2009 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV Premium Review (video)

The 2009 Nissan Maxima has taken quite a sip from the fountain of youth. The exact term would be a complete overhaul, as the Japanese manufacturer's large sedan has been completely and utterly redesigned.

Some will say that's a good thing: the Maxima was aging rather quickly and didn't quite have what it takes to stand up to its rivals in the luxury sports sedan class. But now the odds are even.

The 2009 Nissan Maxima has taken quite a sip from the fountain of youth.

A liquid body!
The most striking changes obviously involve the styling. Designers subscribed to the Liquid Motion philosophy in order to create breathy, fluid lines. Shapely curves have been added that lend the car a whole new look.

The front and rear wheelhouses are rounder and bulge more, while the belt line has been slimmed down; from above, the vehicle has a distinct hourglass shape.

Up front, the hood is streamlined, the grille sports the Nissan style (which seems a bit conservative to me in this modern vintage) and the reviewed headlights look like eyes. Around back, the changes are just as radical but truer to Nissan's requirements. Other than a few elevated ridges, the rear can be mistaken for that of a recent Altima.

Flawless passenger compartment
The interior of the new Maxima has also been seriously remodelled. It's definitely more modern but not necessarily more efficient.

The Premium version I tested sported the mid-dash navigation system with a good-sized screen that nonetheless required a lot of dexterity to handle properly. It's almost identical to the Infiniti family's (Nissan's high-end line), which will surprise no one.

Luckily, the tasteful, easy-to-read dial plates make up for it, boasting noteworthy material and finish. Not to mention the comfortable seats, that don't cradle you like those of sportier cars but that are nonetheless designed for comfort.

The interior is also very spacious, both in front and in back, allowing us to take full advantage of the living area no matter our size or that of our passengers. Nissan's living environment has expanded and been thoroughly enhanced.

The interior of the new Maxima has also been seriously remodelled.