The first thing we noticed is that the new center stack looks more friendly, less hard-edged than the old one. In models without the navigation system, a dot-matrix screen displays HVAC, audio and trip computer functions in one central location. With navigation, this is replaced by a seven-inch LCD screen.

Simulated leather door panels replace fabric surfaces on models with leather-appointed seats, and integrated chromed accents have been added to the transmission shift lever plate and door panels. Brushed aluminum trim accents the SE, while a new wood tone trim appears in the SL.

The seats in the SL look nice and feel firm yet pillowy, supportive and luxurious at the same time. They were already great last year, and now Nissan has added more shoulder bolstering. You dream of all-day interstate cruises across the West in seats like these. The sliding center armrest has also been redesigned to improve comfort and convenience.

In front of the driver are three small gauges set in their own pod, like those on a motorcycle, with updated graphics for 2007 that are easier to read. The steering wheel is still familiar Nissan issue, however, functional but not beautiful. It tilts and telescopes, and the redundant controls on the spokes are illuminated.

When seated in the back of a four-seat Maxima with the Elite Package, you get the feeling you're in the passenger seat of a two-seat sports car. With the narrow Skyview window above your head, you don't feel like you've been relegated to the kid seats while the adults up front enjoy all the luxuries. The Skyview window does not open, but Nissan says it found a lot of people rarely open their sunroofs. We're among them. For those who prefer it, a conventional sunroof over the front seats is available.

Nissan offers a choice of XM or Sirius satellite radio, both factory-installed. Satellite radio can be great companion on long trips, delivering CD-quality sound nearly everywhere. Not having to change stations on a cross-country trip has distinct advantages. Being news hounds, we enjoy being able to keep up on current events with the 24-hour TV news stations, such as CNN or Fox News. Finding stations is easy with RDS (radio data system), which clearly identifies programming on the radio's display.

The Bose Premium Audio Package includes eight speakers, a six-disc in-dash CD changer (now with MP3 capability) and speed-sensitive automatic volume control. An auxiliary audio input jack comes standard on all models to accommodate Apple iPods and other MP3 players.

The available navigation system works well, though it's not quite as easy to set and operate as the systems used by Toyota and Honda.

Three cargo nets are provided in the trunk and work better than most for holding down a load of groceries.