Vehicle safety data is provided by IIHS, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths and injuries on the nation's highways.
Maximizing its full potential in 2009, the redesigned Nissan Maxima returned as premium performance midsize sedan with unique exterior styling features and a refined interior. Only minor changes were made in 2010, including a new color palette and option packages, effectively living up to the motto, “If it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it.”
The 2010 Nissan Maxima combines all the features of a luxury sedan with the performance and look of a sports car. It is offered in two trims: Maxima 3.5 S and Maxima 3.5 SV, which are each equipped with a 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to an Xtronic CVT transmission with manual mode. The Maxima receives an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Competing with Toyota Avalon and Ford Taurus, options packages for the 2010 Nissan Maxima include Sport, Premium, and Tech. The Sport package includes a sport-tuned suspension, rear spoiler, high intensity discharge xenon headlights, heated outside mirrors and heated seats. The Premium package adds a dual panel moonroof with rear roof window and front and rear power retractable sunshades. The Tech package includes a navigation system with voice recognition, 9.3GB music box hard drive, XM satellite radio, seven-inch touch screen color monitor and DVD playback capability. A Bluetooth hands-free phone system is now standard on all models
The 2010 Nissan Maxima sits on either 18- or 19-inch wheels. Two different rear seat layouts are available, including a 60/40 fold-down rear seat with access to the trunk and a fixed rear seat with center armrest pass-through for carrying long items and equipment.
Braking is provided by standard four-wheel vented disc brakes with a four-channel, four-sensor, four-wheel anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. The 2010 Nissan Maxima also features standard vehicle dynamic control with a traction control system, and received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s highest rating for front- and side-impact crash safety.
Still enjoying the success of its 2009 redesign, the 2010 Nissan Maxima blends the luxury features of a premium midsize sedan with the visual appeal and performance attributes of a sports car.