2023 Nissan Maxima Performance

The word "Maxima" might sound like some super awesome '90s Japanese robot transformer but, unfortunately, it is but a mere family sedan. However, Nissan has granted the Maxima a powerful V6 engine pushing out 300 horses, which results in a car with deceptive levels of performance, and one that will leave most of its competitors in the dust. Take it for a test drive, and you'll think it's faster than what its independently tested 5.7-second 0-60 time suggests. The Dodge Charger V6, by comparison, takes 6.2 seconds to complete the same sprint, and the outgoing Toyota Avalon V6 did it in 6.1 seconds.

Push it even further, and you should have no trouble reaching speeds in excess of 140 mph. The only downside to the Maxima when it comes to performance is its adherence to front-wheel-drive, while rivals such as the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300C offer RWD and all-wheel drive.

Under the hood of the 2023 Nissan Maxima sedan lies a 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 engine that produces a healthy 300 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque. This is enough to haul close to 4,000 pounds of Japanese metal quite rapidly. While the Maxima never feels slow, this engine does require one to make full use of the rev range. Unfortunately, the engine is let down by a sluggish and uninspiring CVT transmission. The Maxima shoots off the line with impressive eagerness, but the classic rubber-band feeling creeps in as one picks up speed. This is most noticeable when attempting to overtake or pick up speed when merging onto the highway - the engine makes more noise, but it doesn't feel as if the car makes any progress.

For such a heavyweight, the Maxima has about the same fuel economy as other old-school naturally aspirated V6 rivals, but it's heavy on fuel compared to more modern downsized turbocharged cars. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine will, according to the EPA, consume 20/30/24 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles. This is slightly more economical than the Dodge Charger, which will return 19/30/23 mpg from its 3.6-liter V6 engine. However, the new Toyota Crown with its 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and hybrid system not only develops a superior 340 hp, but returns a stellar 29/32/30 mpg, moving on the game considerably. With its 18-gallon fuel tank, the Maxima will get you 432 miles out of Las Vegas before the bookies realize anything.