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SAFETY | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
'Good,' frontal offset; 'good,' side impact; ‘marginal,’ rear impact; ‘acceptable,’ roof strength
IIHS
Four stars overall; three stars frontal; five stars side
NHTSA
The 2012 Nissan Maxima has a great set of safety features, but its crash-test scores are a bit disappointing.
in crash-testing, the Maxima has a mixed record. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has given it top 'good' scores for frontal and side impact, but it still receives only a 'marginal' in the seat-based rear-impact category—indicating a much higher chance of whiplash than in other vehicles—and it rates only 'acceptable' in the agency's new roof strength test. And in federal government (NCAP) testing, the Maxima has earned just three stars for frontal impact, though a five-star side rating brings its overall rating to four stars.
But if you have a lit of safety items to check off, it's all here: Electronic stability control, front side airbags, side curtain bags, active front headrests, and anti-lock brakes are all standard.
Good visibility is another positive attribute; considering its curvaceous sheetmetal, the driver has a pretty good view outward.
Conclusion
The 2012 Nissan Maxima has lackluster crash-test scores, in a class of high achievers.
