How to Identify the 2020 Nissan Maxima Engine and Its Specs

If you’ve just picked up a 2020 Nissan Maxima or are trying to confirm the heart that powers it, you’ve landed in the right place. The 2020 Nissan Maxima engine is a 3.5‑liter V‑6 that blends smooth power delivery with respectable efficiency, and knowing its details can help you maintain performance, order the right parts, or simply satisfy your curiosity. Below we break down the engine’s specifications, how to pinpoint the exact variant on your car, and where to look when you need a replacement or upgrade.

2020 Nissan Maxima Engine Specs

At a glance, the Maxima’s powerplant is a workhorse that many competitors struggle to match in the midsize sedan segment.

• Engine code: VQ35DE (direct‑injection version)
• Displacement: 3,498 cc (3.5 L)
• Bore × stroke: 95.5 mm × 87.1 mm
• Compression ratio: 11.0:1
• Output: 300 hp at 6,800 rpm
• Torque: 261 lb‑ft at 4,800 rpm
• Redline: 7,000 rpm
• Fuel system: Direct injection with variable valve timing
• Transmission pairing: CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with manual‑shift mode

These numbers translate to brisk acceleration—most reviewers clock a 0‑60 mph time in the low 6‑second range—while still achieving around 25 mpg combined, a respectable figure for a V‑6 sedan.

How to Verify Which Engine Is in Your Maxima

Even though the VQ35DE is standard across the 2020 model year, variations can appear in different trim levels or if a previous owner swapped engines. Here are three reliable ways to confirm the exact engine inside your Maxima.

Check the VIN

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) encodes the engine family in the 8th character. For a 2020 Maxima equipped with the VQ35DE, the VIN will show a “V” in that position. You can find the VIN on the driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the driver’s door jamb.

Locate the Engine Code Stamp

Open the hood and look for a metal plate on the engine block—usually near the front right cylinder head. The stamp reads “VQ35DE” followed by a serial number. Some models also have a separate “Direct Injection” label on the intake manifold.

Consult the Owner’s Manual or Service Book

The manual’s specifications section lists the engine type and its key dimensions. If you have a service history booklet, the initial inspection entry typically notes the engine code and any subsequent work.

Performance Characteristics Worth Knowing

The 2020 Maxima’s V‑6 isn’t just about raw horsepower. Its dual‑intake design and continuously variable transmission work together to provide a seamless power curve.

• Linear acceleration: The torque peak at 4,800 rpm means the car feels strong in everyday driving, not just at high revs.
• Responsive throttle: Direct injection delivers quicker combustion, giving a more immediate response when you press the pedal.
• Quiet operation: Nissan tuned the VQ35DE with balance shafts that reduce vibration, contributing to the “four‑door sports car” feel Maxima owners love.

Maintenance Tips and Common Concerns

Keeping the engine healthy is mostly about routine care, but a few quirks have shown up in owner forums and service bulletins.

• Oil changes: Nissan recommends synthetic 5W‑30 oil every 5,000 mi or 6 months. Skipping this can lead to increased wear on the timing chain.
• Coolant system: The Maxima’s cooling passages can develop minor deposits over time. A coolant flush every 30,000 mi helps avoid overheating.
• Carbon buildup: Direct‑injection engines sometimes suffer from intake valve carbon. A periodic “walnut shell” cleaning or professional intake service can restore peak performance.
• CVT reliability: While the CVT is generally robust, listen for any whining or shuddering during hard acceleration. Early fluid replacement (Nissan’s CVT fluid) can stave off premature wear.

Where to Find the Right Parts and Resources

When it comes time to replace a gasket, upgrade the exhaust, or simply order a spare filter, a few sources stand out for 2020 Maxima owners.

• Official Nissan dealership: They carry genuine OEM parts stamped with the VQ35DE code, ensuring a perfect fit.
• Reputable online retailers: Websites like RockAuto, AutoZone, and PartsGeek list parts by year, make, and engine code—just type “2020 Maxima VQ35DE”.
• Specialty forums: Communities such as MaximaClub.com have DIY guides, part numbers, and member‑to‑member sales that can be cheaper than dealer pricing.
• Local salvage yards: If you’re hunting for a low‑mileage used engine, look for listings that explicitly state “VQ35DE, 2020 model” to avoid mismatches.

Before you order, double‑check the engine code on the part’s packaging or product description. A small typo—like “VQ35DE‑A” instead of “VQ35DE”—can mean the part won’t bolt on correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the VQ35DE and VQ35DD?

The VQ35DD adds a second fuel injector per cylinder for even finer fuel control, but the 2020 Maxima uses the VQ35DE with a single‑injector direct‑injection system. Both share the same displacement and basic architecture.

Can I swap a 2020 Maxima engine into a 2018 model?

In most cases, yes—the VQ35DE has been used in the Maxima since 2009. However, you’ll need to ensure the wiring harness, ECU, and exhaust routing match the older chassis, and you may have to update the vehicle’s software to recognize the newer engine’s sensors.

Is the Maxima’s CVT covered under a special warranty?

Nissan offers a 7‑year/84,000‑mile powertrain warranty that includes the CVT, but only if regular fluid changes are documented. Keep service receipts to protect yourself.

How much does a replacement VQ35DE engine typically cost?

Prices vary by source, but a rebuilt VQ35DE from a reputable rebuild shop usually falls between $3,500 and $5,000, excluding labor. New OEM units from a dealer can exceed $7,000.