2014 Nissan Maxima priced at $31,810

The 2014 Nissan Maxima 3.5 S goes on sale this week and costs $31,810, including destination. The upgraded Maxima 3.5 SV now costs $34,900. The S model keeps the same price as 2013, while the SV goes up about $800.

Nissan's workhorse 3.5-liter V6 will continue to be available, along with one of the better applications of a continuously variable transmission. At 290 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque, the company's flagship has enough power to make the one-variable-gear vehicle feel jet-ski quick, with zero time spent shifting.

The limited edition package, for 3.5 S models, features smoked Xenon headlights, a compass in the rearview mirror, 18-inch aluminum-alloy Dark Hyper silver wheels, rear spoiler, fog lights, outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and metallic trim treatment. The package costs $750.

The upgraded SV trim adds RearView Monitor, USB connectivity and 7.0-inch color-monitor satellite radio --subscription sold separately -- and Xenon headlights.

Two new colors are offered, Gun Metallic (dark gray) and Midnight Garnet (maroogundy).

Other available features include a premium audio system, hard-drive navigation with traffic, and weather and voice recognition.

As far as competitors go, the Toyota Avalon, which is a tad bigger all the way around, starts at $31,800, while the base model Ford Taurus costs about $27,500. All three have similar power from their respective 3.5-liter V6s, though Nissan is the only brand to use a CVT.

By Jake Lingeman