The automotive landscape is constantly evolving, with manufacturers continually pushing boundaries to deliver vehicles that meet the growing demands of consumers. Among these, the Nissan Maxima 2024 has long stood as the Japanese automaker’s flagship sedan, boasting a rich history dating back to 1981. As we look at the 2024 model year, let’s explore how this iconic vehicle continues to evolve while maintaining its reputation as Nissan’s “four-door sports car.”
What Defines the 2024 Nissan Maxima
The 2024 Nissan Maxima represents the culmination of eight generations of refinement. Building on the foundation of the eighth generation that began in 2016, the 2024 model retains the bold styling and performance-oriented character that have defined the Maxima brand while incorporating key updates to keep it competitive in today’s market.
Design Philosophy and Exterior Features
Visually, the 2024 Maxima continues to embrace Nissan’s “Energetic Flow” design language, featuring the distinctive V-Motion grille that has become a hallmark of modern Nissan vehicles. The floating roof design and boomerang-shaped LED headlights and taillights give the Maxima a distinctive presence on the road.
For 2024, subtle refinements to the exterior include:
- Revised front fascia with enhanced aerodynamic properties
- Updated LED lighting signature for better visibility and modern aesthetics
- New wheel designs ranging from 18 to 19 inches depending on trim level
- Expanded color palette, including new premium metallic options
The overall silhouette remains athletic and purposeful, with a slightly lower stance than many competing sedans, emphasizing its sports-oriented heritage.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Stepping inside the 2024 Maxima reveals a driver-focused cockpit that balances luxury with sportiness. Premium materials, including available semi-aniline leather and genuine aluminum trim pieces, create an upscale environment that belies the Maxima’s relatively accessible price point.
Key interior highlights include:
- Updated 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Available 11-speaker Bose premium audio system
- Zero Gravity front seats designed to reduce fatigue on long journeys
- Improved cabin insulation for reduced noise, vibration, and harshness
- Ambient LED lighting with customizable color options
- Enhanced driver information display with configurable settings
The interior space, while not class-leading, provides comfortable accommodation for five passengers with reasonable rear-seat legroom and headroom despite the sloping roofline.
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Performance Specifications
Under the hood, the 2024 Maxima continues with Nissan’s proven VQ35DE 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine. This powerplant delivers:
- 300 horsepower at 6,400 RPM
- 261 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 RPM
- Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with manual shift mode and paddle shifters
- Front-wheel drive configuration
- 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.8 seconds
The suspension setup includes:
- Independent strut front suspension
- Multi-link independent rear suspension
- ZF Sachs dampers for improved ride quality
- Active Ride Control to smooth out bumps and road imperfections
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The 2024 Maxima comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive suite of safety technologies including:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Blind Spot Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- High Beam Assist
- Rear Automatic Braking
Additionally, ProPILOT Assist, Nissan’s hands-on driver assistance technology, has been enhanced for 2024 with improved lane centering capability and traffic sign recognition.
Pros and Cons of the 2024 Nissan Maxima
What Impresses
Distinctive styling: In a segment often criticized for conservative design, the Maxima stands out with its bold exterior styling.
Premium Interior: The cabin quality rivals luxury brands costing thousands more, with thoughtful ergonomics and high-quality materials.
Strong V6 Performance: The naturally aspirated V6 provides smooth, linear power delivery that’s becoming increasingly rare in a market trending toward smaller turbocharged engines.
Standard Safety Features: The comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies provides peace of mind without requiring expensive option packages.
Value Proposition: When comparing feature content to price, the Maxima offers strong value compared to entry-level luxury competitors.
Areas for Improvement
Fuel Economy: With EPA estimates of approximately 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, the Maxima falls behind many competitors that have embraced hybrid or turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains.
Limited Rear Headroom: The sloping roofline compromises rear headroom for taller passengers.
No All-Wheel Drive Option: Unlike many competitors in this segment, the Maxima remains front-wheel drive only, potentially limiting its appeal in regions with severe weather.
CVT Transmission: While Nissan’s Xtronic CVT is among the better implementations of this technology, driving enthusiasts may still prefer a traditional automatic or dual-clutch transmission for more engaging performance.
Limited Cargo Space: At 14.3 cubic feet, the trunk capacity is smaller than many competitors in this class.
Market Position and Value Proposition
As sedan sales continue to decline in favor of crossovers and SUVs, the 2024 Maxima occupies an interesting position in the market. It serves as a bridge between mainstream midsize sedans and entry-level luxury vehicles, offering near-luxury appointments and V6 power at a more accessible price point.
With a starting MSRP around $38,000 and topping out near $45,000 for the Platinum trim, the Maxima represents a compelling option for buyers seeking a premium driving experience without the premium badge price.
Conclusion: The Maxima’s Place in Today’s Market
The 2024 Nissan Maxima continues to honor its “four-door sports car” heritage while adapting to changing consumer expectations. It remains one of the more distinctive options in the shrinking full-size sedan segment, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and technology that appeals to drivers seeking something beyond the ordinary family sedan.
While not without its compromises, the Maxima’s combination of bold styling, premium interior, V6 power, and comprehensive safety features makes it worthy of consideration for those still devoted to the sedan body style. As Nissan navigates the industry-wide transition toward electrification, the 2024 Maxima stands as perhaps one of the last expressions of a traditional sports sedan formula that has served the brand well for over four decades.
For drivers prioritizing driving engagement, distinctive design, and premium features without the luxury badge markup, the 2024 Nissan Maxima remains a compelling, if somewhat niche, proposition in today’s automotive landscape.
FAQs About Nissan Maxima 2024
1. Is the 2024 Nissan Maxima discontinued?
Yes, Nissan has announced that the 2024 Maxima will be the final model year before discontinuing the nameplate. Future models may transition into an electric vehicle.
2. What engine does the 2024 Nissan Maxima have?
The 2024 Maxima comes equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine, producing 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Xtronic CVT transmission.
3. What are the trim levels available for the 2024 Nissan Maxima?
The 2024 Nissan Maxima is available in three trims:
- SV (Base Model)
- SR (Sportier Performance)
- Platinum (Luxury-Focused)
4. What is the fuel economy of the 2024 Nissan Maxima?
The 2024 Maxima delivers an estimated 20 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway, making it an efficient full-size sedan.
5. Does the 2024 Nissan Maxima have AWD?
No, the 2024 Maxima comes with front-wheel drive (FWD) only. Nissan does not offer an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option for this model.
6. What new features does the 2024 Nissan Maxima offer?
Key features include:
- Advanced Nissan Safety Shield 360
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Bose premium audio system
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
7. How much does the 2024 Nissan Maxima cost?
The starting price of the 2024 Nissan Maxima is around $38,000, with higher trims reaching $44,000+ depending on additional features.
8. Is the 2024 Nissan Maxima a good car?
Yes, the 2024 Maxima is praised for its powerful V6 engine, premium interior, and smooth ride. However, the lack of AWD and upcoming discontinuation might be considerations for buyers.
