2024 Nissan Maxima Luxury: Comparing the SV, SR, and Platinum
There’s a special feeling that comes from piloting a true flagship sedan—a sense of command and refinement that sets the tone for every journey. The 2024 Nissan Maxima aims to deliver exactly that, with three distinct personalities to choose from.
The 2024 Nissan Maxima presents buyers with three elegant trim levels: the well-equipped SV, the sport-tuned SR, and the pinnacle Platinum. While all share a powerful foundation—a 300-horsepower V6 engine and a surprisingly upscale cabin—each trim carves out its own niche on the spectrum of sportiness and luxury. This guide will help you understand what sets each apart, so you can decide which version best matches your vision of Nissan’s flagship sedan.
TL;DR: The 2024 Nissan Maxima lineup is defined by a shared core strength—a potent V6 and a premium-feeling cabin—but diverges sharply in character. The SV is the value-focused starting point, the SR adds sporty performance and visual flair, and the Platinum prioritizes top-tier comfort and luxury technology. With production ending after the 2023 model year, any new 2024 models represent the final chapter of this generation and may hold collector appeal.
Key Takeaways:
- Shared Foundation: All trims are powered by a 300-horsepower 3.5L V6 paired with a CVT and feature a spacious, well-appointed interior with an 8-inch touchscreen.
- Trim Character: The SV is the balanced entry point. The SR focuses on sporty handling and aesthetics. The Platinum emphasizes rear-seat luxury and convenience.
- A Final Chapter: The 2024 model year is the last for this generation of the gasoline-powered Maxima, with Nissan’s plans for an electric successor cancelled. This adds a “final edition” context to the purchase.
- Performance Quirk: While quick (0-60 mph in ~5.7 seconds), reviewers note the CVT transmission can feel uninspiring, detracting from the sporty V6’s character.
- Cargo Compromise: All trims share a relatively small 14.3 cubic-foot trunk, which is a notable limitation in the class.
Understanding the 2024 Maxima’s Legacy and Final Year
Before diving into the trims, it’s important to understand the context. The 2024 Maxima marks the end of an era. Nissan has confirmed that 2023 was the final model year for the gasoline Maxima, making any 2024 models part of a final production run.
While there were once plans to revive the Maxima as an electric sedan, those have been cancelled as Nissan shifts its focus to electric SUVs. This means the 2024 model you see today is the definitive last call for this specific breed of V6-powered, front-wheel-drive Nissan flagship. For some buyers, this end-of-line status adds to its appeal as a distinctive and potentially future classic sedan.
Trim-by-Trim Comparison: SV, SR, and Platinum
The following table breaks down the key features that differentiate the three available trims, helping you see the progression from well-rounded to sporty to luxurious.
| Feature Category | Maxima SV | Maxima SR | Maxima Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (MSRP Est.) | ~$42,000 | ~$44,000 | ~$47,000 |
| Performance & Handling | Standard suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels. | Sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch black alloy wheels, paddle shifters. | Standard suspension (focus on comfort), 19-inch wheels (different design). |
| Exterior & Lighting | LED headlights & DRLs, heated mirrors. | Adds LED fog lights, black exterior accents. | Adds rain-sensing wipers, illuminated kick plates. |
| Interior & Seating | Leather upholstery, power front seats, auto-dimming mirror. | Ambient LED lighting, panoramic moonroof, heated/ventilated Ascot leather seats with Alcantara inserts, manual thigh support, driver’s seat/mirror memory. | Premium semi-aniline leather seats, heated rear seats, power-adjustable steering wheel with memory, wood-tone accents, rear sunshade. |
| Technology & Comfort | 8.0″ touchscreen, 7.0″ driver display, navigation, dual-zone climate. | Adds 360-degree camera system. | Adds power-adjustable steering column. |
| Best For… | The buyer who wants the core Maxima experience—V6 power and premium feel—at the best value. | The driver who prioritizes a sportier look, sharper handling, and front-seat sport luxury. | The luxury seeker who values top-tier materials, rear-seat amenities, and convenience tech. |
Digging Deeper into the Driving Experience
While the table outlines the features, the feel behind the wheel varies.
- Maxima SV: Offers a comfortable, capable ride. It’s the purest expression of the car’s grand-touring nature, focusing on smooth power delivery and everyday comfort.
- Maxima SR: This is the driver’s choice. The sport-tuned suspension reduces body lean and sharpens handling responses, making it feel more engaging on winding roads. The paddle shifters offer more control, though the CVT remains.
- Maxima Platinum: Tuned for serenity. The emphasis is on isolating occupants from road imperfections and providing a quiet, supremely comfortable environment, especially for rear passengers who enjoy the heated seats.
Did you know the Maxima has been marketed for decades as Nissan’s “four-door sports car”? While recent generations, including this one, have leaned more toward luxury touring, the SR trim keeps a nod to that heritage alive.
Key Considerations Before You Buy
The Pros and Cons of the Maxima Formula
Strengths:
- Strong Standard Power: The 300-hp V6 provides confident acceleration, outperforming many rivals.
- Upscale Cabin Ambiance: High-quality materials and a clean design make the interior feel a class above many mainstream sedans.
- Front-Seat Comfort: Excellent legroom and supportive seats, especially in the SR and Platinum, make it great for long drives.
Weaknesses:
- The CVT Transmission: This is the most common critique. The continuously variable transmission can make the engine drone under hard acceleration, undermining the premium, sporty feel.
- Limited Cargo Space: At 14.3 cubic feet, the trunk is smaller than those in key competitors, which could be a deal-breaker for families.
- Firm Ride Quality: Even in non-SR trims, the suspension is tuned on the firmer side, which some may find less relaxing than rivals like the Toyota Avalon.
Who Should Consider Each Trim?
- Choose the SV if you love the idea of a well-appointed, V6-powered sedan and want to spend as little as possible to get into one. It forfeits some flash but retains all the essential goodness.
- Choose the SR if the phrase “sport sedan” still matters to you. You want the aesthetic attitude, the sharper handling, and you’ll make use of the performance-focused features. You’re willing to trade a slight ride comfort penalty for more engagement.
- Choose the Platinum if you are a luxury connoisseur or frequently chauffeur clients or family. The rear-seat amenities, superior materials, and extra sound insulation are designed for you.
What About Safety and Warranty?
Standard safety across all trims includes automatic emergency braking and forward-collision warning. The 360-degree camera is a notable addition on the SR and Platinum.
Nissan provides a standard 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is average for the segment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the 2024 Nissan Maxima a good value?
It depends on your priorities. The interior quality and standard V6 power are strong value propositions against many rivals. However, the small trunk and polarizing CVT are significant drawbacks. The value is highest if you prioritize a premium cabin and strong acceleration over utility and transmission refinement.
2. Is the Maxima being discontinued?
Yes. The 2023 model year was the last for the gasoline-powered Maxima. Plans for an electric successor have been cancelled. This makes any new 2024 model part of a final run.
3. How does the Maxima SR’s sport suspension affect the ride?
It firms up the ride noticeably. You’ll feel more road texture and sharper impacts from bumps, but you’ll gain flatter cornering and more responsive handling. It’s a trade-off for sportiness that may not be ideal for those primarily seeking a cloud-like ride.
4. What are the main competitors to the Maxima?
Key competitors include the Toyota Crown (more efficient, avant-garde), Volkswagen Arteon (more cargo space, premium feel), and Dodge Charger (more powerful, rear-wheel-drive drama). The now-discontinued Toyota Avalon was also a direct competitor in the large sedan space.
5. Can you get all-wheel drive (AWD) on the Maxima?
No. The Nissan Maxima is exclusively front-wheel drive.
The 2024 Nissan Maxima offers a compelling, if niche, proposition: a generously appointed cabin and strong V6 power in a distinctive package. Choosing between the SV, SR, and Platinum ultimately comes down to how you want that package to feel. The SV is for the pragmatic enthusiast, the SR for the spirited driver, and the Platinum for the luxury-focused pilot. As the final act for this long-running nameplate, each trim represents a chance to own a piece of Nissan’s flagship history.
Which Maxima trim speaks to you? Are you drawn to the sporty flair of the SR, or do the ultimate luxury touches of the Platinum seal the deal? Share your thoughts on this final-generation sedan below.
