2010 Nissan Maxima Review

Overview

A high-quality, well-equipped entry-level luxury sedan with an everyday badge, Nissan Maxima was completely redesigned for 2009, with an added focus on performance and luxury. For 2010, the Maxima gets a few new touches, including the fine-tuning of its color palette and available option packages. The 2010 Nissan Maxima is available in two well-equipped models, Maxima 3.5 S and Maxima 3.5 SV.

Powertrain And Performance

The FWD Maxima is powered by a standard 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine rated at 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. It comes equipped with a refined Xtronic CVT with manual mode, tuned specifically for sporty driving character. The EPA estimated fuel economy stands at 16/19 mpg city/highway. The Maxima offers a cargo volume of 14.2 cubic feet.

Build And Styling

The 2010 Nissan Maxima is available in two well-equipped models with a long list of standard features. The Maxima 3.5 SV adds fog lights, outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, leather-appointed sport seats, Bose premium audio system with 9 speakers (including two subwoofers and a center channel speaker), XM Satellite Radio, and HomeLink Universal Transceiver. The Sport Package and the Premium Package add a number of comfort and convenience features like the sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, rear spoiler, High Intensity Discharge (HID) Xenon headlights, heated front seats and steering wheel, paddle shifters, premium leather-appointed seats, Dual Panel Moonroof with rear roof window and front and rear power retractable sunshades, 7.0-inch color monitor, 2.0GB Music Server, RearView Monitor and more. Tech Packages include an advanced Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with Voice Recognition, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive, XM NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeather (XM subscription required, sold separately), streaming audio via Bluetooth technology, 7.0-inch touch screen color monitor and DVD playback capability.

Safety Features

The 2010 Nissan Maxima has received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA?s) highest rating, 5 stars, for front- and side-impact crash safety. Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage front supplemental air bags, front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection, front-seat Active Head Restraints, 3-point rear seat belts for all seating positions, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) are standard. The Maxima also features standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS).