2014 Nissan Maxima Reviews, Pricing & Specs

When the thought of shameless self-promotion via driving around in an Infiniti is just too not-PC, the 2014 Nissan Maxima might be a more...

When the thought of shameless self-promotion via driving around in an Infiniti is just too not-PC, the 2014 Nissan Maxima might be a more socially acceptable alternative. This semi-luxury-oriented 5-passenger midsize sedan totes a slew of high-end goodies, V6 power and a stately profile, but even without the allure of its posh Infiniti cousins, this family-slanted 4-door also totes a hefty MSRP. In any case, this classy commuter car is again available in 2 trims, the base Maxima S and the up-featured Maxima SV, with both offered in front-wheel-drive-only (FWD) configuration.

Rumors are flying that the Maxima is to be re-issued in 2015 with a whole new look, not to mention a bunch of performance and creature-comfort tweaks. Therefore, the only changes notable in the 2014 edition are a new available S Limited Edition Package and some added standard goodies in the top-shelf SV.

Though touted as a sport sedan by the folks at Nissan, the Maxima is, at heart, a feature-laden, comfortable, well-tuned and fairly agile down-home automobile that looks good in the driveway or on the highway. Trunk capacity, however, remains 14.2 cubic feet, just a bit less than is usual in most other midsize 4-door cars.

Powering the 2014 Maxima is the traditional variable-valve-timed (VVT) 3.5-liter V6 engine that again mates with a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT) to toss out 290 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque. Look for mileage estimates of 19 mpg city/26 highway in this FWD 4-door, burning recommended premium gasoline.

The base Maxima S boasts 18-inch alloy wheels and a power sunroof aboard its distinctive profile, with cloth upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, simulated alloy accents and full power accessories adorning the cabin. Cruise control is again standard, as are telescoping tilt-wheel steering, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth hands-free communications and a 6-CD changer with 8 speakers.

The upscale Maxima SV, meantime, adds leather upholstery and a remote garage door opener, along with a rear-view camera and a 7-inch dashboard display (both newly standard in 2014) to handle the video monitor, satellite radio and USB port that bolster the already impressive audio system.

Reviewers are a bit disappointed that most options available to this well-wrought sedan can only be had in pricy packaged form. The Premium Package… or the SV Premium Package as Nissan calls it… includes a dual-panel sunroof, upgraded wood cabin accents, 9 premium Bose speakers, heated front seats and outside mirrors, and unique mood lighting inside. The Tech Package, again, only available to the top-shelf SV, boasts a hard-drive-based navigation system, NavTraffic and music streaming, while the SV with Sport Package flaunts a number of items from the Premium Package, as well as a sport-tuned suspension, rear spoiler and upgraded alloy wheels. Finally, the new-for-2014 S Limited Edition Package features 19-inch upgraded wheels, xenon high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights, front fog/driving lights, and an updated grille and exterior chrome.

Safety-wise, look for the 2014 Maxima lineup to again boast 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. A remote antitheft alarm is standard for both Maxima trims, while the flagship SV comes delivered with front fog/driving lights and turn-signal-integrated mirrors, both optional in the entry-level S trim.