The Nissan Maxima uses a six-cylinder engine in its current and recent generations. Specifically, a 3.5-liter V6 powers the modern Maxima.
Across its history, the Maxima has been positioned as a higher-end, performance-oriented sedan. In the United States, the model has consistently leaned on a V6 powertrain for most generations, rather than a four-cylinder option. This article lays out the current setup and how engine choices have evolved over time.
Current engine setup
Before examining the specifics of today’s model, here is a concise summary of the engine configuration you’ll find in recent Maximas.
- Engine type: 3.5-liter V6 (VQ-series) – the standard powerplant for recent Maxima generations.
- Configuration: V6, DOHC, typically 24 valves.
- Power output: about 300 horsepower and around 261 lb-ft of torque, depending on model year and trim.
- Transmission: commonly paired with an automatic transmission; many recent versions use Nissan’s Xtronic CVT for efficiency and smoothness.
- Fuel economy: generally in the mid-20s in city driving and high-20s to low-30s on the highway, varying by year and configuration.
In short, the modern Nissan Maxima is a six-cylinder sedan built around a robust V6 powertrain rather than a four-cylinder setup.
Historical context: engine options by era
Looking back, the Maxima’s lineage centers on larger engines rather than small four-cylinders in its U.S. market history. The contemporary Maxima has not been offered with a four-cylinder engine in recent years, reinforcing its identity as a performance-oriented, V6-powered sedan.
- Recent generations (mid-2000s to present): exclusively a 3.5-liter V6, paired with a multi-speed automatic or CVT depending on year and trim.
- Earlier generations: the Maxima’s market offerings favored larger engines, with V6 variants being the standard for the U.S. lineup.
For buyers seeking a four-cylinder Nissan sedan, the Altima serves as the closest alternative within the Nissan lineup, while the Maxima remains the V6-centric option.
What to know if you’re shopping
When evaluating used Maximas, verify the exact engine and transmission configuration for the model year in question, as there can be variations across generations. Maintenance considerations for a V6-powered car may differ from four-cylinder models, particularly for older engine designs.
Summary: The Nissan Maxima is a six-cylinder vehicle, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 in its current and recent generations. There has not been a four-cylinder option in these generations, underscoring its role as a performance-oriented four-door sedan.