2023 Nissan Maxima — US Buyer’s Guide
Scope: MY2023; US. Original manufacturer specification only where supported by the sources below.
The 2023 Nissan Maxima has a specific US configuration that shoppers in 2026 should verify rather than treating the badge as a global specification.
Original technical configuration
| Vehicle identity | Nissan Maxima; Eighth-generation A36 Maxima |
|---|---|
| Year/market | 2023 — MY2023; US |
| Body | sedan |
| Powertrain type | ICE |
| Engine, motors and output | 3.5-liter VQ35DE naturally aspirated V6; 300 hp and 261 lb-ft |
| Transmission and drive | Xtronic CVT, front-wheel drive |
What changed or distinguishes 2023: Final US production/model year; SV, SR, Platinum carried Nissan-logo and trim updates.
The powertrain and its rating context
The 2023 Maxima marks an end point rather than a reinvention: Nissan identifies 2023 as the final production year for its V6-powered US sedan. That helps explain the car's appeal to a particular buyer in 2026. It offers a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 rated at 300 hp and 261 lb-ft, a combination quite different from newer four-cylinder mid-size sedans. The transmission remained an Xtronic CVT, not the stepped conventional automatic sometimes assumed when reading the phrase “sports sedan.”
Where this vehicle makes sense
The US range was SV, SR and Platinum. SR emphasised sportier suspension, 19-inch wheels and paddles; Platinum favoured comfort appointments. All 2023 grades adopted Nissan's revised logos, and Platinum gained certain trim details. The strongest second-hand case for the Maxima is its distinctive long, low four-door character and V6 performance, not superior practicality or a claim that discontinued cars automatically become collectable.
Practical compromises for 2026 shoppers
Nissan's published EPA combined rating was 24 mpg, with 20 city and 30 highway. That is meaningfully different from a small hybrid and changes total fuel cost for a high-mileage commuter. A buyer may also notice higher insurance, tyre or brake expenses depending on the configuration. The large sedan offers a traditional boot but not the loading flexibility of an SUV; tall rear passengers should test the roofline and door opening before committing.
Used-car inspection priorities
For inspection, confirm correct premium-fuel requirements, documented maintenance, CVT operation, cold-start behaviour, suspension condition and even tyre sizing on SR versus SV. Test the comfort electronics on the actual grade. Nissan's final-year statement does not establish a specific future parts-shortage forecast, and neither original advertising nor a brief test drive can prove long-term reliability. Recall eligibility remains a VIN-specific question.
Alternatives and model-year boundaries
Compare a 2023 Altima if efficiency and optional AWD matter more, or a sports-oriented performance sedan if a conventional transmission is a requirement. Use the final-year label as a search aid, not an unsupported guarantee about depreciation.
Sources and Further Reading
- Nissan USA Newsroom — 2023 3.5L V6, 300hp, CVT, grades and EPA.
- Nissan USA — 2023 final production-year confirmation.
Publication note: Specifications are original market/trim claims, not independent road testing. Check the VIN, owner manual, official regional recall system and actual vehicle condition before purchase. No imagery has been licensed or attached.