2022 Nissan Maxima: Large Sedan Does Not Disappoint

 

You tend to expect a smooth ride, pleasantly appointed interior and nice convenience features when you get in a full-size sedan. The 2023 Nissan Maxima delivers all that, and a bit more. 

The Maxima offers a stylish, nearly luxurious, design and continues to show why Nissan has nicknamed it the "four-door sports car."

Under the hood, you'll find a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 300 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable transmission. 

The Maxima gets fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg city, 30 highway. 

Three trim levels are offered: SV, SR and Platinum.

 

Driving dynamics are impressive, with good handling and braking and smooth acceleration. 

The interior creates a comfortable and somewhat upscale environment, pleasant for driver and passengers. 

And the exterior styling is equally impressive, with flowing body lines and a mildly aggressive stance. 

Pricing for the Maxima starts at around $40,000, ranging to around $45,000. 

For those seeking a great premium sedan, the Nissan Maxima provides a strong choice. 

2023 Nissan Altima: Refreshed Styling Makes It Even Better

 

In yet another reminder that the sedan market hasn't gone away (it's just receded a bit), Nissan has given its popular Altima mid-size sedan, a mid-cycle refresh for the 2023 model year, featuring a sportier front grille in stylish black and a larger infotainment system.

The Altima comes in four trim levels: S, SV, SR and SL.

Under the hood, you'll find a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 188 horsepower and is linked to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). The Altima is also available as an all-wheel drive (AWD) model, making 182 horsepower. 

And if you're looking for more power, there's a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder model that makes 248 horsepower with the CVT and FWD.

For the standard model, fuel economy comes in at an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/39 highway. The AWD model is rated at 26/36, while the turbo model is rated at 25/34 mpg.

In addition to a stylish exterior, the Altima has a neatly appointed interior that has hints of luxury but still maintains a practicality and user-friendliness that you'll appreciate. 

Pricing for the Altima starts at around $26,000 and ranges to about $35,000.

For an attractive and pleasant-to-drive sedan, the Altima delivers. 

Toyota Saying Farewell to the Avalon Sedan

 Today's test-drive model offers a tribute to a venerable sedan in the Toyota lineup that will be going away next model year. The 2022 Toyota Avalon, a full-size family sedan, has been a steady competitor in the family-car segment for many years. It now appears to be falling victim, though, to the swelling popularity of crossover SUVs, a movement that has spelled the end for a number of sedans.

The Avalon has, under the hood, a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 301 horsepower and is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. 

The Avalon comes in three trim levels: XLE, Limited and Touring. 

Fuel efficiency for the XLE trim is an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, 32 highway. The Limited and Touring trims are rated at 22 and 31.

The Avalon offers a smooth ride and a pleasant interior. And in recent years, even its exterior styling has drawn praise, as Toyota updated it to make it less stodgy and boring. 

But alas, as more buyers turn away from sedans, Toyota has decided to move on from the Avalon. It reportedly will be replaced by another sedan in the lineup, though, so stayed tuned for more developments.

The Avalon starts at around $37,000 and ranges to around $44,000.

For a nice family sedan, check out the Avalon - while you still can.