Nissan Maxima is a legendary business class sedan that has undergone seven generations of changes over its 40 years of existence. One of the key parameters influencing the choice of car remains its length: the spaciousness of the interior, maneuverability in urban conditions, and even the status of the appearance depend on it. But how exactly did the dimensions change? Maxima since 1984? Why did the latest generation (A36) become shorter than its predecessor, and the flagship version A37 grow again? In this material we will analyze exact dimensions each generation, compare them with the main competitors and explain how length affects practical aspects of operation.

If you are planning a purchase Maxima - used or new - this article will help you avoid mistakes. For example, did you know that length Nissan Maxima A35 (2008–2014) 10 cm more than Toyota Camry of the same generation, but at the same time its trunk is 20 liters smaller? Or what in Japan Maxima sold under the name Cefiro and had different dimensions? We have collected all the technical data, added comparative tables and practical advice - from choosing a parking space to transporting large cargo.

1. Length Nissan Maxima by generation: size table (1984–2026)

Over the history of the model length Maxima ranged from a compact 4.6 meters (first generation) to almost 5 meters in modern versions. Below is a summary table with exact data for each generation, including wheelbase and width. Please note: Dimensions may vary in some markets (such as Japan) due to local requirements.

Generation Years of production Length, mm Wheelbase, mm Width, mm Height, mm
A32 1984–1988 4 610 2 620 1 690 1 380
A32 (restyling) 1989–1994 4 750 2 670 1 730 1 390
A33 1994–1999 4 830 2 700 1 760 1 400
A34 1999–2003 4 880 2 750 1 790 1 420
A35 2003–2008 4 910 2 775 1 820 1 450
A36 2014–2020 4 870 2 775 1 860 1 450
A37 2020–present 4 930 2 850 1 880 1 460

Interesting fact: Maxima A36 (2014–2020) became 40 mm shorter than its predecessor, despite a more aggressive design. This was done to improve maneuverability in the city, but resulted in reduced legroom for rear passengers. In response to criticism in A37 the length was increased again - now it exceeds 4.9 meters, which puts the model on a par with premium sedans like Lexus ES.

📊 Which generation of Nissan Maxima do you like best?
  • A32 (1984–1994)
  • A34 (1999–2003)
  • A35 (2003–2008)
  • A36 (2014–2020)
  • A37 (2020–present)

2. Why length Maxima influences comfort: 3 key aspects

The dimensions of a car are not just numbers in a technical passport. They directly determine how comfortable it will be to ride Maxima daily. Let's look at three critical points where length plays a decisive role.

1. The spaciousness of the cabin and the seating of passengers. Increasing the length by 10–15 cm (as in the transition from A34 to A35) allows engineers Nissan increase wheelbase — distance between axes. This directly affects rear legroom. For example, in Maxima A37 the base has grown to 2,850 mm, which is comparable to BMW 5 Series. As a result, even tall passengers (190+ cm tall) do not have their knees resting on the front seats.

2. Stability at high speeds. A longer wheelbase improves directional stability, but may reduce maneuverability in the city. Owners Maxima A35 It is often noted that with a length of 4.91 m the machine requires more turning space than e.g. Honda Accord (4.83 m). But on the highway, such a car behaves predictably even at 160+ km/h.

3. Parking and operation in the city. There's a long one here Maxima loses to compact sedans. For example, a standard parking space in Russia is 5.3 m long, but taking into account open doors and trunk for A37 (4.93 m) there is only ~20 cm of margin left on each side. This is critical for beginners or in tight yards.

  • 🔹 Pros of long Maxima: spacious interior, premium look, stability on the highway.
  • 🔸 Cons: difficulties with parking, larger turning radius, high insurance costs (due to dimensions).
  • 🔶 Compromise: Maxima A36 (4.87 m) - the golden mean between comfort and maneuverability.
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When choosing Maxima for the city, pay attention to models with a 360-degree camera (360° View) — it makes parking a long sedan much easier.

3. Length comparison Nissan Maxima with competitors: who is longer?

To understand how much Maxima is great compared to its analogues, let’s compare it with the main competitors in the class: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord And Kia K5. Data are for the latest generations (2020–2026).

Model Length, mm Wheelbase, mm Trunk volume, l Advantage
Nissan Maxima A37 4 930 2 850 434 Longest wheelbase in class
Toyota Camry XV70 4 885 2 825 524 Larger trunk
Honda Accord 11-gen 4 895 2 830 573 Optimal balance of dimensions
Kia K5 DL3 4 905 2 850 510 Modern design with similar dimensions

As can be seen from the table, Maxima A37 — the longest in its class, but at the same time loses to competitors in terms of trunk volume. This is due to the fact that Nissan prioritized space for passengers, sacrificing the cargo compartment. For example, at Honda Accord the trunk is 140 liters larger, and the length of the cars differs by only 4 cm.

One more nuance: ground clearance. U Maxima it is 130 mm, which is 10–15 mm less than competitors. This means that when the trunk is loaded (for example, 4 passengers + luggage), the rear of the car can hit high curbs. Owners recommend installing threshold protection.

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If the trunk is important to you, consider Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. If the priority is space for passengers, Maxima A37 out of competition.

4. How length affects the cost of ownership: insurance, taxes, parking

The dimensions of the car directly affect the owner’s expenses. Let's consider the key cost items, where the length Maxima plays a role.

1. Insurance (MTPL/CASCO). In Russia, the cost of an MTPL policy depends on engine power, but some insurance companies also take into account the dimensions of the car when calculating CASCO. For example, Maxima A37 (4.93 m) may cost 5–10% more to insure than Toyota Camry (4.88 m), due to the increased risk of damage when parking.

2. Transport tax. In most regions the tax depends on power, but in Moscow and St. Petersburg for cars longer than 5 meters (for example, Maxima with roof rack) a multiplying factor may apply.

3. Parking. In paid parking lots, tariffs often depend on the class of car. Maximalike a sedan D-segment, can cost 20–30% more than a compact machine (e.g. Nissan Sentra). In addition, some European countries (eg Germany) have parking restrictions in historic city centers for cars longer than 4.7 m.

  • 💰 CASCO insurance: +7–12% to base for Maxima A37 compared to Camry.
  • 📏 Parking: in Moscow the average cost per hour for Maxima — 250–300 ₽ (versus 200 ₽ for Corolla).
  • 🚗 Washing: long vehicles are more expensive - for example, touchless car wash Maxima costs 600–800 ₽ (versus 500 ₽ for sedans of the class C).
How to save on insurance for Maxima?

Some insurance companies offer discounts for installing parking sensors or a 360° camera. You can also issue a policy online - it’s 10–15% cheaper than in the office.

5. Practical tips: how to manage length Maxima in the city

If you have chosen Maxima A37 (4.93 m) or even A35 (4.91 m), get ready for the challenges of driving in urban environments. Here are some proven recommendations from experienced owners:

  1. Use a 360° camera. B Maxima Since 2016 it comes as standard. Without it, parking in reverse is extremely difficult - the rear overhang is long, and the view through the rear window is limited due to the high trunk line.
  2. Practice estimating dimensions. Place the car on a level surface and mark its extreme points with chalk or cones. This will help you “feel” the length when maneuvering.
  3. Avoid narrow yards. Turning radius Maxima A37 - 11.4 m (versus 10.6 m for Camry). This means that to turn around in one step you need at least 12 meters of free space.

Pay special attention drive-in parking lots. For example, in underground parking lots of shopping malls there are often pillars or low ceilings. U Maxima the height with the antenna reaches 1.5 m, and the ground clearance is only 130 mm. When the trunk is loaded, the risk of hitting an obstacle increases.

Check for a 360° camera|Estimate the width of your parking space at home (minimum 5.5 m)|Check insurance rates for long sedans|Try to test drive parking in a tight yard-->

⚠️ Attention: In some countries (such as Japan), vehicles longer than 4.7 m require a special driver's license (普通自動車免許 does not fit). Before purchasing Maxima For export, check local regulations.

6. Length and tuning: what can be changed and what cannot

Many owners Maxima want to visually change the proportions of the car - make it longer, lower or wider. However, not all modifications are legal and safe. Let's figure out what allows Technical regulations of the Customs Union (TR TS 018/2011).

Allowed changes:

  • 🔧 Installation body kits (spoilers, skirts), if they do not protrude more than 50 mm beyond the body dimensions.
  • 🔧 Replacement of wheels with wheels of larger diameter (up to +1 inch from the standard one), if they do not touch the arches.
  • 🔧 Installation spacers to increase ground clearance (up to +30 mm).

Prohibited changes:

  • ❌ Lengthening the body (for example, stretching the wheelbase) - requires re-registration with the traffic police as design change.
  • ❌ Installing a roof rack if the total height exceeds 4 m (for Maxima this means a maximum of 2.5 m of load on the roof).
  • ❌ Change of wheel offset (ET), if it goes beyond the limits specified in the PTS.

Popular tuning for Maxima - installation lip spoiler on the trunk. It adds visually 10–15 cm to the length, but does not require inclusion in the documents. However, be careful: some spoilers impair visibility through the rear window, which is dangerous when parking.

How to legally increase the clearance of a Maxima?

Install spacers for the springs (up to 30 mm) and make changes to the vehicle title through an expert examination. An alternative is high profile tires (for example, 225/55 R18 instead of 225/50 R18), but this will worsen handling.

7. Frequently asked questions about length Nissan Maxima (FAQ)

❓ Will it fit? Maxima A37 (4.93 m) for a standard 5x3 m garage?

Theoretically, yes, but with reservations. With a machine length of 4.93 m, there is only 7 cm of reserve left if you place it close to the wall. Please note that additional space is required to open the doors (minimum 50 cm on each side). The optimal garage size for Maxima - 5.5x3 m.

❓ Why Maxima A36 in short A35, but looks more massive?

Designers Nissan used optical tricks: a more aggressive front bumper, elongated headlights and a high body belt visually “stretched” the car. In addition, A36 4 cm wider, which adds volume.

❓ Is it possible to transport to Maxima skis 1.8 m long?

In the trunk Maxima (volume 434 l) skis 1.8 m long will not fit - the maximum cargo length with the rear seats folded is ~1.6 m. Alternatives:

  • Use roof mounts (but take into account the height of the car + 20 cm for skis).
  • Fold down the front passenger seat (if the design allows).

❓ How is the length Maxima does it affect fuel consumption?

There is no direct relationship, but long cars are usually heavier, which increases consumption. For example, Maxima A37 (1,600 kg) consumes 0.5–1 l/100 km more than Toyota Camry (1,450 kg) with identical engines. Also, aerodynamics deteriorate with increasing length, but Maxima this effect is compensated by the streamlined body (coefficient Cx = 0.29).

❓ Which one Maxima the shortest and most maneuverable?

Nissan Maxima A32 (1984–1988) - length 4.61 m, turning radius 10.2 m. This is the only generation that can be confidently parked in tight yards. However, its interior is noticeably cramped, and the level of safety does not meet modern standards.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Maxima on the secondary market, check whether the car has been in an accident with deformation of the side members. Even a small change in body geometry can make the car uncontrollable at high speeds, especially if the length is not within factory specifications.