The Maxima sedan mildly alters the exterior in 2012 with a number of brush strokes, including a new grille presentation and new 18- and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheel designs. Interior revisions include using white as the cluster illumination color and changing the knob design for audio and HVAC. Maxima also adds a Limited Edition Package with smoked headlamps, rearview mirror compass, rear spoiler, fog lights and other features. The front wheel drive four- door is offered in two trims: S and SV. Comfort/convenience attributes include a dual panel moonroof for front and rear passengers, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with 8 speakers, and cruise control with illuminated steering wheel controls.

Power source for Maxima is 3.5-liter V6 rated at 290 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 261 pounds- feet of torque at 4400 rpm. Engine mates to a continuously variable transmission. CVT’s manual mode provides a driver interface via the available steering column-mounted paddle shifters. The 109.3-inch wheelbase Maxima uses various aluminum parts in the strut-coil spring front suspension. Maxima has the quickest steering (15.2:1 ratio) of any Nissan sedan. Two different rear seat options are offered: a 60/40 fold down seat that accesses the 14.2 cubic foot trunk, or a fixed-in-place seat with center armrest passthrough to the trunk. Estimated mpg numbers for the sedan are 19 city and 26 highway. MSRP of the Maxima SV is $34,450.