
$400 |
$347 |
|
Heated front seats, heated power mirrors, heated steering wheel. |
|
Comfort and Convenience Features |
|
|
|
Wireless cell phone link |
|
SV |
$300 |
$260 |
|
|
|
Floormats |
|
3.5 S, 3.5 SV |
$180 |
$134 |
|
Includes cargo mat. |
|
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
|
|
|
Xenon headlights |
|
SV |
$400 |
$347 |
|
Requires wireless cell phone link. |
|
Rear spoiler |
|
SV |
$370 |
$292 |
|
|
|
Mudguards |
|
3.5 S, 3.5 SV |
$170 |
$133 |
|
|
|
245/40R19 summer performance tires |
|
SV |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Requires Sport Pkg. |
Standard Equipment
3.5 S
| Powertrain |
| 3.5-liter V6 engine |
| Continuously variable transmission (CVT) w/manual-shift capability |
| Traction control |
|
| Safety |
| Dual front airbags |
| Front side airbags |
| Curtain side airbags |
| Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes |
| Brake assist |
| Antiskid system |
| Front-seat active head restraints |
| Tire-pressure monitor |
|
| Comfort and Convenience Features |
| Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic controls |
| Interior air filter |
| Tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls |
| Cruise control |
| Cloth upholstery |
| Front bucket seats |
| 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment |
| 4-way power passenger seat |
| Center console |
| Split folding rear seat |
| Power mirrors |
| Power windows |
| Power door locks |
| Remote keyless entry |
| Keyless access and starting |
| Power sunroof |
| AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer |
| Digital-media player connection |
| Tachometer |
| Trip computer |
| Automatic day/night rearview mirror |
| Illuminated visor mirrors |
| Variable-intermittent wipers |
| Rear defogger |
| Automatic headlights |
|
| Appearance and Miscellaneous |
| Theft-deterrent system |
| 245/45VR18 tires |
| Alloy wheels |
|
3.5 SV adds to 3.5 S:
| Comfort and Convenience Features |
| Leather upholstery |
| Driver-seat thigh extender |
| Bose sound system |
| Universal garage door opener |
| Compass |
| Mirror-mounted turn signals |
|
| Appearance and Miscellaneous |
| Fog lights |
The current Maxima represents the car's seventh generation, and debuted for the 2009 model year. It's a front-wheel-drive midsize sedan that packs a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. Sending the engine's power to the front wheels is a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In terms of size, it's actually a bit shorter than earlier Maximas; Nissan made this change in hopes of improving the car's handling and making it more distinctive.
There are two available trim levels: 3.5 S and 3.5 SV. The base-model S is pretty well equipped, with a standard features list that includes amenities like keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control and a full complement of safety features. SV models pump up the luxury with features like leather upholstery and a premium nine-speaker Bose stereo. Numerous packages are available that give you the chance to upgrade with options like a voice-activated navigation system, iPod integration and a rearview camera. |
Safety
| Driver Air Bag |
| Passenger Air Bag |
| Passenger Air Bag On/Off Switch |
| Side Head Air Bag |
| Rear Head Air Bag |
| Auto-On Headlights |
| Traction Control |
| Auto-Off Headlights |
| Electronic Stability Control |
| Vehicle Anti-Theft System |
| Active front head restraints |
| Front seat belts w/pretensioners/load limiters/adjustable anchors |
| ELR seat belt system for driver |
| ALR/ELR seat belt system for all passengers |
| All position 3-point seat belts |
| Passenger window lockout |
| Lower anchor & tethers for children (LATCH) |
| Energy absorbing steering column |
| Steel side-door guard beams |
| Front & rear crumple zones |
| Zone body construction |
Engine Specifications
| |
dohc V6 |
| Size, liters/cu. in. |
3.5/214 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. |
290 @ 6400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. |
261 @ 4400 |
| Availability |
Standard |
| EPA City / highway mpg |
|
| CVT automatic |
19/26 |
Vehicle Warranty
| Class |
Year/Miles |
|
| Basic Years |
3 |
|
| Basic Miles/km |
36,000 |
|
| Drivetrain Years |
5 |
|
| Drivetrain Miles/km |
60,000
|
| Pricing |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn SV w/Premium Pkg |
2009 Lexus ES 350 4dr Sdn |
2009 Acura TL 4dr Sdn 2WD |
| Base MSRP |
 |
$33,180.00 |
$34,470.00 |
$34,955.00 |
| Destination |
 |
$720.00 |
$875.00 |
$810.00 |
| Drivetrain |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn SV w/Premium Pkg |
2009 Lexus ES 350 4dr Sdn |
2009 Acura TL 4dr Sdn 2WD |
| Standard Horsepower |
 |
290 @ 6400 |
272 @ 6200 |
280 @ -TBD- |
| Standard Torque |
 |
261 @ 4400 |
254 @ 4700 |
254 @ -TBD- |
| Continuously Variable Trans |
 |
Standard |
Not Available |
Not Available |
| Fuel Economy |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn SV w/Premium Pkg |
2009 Lexus ES 350 4dr Sdn |
2009 Acura TL 4dr Sdn 2WD |
| Cruising Range - City |
 |
380.00 mi |
351.50 mi |
333.00 mi |
| Cruising Range - Highway |
 |
520.00 mi |
499.50 mi |
481.00 mi |
| Fuel Tank Capacity |
 |
20.0 gal |
18.5 gal |
18.5 gal |
| Tires and Wheels |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn SV w/Premium Pkg |
2009 Lexus ES 350 4dr Sdn |
2009 Acura TL 4dr Sdn 2WD |
| Standard Wheel Size |
 |
18 x 8.0 in Front; 18 x 8.0 in Rear |
17 x 7.0 in Front; 17 x 7.0 in Rear |
17 x 8 in Front; 17 x 8 in Rear |
| Audio and Communication |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn SV w/Premium Pkg |
2009 Lexus ES 350 4dr Sdn |
2009 Acura TL 4dr Sdn 2WD |
| Premium Sound System |
 |
Standard |
Available |
Not Available |
| Rear Seat Audio Controls |
 |
Available |
Not Available |
Not Available |
| Hard Disk Drive |
 |
Available |
Not Available |
Not Available |
| Seating |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn SV w/Premium Pkg |
2009 Lexus ES 350 4dr Sdn |
2009 Acura TL 4dr Sdn 2WD |
| 2nd Row Bucket Seats |
 |
Standard |
Not Available |
Not Available |
| Comfort and Convenience |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn SV w/Premium Pkg |
2009 Lexus ES 350 4dr Sdn |
2009 Acura TL 4dr Sdn 2WD |
| Rear A/C |
 |
Available |
Not Available |
Not Available |
| Safety |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn SV w/Premium Pkg |
2009 Lexus ES 350 4dr Sdn |
2009 Acura TL 4dr Sdn 2WD |
| Rear Parking Aid |
 |
Standard |
Available |
Not Available |
| Back-Up Camera |
 |
Standard |
Available |
Not Available |
| Weight |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn SV w/Premium Pkg |
2009 Lexus ES 350 4dr Sdn |
2009 Acura TL 4dr Sdn 2WD |
| Base Curb Weight |
 |
3566 lbs |
3580 lbs |
3708 lbs |
| Interior Dimensions |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn SV w/Premium Pkg |
2009 Lexus ES 350 4dr Sdn |
2009 Acura TL 4dr Sdn 2WD |
| Front Head Room |
 |
38.8 in |
37.4 in |
38.4 in |
| Front Leg Room |
 |
43.8 in |
42.2 in |
42.5 in | |
| Drivetrain |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn S |
2009 Honda Accord Sdn 4dr V6 Auto EX |
2009 Toyota Avalon 4dr Sdn XL (Natl) |
| Standard Horsepower |
 |
290 @ 6400 |
271 @ 6200 |
268 @ 6200 |
| Standard Torque |
 |
261 @ 4400 |
254 @ 5000 |
248 @ 4700 |
| Continuously Variable Trans |
 |
Standard |
Not Available |
Not Available |
| Fuel Economy |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn S |
2009 Honda Accord Sdn 4dr V6 Auto EX |
2009 Toyota Avalon 4dr Sdn XL (Natl) |
| Cruising Range - City |
 |
380.00 mi |
351.50 mi |
351.50 mi |
| Fuel Tank Capacity |
 |
20.0 gal |
18.5 gal |
18.5 gal |
| Tires and Wheels |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn S |
2009 Honda Accord Sdn 4dr V6 Auto EX |
2009 Toyota Avalon 4dr Sdn XL (Natl) |
| Standard Wheel Size |
 |
18 x 8.0 in Front; 18 x 8.0 in Rear |
17 x -TBD- in Front; 17 x -TBD- in Rear |
16 x 6.5 in Front; 16 x 6.5 in Rear |
| Audio and Communication |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn S |
2009 Honda Accord Sdn 4dr V6 Auto EX |
2009 Toyota Avalon 4dr Sdn XL (Natl) |
| Wireless Cell Phone Hookup |
 |
Standard |
Available |
Not Available |
| Seating |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn S |
2009 Honda Accord Sdn 4dr V6 Auto EX |
2009 Toyota Avalon 4dr Sdn XL (Natl) |
| Power Passenger Seat |
 |
Standard |
Not Available |
Not Available |
| Comfort and Convenience |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn S |
2009 Honda Accord Sdn 4dr V6 Auto EX |
2009 Toyota Avalon 4dr Sdn XL (Natl) |
| Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel |
 |
Standard |
Not Available |
Not Available |
| Keyless Start |
 |
Standard |
Not Available |
Not Available |
| Mirrors |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn S |
2009 Honda Accord Sdn 4dr V6 Auto EX |
2009 Toyota Avalon 4dr Sdn XL (Natl) |
| Electrochromic rearview mirror |
 |
Standard |
Available |
Available |
| Exterior Dimensions |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn S |
2009 Honda Accord Sdn 4dr V6 Auto EX |
2009 Toyota Avalon 4dr Sdn XL (Natl) |
| Ground Clearance |
 |
5.6 in |
N/A |
5.3 in |
| Interior Dimensions |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn S |
2009 Honda Accord Sdn 4dr V6 Auto EX |
2009 Toyota Avalon 4dr Sdn XL (Natl) |
| Front Leg Room |
 |
43.8 in |
42.5 in |
41.3 in |
| Brakes |
| Model |
2010 Nissan Maxima 4dr Sdn S |
2009 Honda Accord Sdn 4dr V6 Auto EX |
2009 Toyota Avalon 4dr Sdn XL (Natl) |
| Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness |
 |
12.60 x 1.10 in |
11.8 x -TBD- in |
11.7 x -TBD- in |
| Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness |
 |
12.13 x 0.63 in |
11.1 x -TBD- in |
11.6 x -TBD- in |
|