To compete with cars like the Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, and Ford Taurus, Nissan released the five-seat Maxima in 2014. Both a 3.5 S and a 3.5 SV version are available.
There is no rear-wheel drive or regular petrol option for the 2014 Maxima. Even though the 2014 Nissan Maxima is the company’s flagship vehicle, first impressions can be deceiving. The Maxima hasn’t been significantly updated since its 2009 iteration, and even then, it failed to excite the market.
Nonetheless, the Maxima’s stealthy design may be one of its biggest selling points: While it bears Nissan’s more pedestrian logo, this sedan offers Infiniti-level craftsmanship, along with a spacious cabin and several optional high-end extras.
This places it in a sweet spot between the more affordable Altima and the more upscale premium brands of sedans. The Maxima’s usual powerful V6 engine makes it significantly quicker to accelerate from a stoplight, putting it above the Altima.
For a midsize front-wheel-drive car, the handling and steering are surprisingly nimble and precise. With the Sport package, the Maxima has a somewhat stiff ride quality, but it’s still one of the sportier options in the midsize and full-size segments at its price point.
The 2014 Nissan Maxima: Luxury features and exciting driving. Image source: autos.caThe 2014 Nissan Maxima models
The 2014 Nissan Maxima is a midsize sedan that comes in S and SV trim levels and can seat up to five people comfortably.
Alloy wheels (18 inches), adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, cruise control, automatic climate control with separate controls for the driver and front passenger zones, cloth upholstery, power front seats (eight-way driver and four-way passenger), a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, and a leather-wrapped wobble steering wheel are all standard on the S trim level.
The eight-speaker sound system features a six-CD changer and an auxiliary audio port, and there’s also a rearview mirror that automatically dims and a Bluetooth phone interface.
In addition to the standard S model’s features, the new S Limited Edition adds model-specific features such as 18-inch dark silver wheels, smoked appearance headlights, a darkened grille, a rear spoiler, xenon headlights (just the low beams), foglights, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, and metallic interior trim.
The SV trim adds xenon headlights, foglights, leather upholstery, and a motorized lumbar and thigh support to the standard S feature list. In addition to all that, it has a single-disc CD player (instead of a six-disc changer), satellite radio, an iPod/USB audio interface, a rearview camera, and a 7-inch touchscreen display.
Both the Bose Audio package, which includes a nine-speaker Bose sound system, and the Cold package, which includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated mirrors, are available for the SV. Another option is the SV Value bundle, which combines the features of the Cold and Bose Audio bundles.
Both the Premium and Sport options are available to SV purchasers. Both have the Cold and Monitor kits’ contents in addition to ventilated front seats, a motorized tilt/telescoping steering wheel with paddle shifters, memory functions for the driver’s seat, and the Bose sound system. The 60/40-split rear seatbacks have been replaced by bucket seats that provide for easier access to the trunk.
The Premium option adds a dual-pane sunroof, mood lighting, and wooden accents. A sport-tuned suspension, alloy wheels, and unique external and interior trim are what you get with the Sport package.
The SV Value, Premium, and Sport can all benefit from the addition of the Technology package. It has a GPS system, voice commands, and Bluetooth for wireless music streaming.
The 2014 Nissan Maxima Overview
The 2014 Maxima confronts tough competition from other sedans in its price bracket. If you choose roominess above agile handling, consider the Chevrolet Impala, Kia Cadenza, or Toyota Avalon as your next big sedan.
Several of the Maxima’s features are also included in the rear-wheel-drive Chrysler 300, while the Volkswagen CC is an attractive option if you’re primarily interested in a luxurious cabin.
We will also mention that there are several prestige-brand alternatives to the Maxima that can be had for around $30,000, including the 2014 Acura TL, Lexus ES, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Customers searching for a sporty sedan that will make them feel affluent without drawing unnecessary attention to themselves will find a nice fit in the 2014 Nissan Maxima.
The 2014 Nissan Maxima: Expert Review
Formerly optional equipment including xenon headlights, a rearview camera, a USB interface, a 7-inch touchscreen display, and satellite radio are now standard on the 2014 Nissan Maxima SV.
Meanwhile, the standard S trim now has the option of purchasing a Limited Edition package that includes dark-finish 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, darkened headlight lenses, and other visual enhancements.
Pros
- Quick to accelerate,
- Agile in turns,
- Comfortable on the road,
- This compact car also has a luxurious cabin and user-friendly technology.
Cons
- The fully loaded models cost around the same as other prestige entry-level sedans,
- The Sport package provides a firm ride.
- Premium fuel is required.
The 2014 Nissan Maxima: Performance
The Maxima line from Nissan is propelled by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 290 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive and a CVT are the only available drivetrain options for the Maxima (CVT).
In Edmunds’ performance tests, the Maxima accelerated from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which is fast for a big V6-powered sedan. A combined 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway is what the EPA expects for fuel efficiency.
The 2014 Nissan Maxima: Safety
Active front head restraints, side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and antilock brakes are just some of the standard safety features on the 2014 Nissan Maxima. In SV versions, a rearview camera is a standard feature.
At 60 miles per hour, Edmunds’ braking testing showed a Maxima SV equipped with the Sport package stopped in 122 feet, which is about par for the course for both entry-level luxury vehicles and family sedans.
The Maxima scored a total of four out of five stars in government crash tests, with four stars for the driver but only two for the front passenger. It also scored five out of five stars for side impact protection. The Maxima received a perfect “Good” rating from the IIHS for frontal offset and side impact protection for moderate overlaps.
The Nissan Maxima’s performance in the small-overlap front-offset and roof-strength crash tests was rated as “Acceptable,” the second-best rating available. Unfortunately, the design of its seats and head restraints only earned a “Marginal” (second-worst) rating for protecting against whiplash in rear crashes.
The 2014 Nissan Maxima: Interior
The Nissan Maxima’s cabin isn’t as modern as that of some rivals, but it still manages to seem rather high-end. The cabin comfort of the Maxima is comparable to that of some Infiniti and Acura vehicles, thanks to the high quality of the materials used.
There’s plenty of space and support on the front and back seats. The Maxima’s optional rear bucket seats (included in the Premium package) with a console that effectively restricts head count to four people while adding an air of premium exclusivity are among the few features of non-luxury brand vehicles that are available.
The Maxima’s accessible technological features are quite straightforward. There is zero learning curve with the iPod interface because the text categories are identical to Apple’s.
Whether it’s scanning a device or navigating the options, the UI is lightning fast. The Maxima’s optional navigation system is just as satisfying to use, with instantaneous processing of commands and accurate results.
The trunk has a capacity of 14.2 cubic feet, which is adequate but not as spacious as some of its full-size competitors.
The 2014 Nissan Maxima: Comfort and Driving
The 2014 Nissan Maxima is an exceptionally fun car to pilot for a front-wheel-drive, large-sedan vehicle. Accurate handling, responsive suspension, and a rock-solid ride on the highway.
Big wheels and low-profile tires give the Sport package a hard ride quality, so if a plush ride is what you’re want, you might want to seek elsewhere. The Maxima’s 3.5-liter V6 engine is potent, allowing it swift acceleration off the line.
Although continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) aren’t particularly rewarding in terms of performance, we love the Maxima’s manual mode, which allows you to set gear ratios as though you were using a regular six-speed automatic gearbox. SV versions with paddle shifters benefit greatly from this setting.
Conclusion
The most noticeable change to the 2014 Maxima is the new S Value Package, which adds a compass to the inside mirror, xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights, foglights, a rear spoiler, and 18-inch dark silver alloy wheels. The SV model now comes standard with USB support, a rearview camera, and a 7-inch color display.
Although it wears ordinary Nissan insignia, the 2014 Maxima remains desirable thanks to its large list of premium options and exciting driving characteristics.
Is It a Good Move to Purchase the 2014 Nissan Maxima?
Anyone looking for a luxurious sedan with a comfortable ride, responsive handling, and a luxurious interior may consider the 2014 Nissan Maxima.
Yet, when compared to comparable vehicles in its price range, the Maxima falls short in terms of functionality. The Maxima is probably not for you if you want a car with a bigger trunk, more interior room that doesn’t need premium gasoline.
