2000 saw the introduction of a refreshed Maxima, with more tweaks than any other previously released models.
The body-shell was significantly redesigned while the engine line-up was broadened through the introduction of a new 3.0L V6 gasoline plant with a max power output of 222 hp. As the previous generations, the new Maxima came with a choice of three trims, GXE, SE and GLE, with the first being the base equipment level and the last the luxury version. The GLE later became the base for the development of the high-end Infiniti i30, product of Nissan’s luxury division.