Detailed Review of 2019 Maxima Platinum Reserve
 

So after owning for a couple weeks, here's the verdict. For those who don't want to read the details below, my 2016 Platinum was probably my best, most reliable car ever (and comfortable).
Compared with other cars on the market, my 2016 Maxima maybe got a 7.5 or 8.0 out of 10
(I've owned about 20 new cars in my lifetime). For reference, 9-10 are absolutely stunning cars which I can't afford. So the Maxima rating is very good/excellent.
The 2019 Platinum Reserve? 5.5 or 6.0. Nissan "broke" too many things (quality + infotainment + ride quality), while not addressing simple (shift paddles) and complex (more power?).

Exterior
- Compared side-by-side with the 2016, the 2019 is much better looking. It's sharper, more modern, the Infiniti wheels look great, and the lights look cool.
Over time, recognizing the new lights have "faded" away - I don't notice them, at all.
- They removed the camera (actually put it behind the Nissan hamburger) to clean up the front end. More on this below.
- Speaking of lighting (I'm going to put this here), they didn't properly install the CHMSL (third light). So red light is projected higher on the defroster wires. This is the first of a number of quality lapses.
- The front headlights that everyone is going gaga over also have some "hot spots" - lines in the lighting - which have become distracting at night.
- Also related to lights, the auto high beam implementation (push stalk forward) is stupid. That should turn brights on - period. Put auto high beams somewhere else.
- While I can't prove it (I don't think), the Carnelian Red Tint Coat (+$395) really looks unique (close to, but still not as fancy as, Mazda Soul Red Crystal - see here: https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/the...l-red-crystal/)

Ride comfort
- The ride is definitely stiffer. 18" > 19" wheels make a huge impact.
- I would say "harsher" when coupled when much heavier steering (you can also feel the road through the steering wheel)
This is only a fair comparison because you can't choose - you get 19" on SR, Platinum, and Platinum Reserve
- Still boggles my mind (in a bad way) why a $44k car lacks shift paddles, when a $19k econobox and my minivan both have it (among many, many others). This is a "4DSC" - or not.

Interior
- Rakuda Tan seat color is definitely cool and unique.
- The slippery slidey (coating) has somewhat gone away. Seats are still very smooth - that's the point of semi-aniline - but it's better than in showroom.
- It's a lot quieter inside - I think due to active noise cancellation. Tire noise is noticeable.
- Black headliner is very nice compared to the old car (grey).
- I know some folks prefer a "lighter" cabin color - but the seat color helps lighten it up.
As an aside, my 2016 Platinum seats (black/charcoal) looked grey in most light, thanks to the diamond stitching
- The parking sensor/assistant will beep even AFTER you turn off the screen. In my old car, I could nuke them (temporarily). No more. Annoying.
Side-note - there are two additional central sensors in the rear (previously were four total - outboard). But Nissan's interns responsible for the Monroney didn't update it. True story.
- The audio bass is WAY too high and abusive. Even turned all the way down.
- Can't use surround sound on XM -or- FM (you'd think you could w/ HD Radio)
- Quality again - the seat stitching and final QA / QC (quality check) was done by a homeless blind person on drugs.

Infotainment (deserves its own category)
- I was hoping they fixed a lot of my niggles with my 2016, but lo and behold, they made things worse.
- First, the screen actually looks "blurry". Like it's higher resolution, but blurry. Figure that one out.
- Second, the map screen is AWFUL. Horrific. It's blurry, there is a lag on turns, and traffic is a total crap-shoot (see below).
You can't choose a map color any more - it's "highlight roads" (black outline on roads), "highlight street names" (black outline on text), or "highlight traffic" (pop quiz - guess what that is?)
3D maps aren't really 3D. No more variable horizon (which I loved - I've had the Nissan horizon since 2008...).
- The camera is blurry as #&!@*, and the colors are awful (I've tried adjusting everything).
And there is a massive lag - my Nest cameras viewed from across the world are more responsive.
- It now takes 2-3 button and screen presses to do what I use to do with one. Like, for instance, get to the SiriusXM channel preset screen
- Bouncing between CarPlay and Nissan is okay - some other manufacturers designed it better (RAM, BMW, Honda), others worse (Toyota, BMW, Honda-some cars, M-B).
- And speaking of traffic, you can use SiriusXM Traffic (formerly NavTraffic) -OR- "Premium Traffic" (uses your home or public or phone/hotspot WiFi). The problem is that 1) it's either/or, buried in the menus, and 2) there is a huge lag on when traffic actually shows up. I've had it take up to 5 minutes which doesn't help much.
- So the car can use your phone for points of interest (destinations) in addition to traffic. This replaced the goofy Google online search in my 2016.
I'm not sure if this gets disabled once NissanConnect Services run out (I ain't paying for it).
- CarPlay worked great - until the entire system crashed upon startup. First it started lagging (like no recognition of button press, then 10 presses at once), then it stopped recognizing every iPhone.
Solution: turn off car for an hour (alternative was to pull the battery)

Pricing
- I knew it was more expensive going in, but compared to other cars on the market, the Maxima has faltered.
- At least I didn't get stuck with $2000 - 4000 in "factory-installed" accent lighting, illuminated door plates, rear spoiler, chrome accents, etc.
Even Costco won't bail you out of that since they're not a "dealer-installed accessory."
- Total lease price increased about 14%. And this is with Nissan giving nearly 0% lease financing (money factor of 0.00003 = $64 over the entire life of the lease). Yes, you read that right.
I normally put nothing down, but last time I paid tax upfront, so the increase was more jarring (out-of-pocket monthly increase of 34%).

I appreciate your very thorough review since I have a loaded Platinum on order to arrive in early March. I have 500 bucks down but will most assuredly walk away if the numbers don't fall in line with future incentives. Just too much competition on price from the other brands. Nissan should be glad we are still buying sedans! I plan either buy it outright or lease if numbers mke sense.
De-contenting just really makes me mad. Especially if they removed the "birds eye" view on the navigation system. Another thing I noticed is that the center rear seat passenger headrest is now a moulded hump instead of an adjustable headrest. On my 2010 premium, the rear armrest actually had heat and radio controls! Rear windows were also auto up and down!
Your statement about "there is no front camera" is incorrect since as you stated it now resides in a more refined elevated plastic covered logo.

Now then, with your QC issues. I'd have to stand firm on getting a proper working system. Somethings gotta be wrong with all that lag time. Perhaps a software update or something will do the trick. Same thing with the upholstery. My 2016 Platinum has very uneven lines on both front seat back bolsters on the lower bolster curve just above the seat bottoms on both sides. I won't take the car if the new 2019 has this issue. None of the brochures show this problem either. Thank you for making your experiences public and I hope you will report what is being done to fix the issues! I am going to continue to shop other brands Like the Lincoln MKz sedan. Loaded they sticker for 10 grand more than the Maxima yet they are offering around 500 a month on a 39 month lease with 5 K down. 400 HP TTurbo V-6. Would rather hang with the Maxima but I'm keeping another option rather than be mad for 3 years.

Best of luck!

To be clear, the "3D" is one angle, and it's not really a high angle. Probably due to the new map (doesn't allow it).
Second, my hump wasn't properly installed. I have photos - it's awful.

I meant that the camera isn't exposed, looking at the front/exterior from the outside.
There was nothing wrong with it before - it rarely got covered in rain, snow, dirt - and if it did, was super easy to clean off.

Since software updates are now available over the air (via Wi-Fi), we can hope. And it's the same system for the Maxima, Altima, Rogue, Kicks, Titan, etc. Otherwise we'd be screwed.
Re upholstery, the installation was seriously flawed. I'm afraid to have them replace half of the rear seat, as it will be totally mismatched.

I would request the whole back seat, top and bottom, just to ensure the dye lot match. After all this is the their version of the "rich corinthian leather" which should be their showcase product.

This is pretty bad. Second (inside) photo tells a better story. Exterior looks like a pimple on the RIGHT side.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....c5eb905272.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....538002fbf4.jpg

I see your point. Time to get on the war path. Just very disappointing their QC thinks this is OK

Yeah - it's fine (it'll be fine). It's a lease.
I saw the rear headrest *after* I signed.

Oh, P.S. - the new lane keeping assist is completely and totally useless.
Compared to our other two cars, it misses about 60-80% of lanes.
No wonder Nissan didn't put the semi-autonomous tech in the Maxima - it would fail.

If my car keeps Nissan from selling at least one (additional) new vehicle, I'm satisfied.

Keep your 2017 until it can't run any more. I think it's a gem.

You can see all of the stitching looks "hand-done".

There is a chunk - a CHUNK - out of my front passenger seat.

I was tempted to extend my lease on the 2016 until the 2019 became available. At this point, judging from the reviews, I am happy that I chose to go for the 2018 Platinum.

I too, did extend my lease on my 2016 by 4 months. I just emailed my sales rep who helped me order a 2019 Platinum and told him to review this thread. When it comes in (March) , if not right I will move on. I do hate to jack around but no sense not getting it right to begin with.

I'm telling you man - the steering is a LOT heavier. Like my left arm is actually sore from turning (dead serious).
In other news, the black painted mirror (interior) has orange peel (effect). How sloppy can their people be... really?!?

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....f40727eb5d.jpg

To me what is so impressive about the quickness of my 17 isn't off the line, it's when I'm behind slow people on the highway (or even on a normal street going say 30 mph) and I punch it to get around them. Always makes me smile. So... I no nothing of what's good for a 50 to 70 time (or 30 to 50 etc.) but I'm betting that the Maxima compares better with other cars with that then it does from 0-60?

Well at least the addressed the prob of many saying the steering is too light for what they want to call the "4DSC". The heavier feel makes it feel more in line with the "4DSC" moniker and prior gen Maximas which had great steering feel, especially in the SE trim👍😁

You have to put that in context.
Heavy steering - at speed - is great.

Heavy steering - pulling into my garage or in parking lots - is not.
If you haven't already, read C&D's review of the Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio (re: steering).

Larger wheels (not rims) and tires often mean a heavier assembly that does detract from the acceleration you mentioned. That is unless you go for a "Forged" wheel (not rim) and pay attention to tire weights. So a tenth of a second might roughly equate to 1 car length on a quarter mile drag race. In reality 99% of us would not notice the difference. The could also be a fuel economy penality so I am hoping to get reports on that as well. Thanks to Lindros2 for staying on the case. We do hope you get things worked out with yours.

The Camry is a fine car but it is not in the same league as the Maxima. No power steering wheel adjuster,power rear sunshade, tire fill warning chime, no quilted upholstery, smaller tire/wheels, smaller brakes, So So Navigation. You will see yourself coming and going

Learn me something Rob. When you say "wheels (not rims)", what are you referring to. I thought "rims" was just a more youthful substitute for wheels. I usually say, wheels and tires, but sometimes I catch myself saying, "chrome rims". Thx

Thanks for asking that, I thought I was the only one that was confused.

To me calling a wheel a "rim" means you are talking about the " rim" part and not the whole wheel assembly. Like calling an Engine a "crankshaft". A "rim" is a lazy term for a wheel , I get that, but not correct use of the term.

Well the low speed aspect is not good, prior SE's had good steering feel all around.

There is alot to like about the Camry, Avalon, and LeX 350. I cross shopped all of these cars but even the Lexus 350 came up short but cost 10 grand more. The Maxima still has the edge in equipment and performance,

lindros2, per your comment "While I can't prove it (I don't think), the Carnelian Red Tint Coat (+$395) really looks unique (close to, but still not as fancy as, Mazda Soul Red Crystal - see here: https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/the...l-red-crystal/)," you're right, and it can be proven -- the Maxima's Carnelian Red color is unique, per following:

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....1c5b280d24.jpg

Yeah, but I mean you can get it on the entry level Maxima, and it never looked that special.

I guess the Altima and Sentra use Scarlet Ember Tint Coat, which is also +$395.

- Bose logo moved from front center speaker to tweeters

Funny, my '17 has the Bose logos on the tweeters. Probably just carried that over.

"Blood Red" - that's a chuckle!

Blood Red
 

For folks who haven't seen it in person - it's a pretty complex color. I also included a photo of the wheel w/ Goodyear Eagle Touring tire, and the side of the taillight (they removed the "4DSC" easter egg).
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....f878cd9d44.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....09103b96bc.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....c30bc2529f.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/maxima....0c5cc0d5d4.jpg

Then be lazy - use rim! Still incorrect. What have you heard about your rear seat upholstery?