The Mazda's V-6 is next in the order of power output, with 272 hp from its rather self-effacing six, which does the job but calls little attention to itself. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission (although Mazda offers a manual with its four-cylinder), and it has a manu-matic function but no shift paddles. The Mazda posted the lowest EPA numbers, 17/25 mpg.
Typical of a Nissan, the Maxima boasts the most powerful engine: a 290-hp, 3.5-liter V-6. It's mated to a continuously variable transmission (another Nissan marker) and is the sole powertrain choice. The CVT helps the Maxima outpace the Mazda in the fuel economy derby - with EPA ratings of 19/26 mpg - and it's more responsive to a sudden boot of the throttle. The Maxima is the only car here with shift paddles, which were welcome since we were switching among three cars with no consensus on whether manual downshifts require a pull of the shifter (VW, Nissan) or a push (Mazda). Shifting manually also makes the CVT behave more like a conventional, stepped gearbox. The Maxima is very quick, but even though its chassis is better behaved than the previous version, it still suffered the most steering fight under hard acceleration.
On the subject of steering, give Nissan credit for resisting the trend toward electric boost. The Maxima's hydraulically assisted steering has some nice heft to it, although it's still lacking in feel. We've previously driven the Maxima with nineteen-inch wheels and the sport suspension tuning, but this time we wanted to try the eighteen-inch wheels and the standard suspension. We prefer this setup, which gives up a bit of body control but delivers a significantly less nervous and jittery ride. The Maxima has plenty of grip, but when pushed hard in tight corners, its front tires wash out sooner than those of the Volkswagen and the Mazda.
The Mazda is quite refined on the highway and generally good in the twisties, but bump isolation is a weakness, and you can feel the weight of the V-6 on the front wheels. The steering feels great when you first start driving, but effort doesn't build and there's a dead spot at center.
VW's electrically assisted steering is absurdly overboosted at low speeds but provides more reasonable levels of assist, and a great deal of precision, once you get rolling. The CC offers a welcome bit of extra firmness compared with the Passat, although it's still not a sports car. With its four-cylinder engine, the CC carries about 200 pounds less weight than the Mazda and the Nissan - all of it on the front axle. As a result, it feels more balanced and was more enjoyable through the corners. ...next page >>