Nissan execs admit that, in the wake of the company’s merger with Renault, the Maxima was given second billing to the Altima when it came time for their respective redesigns—especially after the current Altima debuted in 2007 wearing hand-me-down duds from its big brother. The two cars were nearly indistinguishable, and the Altima’s optional 270-hp V-6 meant it was more powerful than the flagship Maxima.
The 2009 Maxima changes that. The eye-catching shape, with its liquid-like flow, will be mistaken for nothing in the Nissan stable but does share many cues with the current Infiniti design philosophy, particularly that of the recently introduced 2009 FX. And the power issue is resolved with a bump of 20 horsepower over the Altima’s optional V-6, endowing the Maxima with 290.
Sporty starts with size, and the 2009 Maxima reverses the trend toward bigger and heavier by shedding inches in nearly every critical dimension. Length is down almost four inches, wheelbase has been cut by two, and the roof is a half-inch lower. Width is up 1.5 inches, however, for a sportier stance. If back-seat passengers miss those longitudinal inches, at least they now have extra space to splay their knees. Unless Maxima passengers are circus-sized, however, they shouldn’t have any complaints. Seats front and rear are comfortable and firmly bolstered, with the rear seats perhaps more comfortable and snug than the fronts.
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