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With the 2022 Nissan Maxima, buyers will find a healthy V6 and legitimate performance upgrades to back up the “Four Door Sports Car” claim.
2022 Nissan Maxima – usa.nissannews.com | Shop 2022 Nissan Maxima on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2022 Nissan Maxima?
Last year was the Nissan Maxima’s 40th anniversary, a milestone not many automotive nameplates achieve. Deep into its eighth generation, which kicked off in 2016, the 2022 Nissan Maxima is virtually identical to the 2021 model with the only update being newly standard heated rear seats on Platinum trim. As the flagship vehicle in Nissan’s strong sedan lineup, the Maxima may be long in the tooth, but it still offers a potent powertrain and near luxury appointments, keeping it relevant in a shrinking segment.
The Breakdown
Sharp styling helps Maxima stand out
SR features true performance upgrades
Great looking leather with accent stitching
Six standard driver aids
Not much year-over-year improvement
Curious to see what the future brings
2022 Maxima Specs
- 300 horsepower from base engine
- 261 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 14.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration
- Ten airbags show a safety-minded approach
- Basic vehicle/powertrain coverage only
2022 Nissan Maxima Powertrain
Nissan has been building their VQ series of V6 engines for over 25 years with all the fine tuning and enhancements that come with such a perfected mill on hand in the 2022 Nissan Maxima. Though stable mate Altima, a review of which you can read here, is close in size to the Maxima, you will not find a V6 under the hood. In Maxima application, it makes 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a CVT that powers the front wheels, it’s enough for a quick 5.7-second sprint to 60 mph.
Fully independent suspension with a mix of liquid-filled and solid engine mounts imbues all 2022 Nissan Maxima models with sporty handling. But only SR models have stiffer springs, a beefier front stabilizer bar, and Integrated Dynamics Control. That last bit adds Intelligent Ride Control for a smoother ride on rough surfaces, Intelligent Trace Control for tighter handling in the bendy bits, and Intelligent Engine Brake to smooth deceleration. The SR also features Drive Mode Selector with the option for Sport mode to pump up the engine noise inside the cabin and adjust calibration of throttle response, transmission tuning, and steering weight.
2022 Nissan Maxima Fuel Economy & MPG
Since there’s really only one engine and drivetrain option, you’ll see the same fuel economy among all 2022 Nissan Maxima models. 30 mpg in highway driving is a respectable figure for a full-size, 3,700-pound car and it translates to around 540 miles of range given the 18-gallon gas tank. Around town, the EPA estimate is 20 mpg with a combined rating of 24 mpg.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Across the 2022 Nissan Maxima lineup, seating surfaces are covered in leather with contrast stitching and soft touch surfaces. Opting for the cashmere shade of upholstery brings a luxury-like two-tone scheme across the door panels and dash, though SR models with black leather feature a sharp orange stitch pattern. Overall, it’s an upmarket look for a reasonably priced car. Heated front seats are included on the SV, but the SR trim brings fully climatized fronts and Platinum adds heated rears to boot.
Acoustic laminated glass is used on front windows and the windshield with available Active Noise Cancellation working to reduce outside noise for a quiet cabin. Dual-zone HVAC control is standard equipment, though only SR and Platinum models offer a panoramic sunroof, as there are no package upgrade options for the 2022 Nissan Maxima. Rear seat legroom is ample at 34” and the rear bench can be split and folded in a 60/40 configuration to increase cargo room. With that bench upright, trunk volume tops out at 14.3 cubic feet, noticeably smaller than competition like the Dodge Charger’s 16.5 cubes.
Entertainment & Technology
An 8” touchscreen handles infotainment duty in the Maxima with a rotary “Display Commander” dial situated in the center console acting as a redundant control. Smartphone integration with Apple and Android devices is standard as is the 7” Advanced Drive Assist Display located between an analog gauge cluster. SiriusXM with Travel Link is built in but requires a subscription as does the Wi-Fi hotspot and Nissan Connect suite of services, which includes automatic collision notification and alerts when your teenage driver exceeds the speed limit. Higher up the trim ladder, features like an 11-speaker Bose stereo and backseat USB ports are added.
Safety Features
The Maxima was an IIHS Top Safety Pick in 2021 thanks in part to its broad network of 10 airbags that includes dual rear side airbags in addition to the full-length head curtain. Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and a driver alertness monitor are all part of the standard Advanced driver-assistance systems. SR and Platinum models gain a lane intervention system and Forward Collison Warning.
2022 Nissan Maxima Trims & Pricing
SV – $38,215
Base 2022 Nissan Maxima SV models come with a high level of equipment like 18” alloy wheels and LED lighting from front to back. Heated side mirrors and Nissan’s Intelligent Key are standard, the latter of which can automatically heat or cool the cabin based on ambient temperature. Black or cashmere leather upholstery dresses up the cabin with contrast stitching throughout including the leather-wrapped shifter knob.
Heated front seats with power adjustability are included here as is an auto-dimming rearview mirror and dual-zone automatic climate control. An 8” touchscreen display manages infotainment systems that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other tech highlights are the Wi-Fi hotspot, dual front USB ports, and NissanConnect suite of connectivity services. Advanced driver-assistance systems like Intelligent Cruise Control, High Beam Assist, and Rear Auto Braking are found on every 2022 Nissan Maxima.
SR – $43,375
As the sport-focused Maxima, SR trim features 19” gloss black wheels and access to a striking Sunset Drift ChromaFlair paint job. A dual-panel, panoramic sunroof and rear spoiler are on tap with the SR along with steering column mounted paddle shifters. Premium Ascot leather with Alcantara seat inserts, dark satin chrome accents, and a charcoal headliner further the sporting attitude of this model. An 11-speaker Bose audio system with Center Point Surround Stage replaces the base 8-speaker setup and facilitates Active Noise Cancellation for exterior noise and Active Sound Enhancement of the motor. Tech upgrades include an Intelligent Around View Monitor and parking sonar front and rear.
Platinum – $43,525
Priced only $150 above the SR, Platinum Maximas are a relatively value-packed model considering the additional equipment. Rain-sensing wipers operate automatically and diamond-quilted Ascot leather inserts dress up the joint, while heated rear cushions and a power-operated rear sunshade ensure passenger comfort. Heated and cooled front seats with manual thigh extension lend credence to Nissan’ description of these thrones as “Zero Gravity”. Other niceties on the Platinum include powered adjustment of steering column tilt and telescope as well as satin Birdseye Maple wood-tone interior trim.
Warranties
Many major automakers currently include a roadside assistance component to their warranty plan with one or two complimentary services thrown in. With Nissan, the coverage limited to a 3-year/36,000-mile term on the vehicle and 5-year/60,000-mile warranty on the powertrain for the 2022 Nissan Maxima.
What we think
2022 Nissan Maxima – nissanusa.com | Shop 2022 Nissan Maxima on Carsforsale.com
Kudos to Nissan for continuing to offer a fully fleshed out sedan lineup from the small Sentra, which we reviewed here, to this 2022 Nissan Maxima, otherwise known as the 4-door sports car. It has unique styling, an upscale interior, and a solid assortment of tech and active safety. Here’s to hoping it makes it to 50 years.
