CNet Roadshow Review of the 2019
 

He doesn't like the CVT. Shocking.

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/review...41823178770142

Any '19 owners care to comment on this review?

I have a newly arrived 2019 Platinum and can tell you the CVT has come a long way since the 1st interations. The boy racers will never endorse this trans but remember, it satisfys most of us who value mpg as much as mph. I'm sure the reviewer is correct in the firmness of the suspension on the S? car he had. The Platinum, however rides and handles very well with the addition of the 19 inch wheels (Not rims). which kind of surprised me coming out of a 2016 Platinum. (By the way, during the rear camera shots while the car was driving, it looked like the trunk lid was not secure)
Nissan has done a great job refining the car for 2019. It is much quieter the the 2016. Brilliantly lit day time running lamps and finally LEDs in the rear lamps and front and rear turn signals! I understand they used heavier glass and added more insulation. Couple that with the improved safety features for back up, pedestrian braking and yes, you can disable the smart cruise control at engagement.
There is alot of snorting about the rear fascia and quad tip tail lights. I think they look great especially when the rear diffuser is added.
Is the car perfect? No but pretty dam good considering the actual price. (Folks you do not buy this car at sticker) Usually much less.

I wonder how the 2019 compares to the 2017 as far as quietness is concerned. I love the car but it is pretty loud inside. It's my only real gripe.

my family owns (or has owned) numerous Acuras. We had eight in a row (all leased) from 2003 > 2016.
All of us have moved on due to 1) complete lack of innovation, 2) navigation/infotainment, 3) push-button auto, 4) navigation/infotainment, and 5) price point too high.
Their cars (notably TLX/ILX not to mention RLX) are sitting on lots.
The Nissan CVT is fine. The Acura DSG (4-cylinder) and push-button auto (6-cylinder) are awful.
And I'm suffering through Honda's 10-speed auto in my Odyssey. It will be ripped out and replaced.

Your post echos my sentiments completely. While I was waiting for my 2019 Maxima Platinum I did cross shop the Acura TLX which ironicaly with all options was around 46K. To your point, the NAvi still is lousy! We thought Acura would learn as we also had a 2012 ILX that was just about unusable as far as the navi is concerned. That, combined with excessive rattle and road noise hastened its departure.
The 2019 Acura navi is not much better since it does not allow any touch screen input on the TLX! The TLX comes up short with no power steering wheel column, no power rear sunshade, no panoramic sunroof. (and NO SPARE Folks)! While tha Acura has improved, it still comes up short. Herky jerky Acura trans makes the CVT seem turbine smooth!

I've been in the market for an SUV and been reading about the new Acura RDX on one of the Acura forums (Acurazine). And while they have generally been positive, there are many fit and finish issues and the infotainment system has been a disaster. Threads and threads of problems with the system crashing, freezing, not user friendly, etc. Setting up favorites for SXM stations is a chore. As simple as it looks, the Nissan system in my 2017 Max is pretty easy to use. While there are some issues with the system., I am very happy with it. That's why I was very disappointed when the Murano Platinum I drove did not have all features of the 2017 Max (Bose Centerpoint, Surround sound simulation, etc.)

I recently got an 18 sv. I test drove both an 18 and 19 and sound wise noticed nothing different. I don't know if there was any changes between a 17 and 18, I wouldn't think so though. The maxima overall is pretty quiet imo. Although I'm coming from a Toyota camry and that car was not nearly as quiet as the maxima

I'm a Corvette guy, driving an 18 Max SV, and I love the CVT. From the first time I drove the car, can't help it, it's a superb driveline.

I saw a huge noise difference on a 2011 BMW 535i (stock were Goodyear Excellence; replacement were Michelin Pilot Sport A/S - which are by no means 'quiet' tires).
Also saw difference on wife's Pathfinder - switched from stock Bridgestone or Dunlop to Yokohama.
Read up on Tire Rack and Tires.com

Michelin and Yokohama have been the best for me (YMMV => your mileage may vary).
I had Michelin Premacy on my second BMW, which were good. Tire Rack literally has like 5-6 different versions of this for the Maxima (18"):

Michelin Primacy MXM4
Grand Touring All-Season
Size: 245/45R18 100W XL
Eco Focus: Green X
Load Range: XL
Serv. Desc: 100W
UTQG: 500 AA A
$214.96 $183.82