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Models and Pricing

Two models are available in the new Maxima, and both diverge from Nissan’s previous model nomenclature. The base Maxima is the 3.5 S, and for $29,950 (including the $660 destination charge) it comes with the new V-6 engine and CVT transmission, dual exhaust, 18-inch wheels and tires, automatic headlights, a power moonroof, and LED taillights. The interior is also nicely appointed, with an eight-way power driver’s seat, four-way power passenger seat, cloth upholstery, leather steering wheel and shift knob, two-zone climate control, and of course power windows, door locks, mirrors and all that jazz.

At $32,650 with destination, the 3.5 SV adds a significant amount of equipment and is the car that Nissan says will be its volume model, accounting for about 90 percent of sales. So it’s not surprising that it’s the only model where you can get the options packages that make Maxima life worth living. You start off with leather seats, an upgraded Bose audio system, a driver’s seat with adjustable thigh support (long-legged drivers rejoice!), driver’s power lumbar support, as well as foglights and turn signals on the outside mirrors.

There are two primary options packages for the new Maxima. The first is the $2,300 Sport package, which adds a sport-tuned suspension with 19-inch wheels and tires, a rear spoiler, HID headlights, heated front seats with upgraded leather, a power tilt and telescope steering column, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, memory for the seats, and a stiffening crossmember behind the rear seats that unfortunately reduces the 60/40 split seatback to a simple pass through. The Premium package costs $3,450 and adds most of the same stuff, but without the suspension upgrades, and throws in a big dual-panel moonroof. A Tech package can be added either as a standalone or on top of the Sport and Premium packages – the price varies from $1,850 to $2,400 depending on what options are already on the car – and adds navigation, a 9.3-GB hard-drive-based music system, and a rearview camera.