Winter driving in Colorado isn’t always predictable. One day the roads in Lakewood feel dry and clear, the next morning they’re slick with ice or packed snow. If you’re thinking about driving a Nissan Maxima in Lakewood this winter, you’ve probably wondered how it handles when temperatures drop. The good news is, it’s built with more comfort and control than people expect for a car in this class. At Alpine Nissan, you can compare different Maxima trims and option packages side by side to see which setup feels right for your daily winter drives.

 

We’ve spent a lot of time helping customers figure out which features matter most when choosing a Maxima for winter. Some ask about traction, others want maximum visibility or quick-start features on cold mornings. No matter what you need most, the right Maxima setup can give you more confidence when the roads aren’t at their best.

Most 2026 Maxima models come with front-wheel drive. For drivers around Lakewood, Golden, and even parts of west Denver, that means smoother handling when conditions turn slick. The engine puts power up front, where the weight of the car helps your tires keep grip on snowy or icy streets. All-wheel drive sometimes gets the spotlight in winter, but front-wheel drive can do the job just fine with the right tires and steady control.

 

Ground clearance matters too. The Maxima isn’t high off the ground like some SUVs, but it does offer a nice balance for drivers who spend most of their time in the city with occasional trips into heavier snow. It’s low enough to handle corners cleanly but tall enough not to get stuck in a few inches of fresh snow.

 

Tire size can also play a part in how your Maxima drives through slushy patches. Some of our local customers who made the switch from trucks or older sedans mentioned how surprised they were at the Maxima's planted feel. They liked how stable it felt near Green Mountain or along Kipling when the snow started spinning up behind other cars.

Cold mornings start a little easier with comfort features built right into the cabin. In the 2026 Maxima, options like heated seats and a heated steering wheel go from “nice to have” in early October to “must-have” by January. Remote start lets you warm the car from inside the house, so it’s ready when you are. Many of the new Maxima sedans at Alpine Nissan include available heated front seats and dual zone automatic temperature control to keep everyone more comfortable on freezing days.

 

We like how the newer models come with smart safety support too. Automatic emergency braking and intelligent lane intervention aren't just for highway driving. They offer handy help when roads are wet or visibility is low. Whether you're heading out to work before sunrise or coming back from the grocery store in a light snow, those extra systems add a bit of peace of mind.

 

Certain trims make winter life even easier. We’ve seen more people lean toward the higher-level trims during this season because of the added tech and comfort they offer. For someone commuting from Lakewood into Denver, that mix of warmth, safety, and smooth driving feels well worth it.

No matter what features come with your car, tires are where winter readiness starts. All-season tires get many people through light snow, but winter-specific tires give you better grip, faster stops on ice, and more confidence when turning. We always suggest thinking ahead to tire choice before roads fully freeze over.

 

Visibility counts, especially on dark winter evenings. Good headlights, strong wipers, and working defrosters can make or break a drive. The 2026 Maxima includes available LED fog lights and windshield defrost that clears quickly and evenly. High-performance wipers make it easier to keep your line of sight clean when road spray or snow buildup would otherwise become a problem.

 

Beyond the basics, it’s good to think about small comforts that make winter messes easier to deal with. Rubber floor mats, for example, keep snow and slush out of your carpet. A trunk liner helps in case you’re tossing in boots, sleds, or a snow brush after a long day.

When you take a Maxima for a test drive during wintertime, it’s helpful to think about more than just how it feels to steer. What matters most to you on a snowy day? Is it quick starts, seat warmth, smooth braking, or how fast the defroster works?

 

Here’s what we often guide people to pay attention to during a winter season test drive:

 

• How the tires feel when starting from a stop or climbing hills
• If the heated features turn on quickly and evenly
• How the brakes respond while coasting or slowing at intersections
• How quickly the windows clear from fog or frost

 

We’ve had people who thought they were set on one trim end up changing their minds after learning what another offered. That’s part of the process. We take time to walk through each feature as it applies to winter since Colorado drivers look for different things than drivers in warmer places.

 

From tire setups to winter prep, our service department is hands-on with the same vehicles you’re about to take home. Their insight helps highlight the things that matter most when the snow hits, like making sure everything is ready for a sharp drop in temps.

Driving through Lakewood in winter doesn’t have to feel like a challenge every time you hit the road. With a few smart decisions about comfort, control, and traction, a 2026 Maxima can turn tough winter drives into something a little less stressful.

 

Once local roads freeze, the right setup can make the difference between a slow morning start and a smoother one. People come to us not just for looks, but for a car that feels steady in the middle of a Colorado winter. When your Maxima fits your day-to-day winter life, it can feel like the season’s just a bit easier to handle.

 

Colorado’s winter roads demand the ideal setup and the 2026 Maxima delivers smart safety features and cold-weather comforts for drivers in Lakewood. We have helped many through everything from Wadsworth to merging onto 6th in the early morning chill, and you can explore our selection of Nissan Maxima in Lakewood to see what’s available now. When you’re ready to discuss your options, call us or visit Alpine Nissan.