2019 Nissan Maxima - Marching To A Different Drummer

Nissan's Maxima continues on for 2019 with some small but important updates, but the big news for 2019 is that it's no longer the brand's biggest sedan. What does that mean for "premium" sedan shoppers? Let's find out.
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[@mr.c1136]

On my 2017 I routinely average 30-31mpg, with about 70/30 highway/rural driving, with cruise being set at 74mph on the highway, on 87 octane. It is always nice to see the DTE read 500+ miles when I fill up! I didn’t purchase the car for it’s fuel efficiency, but it was an unexpected surprise.

[@robs7527]

Mr. C Does putting regular 87 hurt the motor?

[@abt4702]

I had Infiniti Q50 RED SPORT and on highway i made easy 32 MPG with twin turbo and 400HP so nothing impressive about that Maxima MPG thing.

[@TopGunAce23]

I'm glad that Nissan still offers the CD player(not all of us are working with apple and android car play)

[@wesleyholmes3316]

I love shis CAR, I OUNE ONE , A PEACE OF ART. THEY NEED TO DO ONE BLACK WITH WHITE INT. AND A REA WHEEL DRIVE AND TWO TURBOES 450 TO 500 HORSE AND GET RID OF THE BACK DOORS . THEY COULD SAVE A. LOT OF MONEY . A BIG LONG LONG COUP .OR SADAN .

[@Maxcaliberman]

One of the reasons i bought my 2018

[@TBS_EEX]

I've loved this car since the 90s. V6+Manual Transmission= Driving Bliss

[@marcusarelius]

My first car was a 92 Maxima. I loved it! I have always wanted another Maxima but never had the opportunity to get one. The 2019 Maxima definitely makes me looks twice when I see it on the road.

[@RandomSignz]

it actually looks quite nice from side view

[@jul5385]

This is the first detailed review I've seen for the 2019 Maxima. Thanks a lot!

[@noelsilva5381]

Love the interior color. Sweet. And I like the new front and rear lights.

[@grumjpy]

I have owned 2017 Maxima SR for 2 years and sold it. In search of something new. And I have driven every car that competes with Maxima and above. Either they are over priced or less power or not good driving dynamics. And made a full circle and bought a 2019 Maxima SR yesterday. One thing to understand is Maxima SR and Platinum are totally different car in driving and feeling. So please take your time to drive both before you buy one. My favourite is SR as it's a best car I drove since my Saab days. And as for the people who hate CVT and want Automatics I want to say I used to own Saabs and BMWs with Manual gearboxes and the truth is the way the traffic in most cities are I would no longer buy manual until unless I am taking my car to track. And compred to Automatics I can bet CVT in Maxima is way better than all the automatics in this range. Cheers!

[@ronaldwilliford301]

For sure 👍

[@richardbutton1261]

An underrated car I would settle with the base without all those driver assist stuff. All that stuff does is do what you as a driver are supposed to be doing anyway.

[@ballahm8016]

What a wonderful review! You discussed every small detail. Thx🌷

[@fashionngulube6511]

Alex make the best reviews unlike others. Good review.

[@ecapone9223]

I like driving the Maxima. It's a cool car

[@cynthiaharrell2144]

Me too. And not everyone can afford one either :)

[@matiaspetrali45]

YES! Amber turn signals are dope

[@ianferguson8963]

Amazing car and great performance. This will be my first pick among it competitors 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾🇬🇩🇨🇦 .

[@bernhardwagner9879]

Good points of comparison. Few raters commit themselves to mention other vehicles in the same range. I own a 2019 SL and I am completely satisfied with its ride and performance. I also own a 2020 Versa SV and We call it our mini Max with the same safety features. BTW, I'm 81 and have owned a mess of cars. Leased a 93 Max and was sold on Nissan quality'

[@1231nlp]

Hmmm... in Platinum no paddle shifters and no fake wood. Great! The Maxima is a better buy than its competitors. Also the SR trim finally gets a sunroof. I would buy either the SR or Platinum edition.

[@deanw8722]

Safety features should never be an option. It should be standard in every new vehicle.

[@Losttouchjs]

Dean Winter It’s slowly working its way towards that, just gonna take some time. Back up cameras are now standard on every car made but at one time it was a premium.

[@cynthiaharrell2144]

I feel very safe in my Sr. Surrounded by sonar and an engine that will roll under if hit head on. A high powered sherman tank. Love my Maxima SR.

[@PLATINUM2U]

Android auto and car play were standard in all 2018's. Ok here are the new features he didn't mention. 1: Ten Standard airbags. Nissan added 4 additional airbags. 2: fog lights are now LED. 3: Nissan Door to Door Navigation. 4: Industry leading rear seat Alert.5: 19 inch wheels on platinum reserve trim. Oh also the SR model can come with a PANORAMIC SUNROOF now

[@Abhiman9596]

thanks

[@mjdukes2782]

PLATINUM do you know if the high beams are LED?

[@PLATINUM2U]

@@mjdukes2782 yes. Everything is LED on the exterior

[@bradr7719]

The rear seat alert is not industry leading when Chevy introduced it on the impala and Malibu but didn’t really get noticed for it Nissan is adding stuff to keep while most offerings had it already consider this generation Maxima scraped

[@PLATINUM2U]

@@bradr7719 But does GM's alert Beep the Horn flash lights and keeps you from locking the doors?? Or does it just flash a fancy Alert on the Drivers Information Screen???Hmnnn lets go look that up Shall we! Like I said. INDUSTRY LEADING!

[@bigcjm]

Alex Holy crap that new camera is a huge improvement.....

[@idonotanswerquestions5110]

I love my new 2019 maxima sv. It’s extremely fun to drive and faster than my 1988 vette..

[@charlesst-pierre8787]

I have a Nissan Maxima SL 2019 and i love my car. This is my second Maxima (last was a 2000 se) and alot changed since. This is a great car, great performance, great comfort, beautiful mechanic. The only thing that i found annoying on that car is the distance regulating system. You can't turn it off without desactivating the cruise control system (tell me if there is a solution). For who that are not familiar with this term ; this system controls the distance with the car in front of you. Which kind of sound cool but brakes when drivers ahead slow down for turning or makes your car goes irregular while following irregular speed drivers. The variations of speed created by this system are not smooth just as an activated cruise control while driving up a hill. Worst of it : it activates your brake lights, making you looks like your driving grand-ma. (love you grand-ma)

[@ThorMaxx]

The front end is much better than the Avalon...

[@bradyb9929]

Todd Soden but the entire rest of the car is inferior to Avalon

[@ElNietoPR]

I disagree. I like Avalon’s more.

[@holyland6380]

Both very ugly.

[@ivanovpreslav7417]

The avalon is much more reliable

[@ELPJM09]

The Avalon has more unique styling. The Nissan V styling is just ugly.

[@bbsb50]

I like this refresh better it looks good... DREAM CAR

[@Gwolf888]

Maxima is better looking than the Nissan Altima

[@jakedufresne]

Thanks for being the first to show the taillights lit up while braking. Yes the exhaust tips look lame when you get down that low. Great car though. I'll pick one up after my '16 lease ends in Jan.

[@Dejesusluis87]

I love your reviews so much! Alex, please do the 2019 Nissan Murano as well.

[@jadanwilliams3173]

luis dejesus he did.

[@paulb2683]

Looks good in thks color. By the way great informative review!

[@princeduties2991]

Finally a good looking front.

[@coleslaw55]

Maxima ALL THE WAY!

[@mustafanaji6591]

Good review & great Maxima.

[@spletest8977]

Gorgeous car!

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

Four years ago today! I try to buy one Alex.

[@davidyoung9443]

I am going against the grain with most of the comments. I for one don't really care about the CVT. The safety gizmos are gimmicks to me a person that has been driving for over 20 years. I would want AWD living in the north west but other than that I am pleased.

[@MrRailroader03]

David Young I totally agree

[@stephenhendricks103]

Different strokes for different folks, David. I'm willing to grant that manufacturers have improved CVT's significantly since I drove a Nissan Murano back in 2012. Still, I prefer a geared transmission, ideally a DCT. But I'm all for "safety gizmos" such as AEB and blind spot monitoring, especially since I'll be sharing one of my vehicles with my teenage daughter soon. I'd always considered adaptive cruise control a gimmick until I bought a car with it. Now I wouldn't go without it on any vehicle I drive on a long trip or in moderately crowded freeway traffic. Lengthens the time between stops by at least a third. As for AWD, I live in the NW, too, and while I have to deal with snow mainly on ski trips, the overall messiness of our winters makes it a major asset.

[@davidyoung9443]

@@stephenhendricks103 I agree to a point. I grew up with manual gear boxes and geared automatics. I like the sounds and the way it feels. With that said most driving is done in town or open highway not canyon carving. The CVT accells at both. If we want the viceral feeling I would go for a stick every time over a .2 faster 0-60 time. But like you said to each their own.

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@davidyoung9443 You're certainly correct that most drivers couldn't care less whether they're driving a geared or a CVT as long as they don't have to shift for themselves. For daily driving in traffic and on crowded highways, they're an excellent design. And even among those who want the "feel" of a geared transmission, the artificial "gears" of a CVT will generally satisfy them. They can be easily programmed to save fuel or emphasize performance. CVT's have already been improved significantly in less than a decade. Geared transmissions will survive but CVT's have some major benefits for most drivers.

[@Briguy1027]

The interior looks rather nice :)

[@mustafanajeeb7859]

Good review & great Nissan.

[@normt5463]

Classy side view!

[@ninersforlife7682]

Good looking car. The 2018 is a good looking car also great to drive. They do offer paddle shifters in the 19

[@druzzyaka]

Beautiful car!

[@fresheddie..]

LOOKS BETTER 😎

[@limpunsing224]

It\s a good looking with decent power & performance

[@kaankurtcal3972]

I love you Maxima

[@tyekennethlawson5002]

It's actually quite nice and quicker than most.

[@leemoten2515]

I Like the Maxima...Great Car

[@helloandrewc]

I think the Nissan "floating roof" design lends itself well to a sportback body style. Maybe the next Maxima could be a sportback?

[@Al3mmry]

I have driven this car and its amazing fast and i like it you can't tell its cvt car ... Fast.comfort.eco.goodlooking.cheaper

[@naywahn]

I really liked it as a rental, but I wouldn't buy one until I see the Maxima & Z redesigns next year, presumably with AWD...

[@r335]

You can tell it's a CVT when it breaks down

[@mhkuang]

@DC Williams Not really. CVTs are fine nowadays.

[@thomascasher1393]

Yes it is. I own the 2016 Max play. Clean. Added spoiler. 19” rims. Low pro. Performance!

[@onepunchmantolkienfan5383]

I wish it was bigger but I will take the Maxima.

[@itsvontae718]

About time someone agree with me about all wheel drive the Maxima really needs it more than the Altima

[@mjdukes2782]

Beautiful car

[@kdlee9550]

I need this in my garage!

[@joshlmccall6294]

I like the New Altima a bit better. But I'm feeling this car. And that color just puts the icing on the cake for me.😍

[@EdgarRenje]

Nice looking car we don't even know here in Europe.

[@JMotorCity]

Dinah Washington! My mom saw her in the early 1960s at the Flame Showbar in Detroit. How cool you were listening to her. How was the sound?

[@johnbulger5116]

Love the Max.

[@mrslcom]

Is this the best handling mid-size FWD 4-door sedan? If not what is?

[@theodorekell]

As far as sporty driving goes, how does it feel vs MAzda6 turbo?

[@gurbeerathwal9406]

I like the 300hp. I dont hate cvt but a manual would be nice. Along with an awd option

[@iSlandeRon]

It looks looked the Maxima/Altima "relationship" is like the Murano/Rouge "relationship" where as they are very similar in size and capacity and the real difference is the quality of materials and the powertrains.

[@timefly4221]

Good review. I don't think most people would cross-shop the vehicles you mentioned, aside from the Altima. Instead of focusing on the traditional "large sedan" segment I would look at premium sedans with sporty intentions as competitors. So I'd like to see this stack up against the Mazda 6 Signature, some trims of the Kia Stinger, and the Acura TLX.

[@ElPsiCongroo]

Thanks for the video, Alex. I think the Maxima would be good to compare to the Lincoln MKZ, Acura TLX, and Honda Accord when you eventually do your full comparisons. Sure, the Accord is in a different class and price. But I think if the vehicle is not full luxury pricing like the Lexus ES and is in the midsize sedan dimensions, then it needs to compete with the Accord for quality per dollar and maybe sportiness with how Honda is tuning the Accord nowadays.

[@sunilayya8948]

Loved Maximas since the 1990 model which was a car and driver 10 best car. The ones before the renault merger in year 2000 rivalled toyotas for reliability and longevity. This version is among the few Japanese sedans with personality.

[@handlealreadytaken]

Probably the last generation of the Maxima.

[@wondurfulworld8285]

Probably the last generations of the whole company due become clear to everyone that Nissan lose their quality & reliability plus spare parts issues

[@smack9x]

That was said 3 generations ago. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@tom11zz884]

I agree Nissan will scrap it after this generation..sadly

[@jarforsythe]

Chris Humeniuk nah

[@RodrigoMJ32]

Nope, they are already working on the Next Maxima........

[@DMCarReviews]

Amazing. Want get the 2019 Nissan Maxima SR.

[@xMeowsticx]

I have a 2017 SR and tbh I wouldn't get it again. He describes the ride quality as firm, but to me its really rough. you cant drive over a crack in the pavement without feeling jostled in your seat.

[@chronot1342]

xMeowsticx did you test drive an sl or platinum and notice difference in ride?

[@xMeowsticx]

Chrono T no but I’m coming from an Altima s which was overall a smooth ride

[@groundtrader173]

@@chronot1342 I have SL, and very smooth. I love it.

[@Jameswilliam1982]

Waiting for the VQ30DETT powered AWD Maxima

[@brianspicer2674]

what are the row of light underneath the headlights, and DRL; are those LED turn signals ??

[@ShawnFX]

whats a good car for a very tall person? I'm mostly legs, plus i have never bought a car for myself.

[@BigHeadClan]

The maxima now arguably has a better interior and feature content than the Infiniti Q50 with the 300Hp engine which is its luxury brand. What is Nissan/infinti doing???

[@gengstar09]

Crack. The only thing holding the Maxima back is it’s CVT and FWD/Lack of AWD power train. Otherwise this car would make Infiniti obsolete.

[@BigHeadClan]

@@gengstar09 indeed which is why you'd think it would Incentive them to improve their premium brand. Clearly profit margins and cost cutting is Nissan strategy as of late.

[@pontiacGXPfan]

What GM is doing now: half-assing

[@TheFutureisTheFuture]

I leased a G37x, another Gx37x, Then a Q50 and now a Maxima. Only thing missing from the Maxima is AWD which I totally miss, but everything else in the Maxima is lightyears ahead of Infiniti.

[@BigHeadClan]

​@@TheFutureisTheFuture Yeah I own a G37x coupe myself when I test drove the Q50 I was confused by some of the cost cutting. I love the new engine they have in the car but it's definitely strange how they left out some big features. I mean you get can get cooled seats in a Kia Forte for under 25K now. lol

[@gurbeerathwal9406]

I like the more aggressive and shaped front end.

[@Tyler_212]

Everyone is talking trash about the cvt transmission. Drive an Altima or even a maxima, and see how much more superior it really is. The only time it would REALLY make a difference is if you tried to go mud bogging in a family sedan.

[@joelcleare]

Great informative video as usual. I prefer the Avalon. Bigger and more comfy for a daily driver. I’ve had 3 generations of Maxima. Their just a little sporty. I will never drive a car to it’s full potential so performance is not an issue. I prefer refinement.

[@md11b777]

You sum this car up very well. Nissan should back off the boy racer 4DRSC moniker and promote it as a very stylish car that is equipped very well and gets over 30 MPG on regular gas. Plus it looks great when sitting too.

[@thomascasher1393]

Can you use 20” wheels on the 2019 Maxima?

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

Still a good first Nissan sedan I can buy one.

[@michaelsera746]

You asked Alex and I would get the Chevy Impala and have. Midnight edition premier is sweet.

[@daveallyn007]

First of all Alex is A top notch auto reviewer. that said if I was looking for a luxury sedan I would get Audi A6 and as far as the fake exhaust tips they will stay a lot cleaner!! and yes the new Audi A6 starts at $58,900 a used one is a lot less the body style has not changed so much .when you have something the people like don't mess with it like Nissan did someone went a little crazy with there pen designing this from the outside to the inside that has to be the ugliest steering wheel I have seen.i wouldn't be surprised if they discontinue the maxima.

[@redjet4810]

The Maxima is the maximum sedan👍

[@magnumoliveira1494]

Nice car.

[@kevinharrison00]

Why don't you show are with the lights/turn signals on anymore?

[@ronaldwilliford301]

I’d buy the Maxima Platinum

[@babasan5411]

I'm guesssing the steering wheel is still very heavy. Looks nice but i'd only lease one if they have great lease deals.

[@ramoncarter6585]

I believe this model going to sell pretty well than the current one. The Maxima is an affordable car than it's competitors think Impala buyers are going to purchase the Maxima as CT6 and Lacrosse buyers stick with Avalon being it runs in same price as those two Avalon is more a Lexus. I like the mid-cycle refresh model looks more sleek only thing wish the infotainment system got few updates and available in AWD with the new Altima has it why not Maxima this generation has been out for decades now. I think Nissan might work on the next generation Maxima soon they were working on this model since early part of the year can see the spy shots with it being a 2016 model came out in 2015 still looks great but this new one is better. Got a feeling this will be the replacement of Impala buyers looking for something affordable since GM and Ford discontinuing their vehicles even Taurus buyers too most might not care about the CVT. This is my favorite generation thought wouldn't like the mid-cycle refresh model but was I wrong looks more sleek than ever.

[@lincolnccoorrtteezz8236]

Acura doesn't have led reflectors , they are jewel eye led's

[@mikesmith6292]

I wish you had reviewed the blue one in the thumbnail.

[@Ben_05]

The headlights look light they took it out of the new Honda cars

[@MrCarpediem6]

Hmm. The Maxima used to be the Avalon and 300C competitor (full size) and the Altima the mid size (Camry, Accord) competitor, no ?

[@keithbeef]

quad exhaust tip "openings" with two exhausts behind them. looks awful.

[@toyota420xp]

pigs bladder says a guy named pig bladder

[@Twittavelli]

Someone needs to hit CTRL + Z on this shit heap.

[@tom11zz884]

Agreed! At least give it a real Quad exhaust like the new Camry and Avalon. Nissan is always cost cutting their cars......

[@smack9x]

@@tom11zz884 The Avalon nor Camry have a true quad exhaust. Dual or quad exhausts on these cars are there only for looks. Underneath, the exhaust all goes through one pipe.

[@SSingh-vl5eu]

@@smack9x look again at Toyota's quad exhaust there are only 2 openings, the other 2 are sealed for show...u got fooled, same goes for 4cyl models with 2 tips...the other is sealed. These are very ugly generic eBay looking tho

[@davids1816]

I like the styling, the comfort, the tech is fine, and the motor. CVT is weird but I think I'd get used to it. Just as an example, the platinum at 42k would get you: A Stinger GT with AWD, an Acura TLX with AWD, an Accord with similar performance, 10 gears, and almost ten thousand dollars, a V6 Camry and almost ten thousand dollars. I really like the car and I'd be willing to pay a premium for the luxury touches - but yikes, they really want a lot of money for this.

[@PL876]

LED reflectors are Honda, not Acura.

[@devongee1776]

This car looks baller. Love the redesign. This was very needed after that stunning new Altima release. Good on Nissan, if I had known about this car a month sooner they'd have had my money. Shame how automakers keep the hush hush especially to their existing customers when it comes to new arrivals! Maybe next time, Nissan?

[@chomp54321]

Good looking cars as they may be, I don't like that U-shaped trim that Nissan is putting in the middle of the grills. It makes the front look droopy and heavy. It is better now compared to the last couple of iterations, where this trim was thick and made the fronts look really heavy, as if they are about to crash into the ground.

[@adrianm5382]

Nice brown leather interior.

[@Barneyrubble241]

I wonder what the percentage of Renault parts and systems have made their way to Nissan vehicles at this point?? That worries me although a friend has a high top Nissan van that has 420k on it and running fine, but that's about 6 years old and probably has more Nissan DNA in it.

[@skm4308]

Man I'm looking for a sports sedan but dont know because the maxima looks nice but I also love the Acura Tlx A-spec because it is a nice car

[@md11b777]

Unfortunately with the Acura you have to give up the panoramic sun roof, power roof sunshade, rear window power shade, powered steering column, touch screen Navigation, Quilted leather interior, tire air fill audio full indicators, side wheel view camera view, 10 HP. I like the TLX but it just comes up short to my 2016 Platinum! Just ordered a 2019 Platinum

[@skm4308]

@@md11b777 Yeah because their is also the 2015 or 16 lexus GS350 F-Sport that I could get for cheap a used one.

[@richmax13]

You did your review, however totally neglected the fact of the 2016-2018 maxima 's! You should done a more comparative review of the differences as well.

[@corradomr2]

Late 80s and into the 90s, this car had presence and a soul ("the four-door sportscar..."). Today, the Maxima with CVT and no paddle shifters does not make for a sporty car. It is unfortunately barely known and is inconsequential in the market in a dying class. That said, it's still a decent-looking car and although it's not a direct competitor, I'd get the far sportier standout Stinger GT for a similar price, practical hatchback and similarly roomy interior, and skip the Avalon and Cadenza as well.

[@stevornrichards1380]

Paddle shifters available on SR trims

[@FeisarX]

I recently bought a Kia Stinger GT Limited in Canada. When I cross-shopped sporty sedans this thing didn't even get on the radar.

[@occckid123]

@@FeisarX the Kia Stinger GT is a really nice car but I actually like the interior into Maxima better. If you're comparing prices you have to get the 4 cyl model of the Kia Stinger to compete with the maximum that has a V6. The Kia Stinger GT with the options you want is quite expensive compared to the maximum especially because you can get discounts on the maxima.

[@FeisarX]

@@occckid123 there are discounts on both 2018's. 2019's of either car there aren't. In Canada the loaded Maxima is priced the same as our GT or the American GT1. That gives you AWD here and the TT V6. There are some drawbacks to the interior vs the Maxima. 50,000 gets you our GT Limited which was the American "Atlantica" Stinger. I would take the 4 cylinder Turbo Stinger over this car and I'd DEFINITELY take the AWD V6TT rear wheel bias Stinger over the loaded version of this car.

[@johnholst]

corradomr2...I was thinking exactly the same thing! The Stinger is far superior.

[@ModernDayMixtapes]

They did a great job on this Maxima. I wasn't a fan of the pre-facelift version, but this is much better. Great job, Nissan. This is better than any of the sedans Infiniti has right now (obviously ignoring RWD differences)

[@cobra454tim]

In my opinion the Nissan Maxima has lost its way, but I think many car platforms have evolved but I feel this Maxima has devolved. I had a 1999 infinity I 30 which basically was a Maxima that car was awesome.

[@md11b777]

Take a step down and get a Kia or Hyundia.

[@darnellrogers8884]

This car would be on a completely different level with AWD

[@kalel33]

I would have bought it recently if it had AWD but I went with a Ford Fusion Titanium, with a turbo.

[@efavuzza73]

Alex great video. I wish the my Murano get the new steering wheel. The only thing I hate with my Murano is the steering wheel

[@jul5385]

That steering wheel looks really horrible. Surprisingly, Nissan didn't even bother to change it on the mid-cycle refresh 2019 Murano...

[@RjTheTrigun]

Never thought I would say this but Nissan is pretty much done for. I like the Genesis G90 and stinger gt much more.

[@md11b777]

Bring 20 grand more for one of these lame cars

[@brysonmblackwell]

Maxima!

[@medellon]

Nice car but I see it having a difficult time competing with other midsize sedans. I don't think there are that many people wanting what the Maxima is offering.