Nissan Maxima A32 (1994–1999): exact dimensions of the body, interior and trunk

Nissan Maxima A32 - a legendary business class sedan, released in 1994 and which has become a symbol of Japanese reliability and comfort. This model, known in some countries as Nissan Cefiro A32, has gained popularity due to its spacious interior, powerful VQ engines and balanced handling. But before buying or tuning it is important to know the exact body dimensionsto avoid problems with parking, choosing a garage or installing non-standard wheels.

In this material we will analyze in detail all the dimensional parameters. Maxima A32 - from length and width to the nuances of ground clearance and luggage compartment. We will pay special attention to the differences between modifications (SE, GLE, QX) and how dimensions affect everyday use. And for owners planning tuning, we provide recommendations on acceptable wheel and tire sizes.

Official dimensions of Nissan Maxima A32: size table

The manufacturer declares the following dimensions for all modifications Maxima A32 (1994–1999), regardless of configuration. However, there are nuances: for example, cars for the Japanese market (Cefiro A32) may have slight differences in ground clearance or bumper length.

Parameter	Value (mm)	Value (inches)	Notes
Body length	4870	191.7	Including front/rear bumper
Body width	1790	70.5	Without taking into account mirrors
Body height	1410	55.5	For version with standard suspension
Wheelbase	2700	106.3	Axle distance
Ground clearance (ground clearance)	150–160	5.9–6.3	Depends on the load and condition of the springs

For comparison: Nissan Maxima A32 100 mm longer and 30 mm wider than Toyota Camry XV20 of the same generation, but inferior in ground clearance (in Camry - 165 mm). It does Maxima more stable at high speeds, but less passable on rough roads.

⚠️ Attention: On the secondary market, you often find cars with “tired” suspension, where the ground clearance can decrease to 130–140 mm. Before purchasing, check the condition of the springs and shock absorbers - this directly affects handling and safety.

Comparison of dimensions with competitors: Maxima A32 vs Honda Accord vs Toyota Camry

In the mid-1990s Nissan Maxima A32 competed with Honda Accord CD (1993–1997) and Toyota Camry XV20 (1996–2001). The difference in dimensions is not critical, but it affects comfort and maneuverability:

• 📏 Length: Maxima (4870 mm) vs Accord (4750 mm) vs Camry (4770 mm) - an extra 100–120 mm gives Nissan advantage in rear legroom.
• 🚗 Wheelbase: U Maxima it is the largest (2700 mm versus 2670 mm for Accord), which improves the smoothness of the ride.
• 🔄 Turning radius: 5.8 m Maxima versus 5.5 m Camry — this is noticeable when parking in tight yards.

Interesting fact: despite the large dimensions, Maxima A32 weighs less Toyota Camry XV20 (1450 kg vs 1520 kg in the basic configuration). This is achieved through a lightweight body and aluminum suspension parts.

Interior and trunk dimensions: how much space is inside?

External dimensions are good, but what matters is how they convert into interior space. Salon Maxima A32 designed taking into account American comfort standards, so even tall passengers will find space here.

• 👥 Front row: The width at shoulder level is 1450 mm, the distance from floor to ceiling is 980 mm. The driver's seat is adjustable in height and backrest tilt.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Back row: Legroom - 920 mm (at Camry - 890 mm), but the ceiling is slightly lower due to the sloping roof.
• 🧳 Trunk: Volume 450 liters (according to VDA standard). With the rear seats folded (60/40), cargo space increases to 1,200 liters.

Critical Feature: In the trunk Maxima A32 There is a hidden compartment under the floor (120 mm deep) where small things often get lost. There is also a “spare wheel” located there (a spare wheel or a full-size wheel, depending on the configuration).

⚠️ Attention: When transporting long cargo (for example, skis), please note that the trunk hatch opens 110°, and not 180° like hatchbacks. This limits the loading of bulky items.

How to increase trunk volume?

If you need to transport large cargo, you can temporarily remove the rear shelf (it is attached to 4 plastic clips). This will add ~50mm in height, but will reduce body rigidity. It is not recommended to drive this way at high speeds.

Ground clearance and patency: what do you need to know?

Standard ground clearance Nissan Maxima A32 amounts to 150–160 mm, but this parameter greatly depends on the load and condition of the suspension. For example, with four passengers and a full trunk, the clearance decreases to 130–140 mm.

For comparison:

- Honda Accord CD: 155 mm

- Toyota Camry XV20: 165 mm

- Mazda 626 GF: 145 mm

This means that Maxima not intended for off-road use, but will cope with city curbs and snowdrifts. The main problems arise with:

- High speed bumps (risk of hitting the crankcase protection).

- Deep holes (the front bumper or pan can be damaged).

- Snow-covered yards (clearance less than that of crossovers).

Install winter tires (minimum tread height 4 mm)

Check the condition of the springs and shock absorbers (clearance should not be lower than 140 mm)

Apply anti-corrosion coating to sills and arches

Change the oil in the axle and gearbox (at temperatures below -20°C)

Prepare a shovel and tow rope (in case of snow drifts)

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Owners often wonder: is it possible to increase ground clearance? Technically yes, but it would require:

1. Installing spacers under the springs (risk of deteriorating controllability).

2. Replacing springs with reinforced ones (for example, from Nissan Laurel C34).

3. Using high profile tires (for example, 205/65 R15 instead of the standard 205/60 R15).

Choosing wheels and tires: what sizes are suitable?

Standard wheels for Nissan Maxima A32 - steel or alloy wheels 15×6.5J with departure ET40 and tires 205/60 R15. However, many owners prefer tuning by installing:

• 🔧 16" wheels: Size 16×7J, departure ET35–40, tires 215/50 R16 or 215/55 R16.
• 🔧 17" wheels: Size 17×7.5J, departure ET35, tires 225/45 R17. Requires rolling out the arches!
• ⚠️ Prohibited options: Discs with smaller offset ET30 (disturb the operation of the suspension) or wider 8J (rubbing against the arches).

Important details:

- When installing disks 17" it is necessary to use bolts with extended threads (standard ones may not be screwed in completely).

- Tires with a lower profile height 50 (For example, 225/40 R17) reduce comfort and increase the risk of damage to discs in pits.

- Tires are optimal for winter use 205/65 R15 — they increase the ground clearance by 5–7 mm.

Practical tips: parking, garage, tuning

Knowledge of dimensions Nissan Maxima A32 helps to avoid problems:

1. Parking in the city: Length 4.87 m requires care. Use rear parking sensors (if you don’t have it, install it - it will cost 3-5 thousand rubles).
2. Garage selection: The minimum width of the garage is 2.3 m (including open doors). Height - at least 2.1 m (for a car with a roof rack).
3. Bumper tuning: When installing body kits (for example, from Nismo) the length of the machine can increase by 50–100 mm. Please take this into account when driving through automatic barriers.

Pay special attention body protection:

- Thresholds Maxima A32 prone to corrosion due to low ground clearance and lack of factory anti-gravel protection.

- The front bumper is low - when parking near the curb, the risk of scratches is high.

- The trunk lid has fragile hinges - do not load it with heavy items (maximum 50 kg).

Frequently asked questions about the dimensions of the Nissan Maxima A32

❓ What is the real ground clearance of the Maxima A32 after 20 years of operation?

The standard ground clearance of new cars is 150–160 mm. After 15–20 years, due to sagging springs, it decreases to 120–140 mm. To restore factory parameters, it is enough to replace the springs and shock absorbers (the cost of the set is from 12 thousand rubles).

❓ Is it possible to install 18-inch wheels on the Maxima A32?

Technically possible, but you will need:

• Roll out the arches (remove the plastic fender liners).
• Use low profile tires (e.g. 225/40 R18).
• Install spacers to increase ground clearance (minimum 10 mm).

However, this will reduce comfort and increase the load on the suspension. Optimal balance - discs 17" with tires 215/45 R17.

❓ Does the Maxima A32 fit into a standard 5x2.5 m garage?

Yes, but with reservations:

• The length of 4.87 m allows parking along the wall of the 5th garage, but only 13 cm of reserve remains.
• A width of 1.79 m + open doors (another ~1 m) requires a garage no narrower than 2.8 m.
• The height of 1.41 m is suitable for garages with a ceiling of 2.1 m.

If the garage is narrower, you will have to park diagonally or use folding mirrors.

❓ What are the dimensions of the Maxima A32 with Nismo body kit?

Body kit Nismo increases dimensions as follows:

• Length: +80 mm (due to front splitter and rear diffuser).
• Width: +30 mm (flared arches).
• Height: no changes (except for the version with rear wing, where +50 mm).

This can create problems with parking in tight spaces and driving through automatic car washes.

❓ How much does the Maxima A32 weigh and how does this affect the dimensions?

Curb weight Maxima A32 - from 1420 kg (basic version) to 1550 kg (GLE with full equipment). The weight is distributed like this:

• Front axle: 58–60%
• Rear axle: 40–42%

When fully loaded (4 passengers + 200 kg of cargo), the ground clearance decreases by 20–30 mm, and the rear part of the body sags by 10–15 mm. This should be taken into account when traveling to the country or transporting heavy loads.