Used 2022 Nissan Maxima

The 2022 Nissan Maxima balances sporty and luxury elements to make an intriguing large sedan with a high level of standard equipment. A crossover SUV isn’t going to scratch the itch for driving fun to the same degree, so let’s be grateful that there are cars like the Maxima still in circulation. For however long that may be.

The current Maxima is part of the eighth generation that debuted for the 2015 model year. That’s a long time ago in the car business, so we’re expecting Nissan to either come up with generation nine pretty soon. Or perhaps do what other companies have done and curtail the number of sedans in its portfolio. Between then and now, the 2022 Maxima has a certain appeal, but so do newer sport sedans.

Don’t let front-wheel drive or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) paint a misleading picture of the 2022 Maxima. Sure, rear-wheel drive would be the true enthusiast’s choice, but the predictable nature of front-wheel drive means a greater number of people can enjoy the Maxima’s 300 horsepower without finding themselves in a ditch.

And yes, CVTs receive fiercer criticism than abstract art, because of their dull responses and droning tendencies. Nissan has addressed these issues incredibly well. We’d still prefer a proper transmission with actual gears, but we’ll grudgingly admit that this one isn’t bad.

Around town and on the freeway, the suspension makes a decent effort to absorb bumps. The Maxima has Active Ride Control, a function that uses subtle braking and equally discreet engine power control to counteract any pitching motion.

On quieter roads with more demanding corners, the Maxima behaves like a smaller car, able to flex its agile side. To the driver, it feels like the car is flowing around turns. That’s down to clever suspension tuning combined with Intelligent Trace Control, another standard feature. It can brake individual wheels (usually the inside rear) to help the car track through a curve with optimum efficiency and stability.

If the steering had more feel to it, we’d be marking the Maxima even higher. The SR version has its own sportier suspension. Give this model a good test-drive in case it’s a bit too firm for your tastes.

A quality cabin contributes to the Maxima’s luxury credentials, with good materials and a well-considered layout. The flat-bottomed steering wheel hints at the sporty side, while allowing drivers to slide their legs under with ease. The interior is also nice and quiet when the car is on the move.

No complaints about room up front. The front seats are extremely comfortable and do a great job keeping their occupants decisively in place when maximizing the Maxima’s handling abilities.

Rear passenger space, however, would be disappointing in a midsize sedan, never mind in something that’s supposed to be one category bigger. And 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space isn’t much bigger than the compact Toyota Corolla’s.

This generation of Maxima was the first to have that “floating roof” effect on the rear pillars. Other Nissan vehicles have copied the idea, and other manufacturers now have their own versions of it — take a look at the Lexus RX.

It might even be argued that Nissan styling has been a bit ahead of its time, and only now are tastes and trends catching up. Just as the 2022 Maxima is due to be replaced by a new generation, despite still looking contemporary.

The SR has the most dramatic appearance of the three trims, sporting a grille, wheels, and a few other exterior elements all finished in gloss black.

ADVANCED DRIVE ASSIST DISPLAY
There are some elements that show the Maxima’s age, like the unavailability of wireless phone charging. But this standard 7-inch driver information screen adds an air of modernity as well as carrying out important work.

V6 ENGINE
Nissan makes great V6 engines. The company has a whole trophy case full of awards to prove it. The one in the 2022 Maxima has an aluminum block and head, makes 300 horsepower, gets the car moving briskly, and sounds thrillingly gruff at high revs.

In the entry level SV trim, the 2022 Maxima comes with a lot of standard equipment, such as 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights/taillights/daytime running lights, remote start with Intelligent Climate Control, heated/power-adjustable front seats, and leather seating surfaces.

Safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, and rear automatic braking.

The infotainment system has an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, one USB-A port, one USB-C port, and Wi-Fi.

SR trim emphasizes the sportier side of the 2022 Maxima, with a firmer suspension, paddle shifters for the transmission, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, rear spoiler, aluminum pedals, and gloss-black exterior elements.

It also raises the luxury game by adding higher-grade leather seating surfaces with simulated suede inserts, driver’s-seat memory settings, heated/ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, ambient cabin lighting, dual-pane moonroof, front parking sensors, two more USB ports, and an 11-speaker Bose audio system.

Platinum takes luxury as far as the Maxima can go. It loses the sport suspension and shift paddles, along with the black exterior treatment. But it brings even nicer leather with diamond-patterned stitching, satin-finished bird’s-eye maple wood trim, powered rear window shade, heated rear outboard seats, power-adjustable steering column with memory settings, and rain-sensing wipers.

All three trims are eligible for premium paint, illuminated kick plates, 20-color ambient cabin lighting, splash guard, and a rear diffuser.

No turbochargers or superchargers. No electric motors. All three versions of the 2022 Maxima get their motivation from a naturally aspirated V6 developing 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque.

This goes solely to the front wheels through an automatic transmission. Premium gasoline is recommended.

These fuel economy estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relate to 2021, but we expect 2022 to be the same.

3.5-liter V6
300 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
261 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/30 mpg