2017 Nissan Maxima Road Test and Review

Long before there was Lexus, before Infiniti, even before Acura, there was the Nissan Maxima, the only sedan from Japan you would dare mention in the same sentence as a BMW. Since it first appeared way back in 1981, the Maxima has been the sport/luxury sedan for the common folk.

It still is.

Now in its eighth generation, the 2017 Nissan Maxima remains popular thanks to its inspired blend of style, luxury, performance and technology -- as well as its legendary fun-to-drive character. 

The Maxima is a consistent favorite in the extremely competitive full-size front-wheel drive sedan segment, where it successfully competes against a long list of large, high-quality family sedans including the Toyota Avalon, Hyundai Azera, Kia Cadenza, Buick LaCrosse, Ford Taurus and Chevy Impala.

Nissan’s flagship sedan is available in five trim levels: Maxima S; SV; SL; SR; and Platinum. All Maxima models are front-wheel drive and powered by a 300-hp version of Nissan’s 3.5-liter V6 engine backed by a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It’s a combination Nissan also uses in its Altima sedan and Murano SUV. No manual transmission is available. All-wheel drive is not offered. And there are no hybrid or diesel models.

Prices start at $32,610 for the 3.5 S models and top out at $40,040 for the top-of-the-line Platinum. The S model comes very nicely equipped, which is why it’s a popular trim level. Standard features include navigation, Apple CarPlay, a large 8-inch touchscreen, power front seats, Bluetooth, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, 18-inch wheels and remote engine start.

Drivers want the Maxima SR which adds performance and attitude to the mix. It brings a sport-tuned suspension, leather seats with diamond-quilted Alcantara inserts, a leather and Alcantara covered steering wheel, paddle shifters, aluminum sport pedals, LED low beam headlights and 19-inch wheels with larger performance tires.

The base price of our SR test vehicle was $37,820. Add its optional $1,195 Midnight Edition Package, which adds Gloss Black wheels, a rear diffuser and rear spoiler, its $260 floor mates and trunk net and its $190 splash guards, and the vehicle’s sticker price jumped to $40,330, including an $865 destination charge.

Many critics have tired of the countless conservative designs in the full-size sedan segment. Some, bored by the segment's uniformity and uninteresting design, say it’s a bunch of cookie-cutter cars that all look the same. But the Nissan Maxima takes a different path. It looks like no other sedan on the road -- and that’s a good thing.

Nissan’s designers aren’t afraid to take chances. Their reputation for radical designs that push the envelope and blow through walls is well earned. The exterior design of the 2017 Maxima is one of their most radical. You either love it or hate it. But one thing’s for sure: It’ll never get lost in the mall parking lot.

I appreciate the Maxima’s combination of sculpted curves, low, racy roofline and wide stance. I find it attractive from every angle. From its aggressive V-shaped grille, which surrounds a Nissan badge the size of your head, to its muscular dual exhaust pipes and a beautifully integrated rear spoiler, the Maxima has plenty of attitude and it gets noticed.

I’ll admit it took me a little while to get used to the sedan’s unique floating roof design. It’s an effect also used on the Nissan GT-R supercar with blacked-out pillars that creates a wraparound canopy appearance. Now I love it.

Nissan’s designers know how to create a winning interior and the Maxima’s interior is one of the best in its class. Open the door, and you’re met with beautiful materials, dynamic design and high build quality. The interior of our SR test vehicle would not be out of place in a European luxury car costing well over $50,000.

The leather and Alcantara covered seats in our test vehicle were extremely comfortable. The supportive driver’s seat holds you in place and its height adjustable for shorter drivers. In combination with the tilt and telescopic steering wheel anyone can find a perfect driving position. The seat heaters warm up quickly.

Control placement is near perfect, and visibility is excellent. Misses include a foot operated parking brake, which feels dated. In 2017, at this price point, it should be operated by a button on the dashboard or console. Also the SR’s paddle shifters should be mounted to the steering wheel, not the steering column, so they turn with the wheel.

NissanConnect with Navigation and Apple CarPlay is standard on all trim levels. The system includes voice recognition, streaming audio and hands-free text messaging. The system also features "swipe-to-meter" functionality, which allows the driver to swipe the navigation map from the center display to a second 7.0-inch screen within the instrument cluster directly ahead of the driver.

The Platinum trim level adds automatic collision notification, remote start via smartphone, emergency call and stolen vehicle locator.

It’s all very intuitive to use. Nissan’s interface combination of a touchscreen as well as a control knob on the console works well and keeps things from getting too complicated for those of us that did not graduate from MIT.

Further advanced technology is found in the Maxima’s many active safety systems. The SL, SR and Platinum trim levels add many valuable active safety systems including Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Predictive Forward Collision Warning and Forward Emergency Braking.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert warns the driver if vehicles are approaching from the side when backing out of a parking space. Forward Collision Warning and Forward Emergency Braking warn you if they sense a vehicle or object is blocking your path. If you don’t brake to avoid an accident and a collision is deemed unavoidable, the Forward Emergency Braking System will then engage the brakes to help reduce the severity of a collision.

Additionally, the Maxima Platinum features Nissan's incredible Around View Monitor which provides a 360-degree overhead view of the vehicle. It makes parking a snap. And Nissan’s Driver Attention Alert system, which helps warns the driver when drowsy or inattentive driving is detected.

Unlike some of its competitors over the years, from behind the wheel the Maxima doesn’t feel like a boring family sedan. Billed by Nissan as the 4-door sports car, the Maxima lives up to the hype -- mostly. No, it’s not going to elate like a GT-R, but the Maxima never bores you to tears either. It’s comfortable and luxurious when you want it to be, but it’s also far more entertaining to drive than many cars in this class.

The Maxima’s ride is compliant, although a bit less so in SR trim, and its interior is very quiet on the highway. The steering is nicely communicative. The four-wheel disc brakes provide great feel and awesome stopping power. Handling capability is more than enough for most, and the sedan’s big 300-hp V6 supplies enough acceleration to make your kids squeal with delight.

The 2017 Maxima also features a Drive Mode Selector with Sport and Normal settings. In Sport mode, the throttle response increases, the transmission provides more aggressive shifting and gear holding, the steering weight increases and the Active Sound Enhancement system amplifies the engine note in the cabin.

The 2017 Nissan Maxima offers 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, which is below average for its class. If more is needed, every Maxima comes standard with a 60/40 split fold down rear seats, which are easily folded flat for your larger items.

Storage inside the Maxima’s interior is also generous and well thought out. The center console bin is large and offers a built-in change holder, which is nice touch for owners in toll country. There’s another felt-lined bin with a built-in phone holder and the door pockets have slots for water bottles.

The two front-seat cupholders are well-sized and accommodate mugs with handles. The cupholders are also perfectly placed so tall drinks don’t interfere with any of the switchgear. Your Big Gulp will not be a problem in this sedan.

The 2017 Maxima seats five comfortably, but its interior is small for the full-size class. There’s more rear seat space in many of its competitors as well as some mid-size sedans like the Honda Accord and Nissan’s own Altima. 

Still, three preteens can spread out and enjoy the rear air conditioning vents. Unfortunately there’s no onboard WiFi, which is standard in the Chevy Impala. Rear cupholders are built into the fold down armrest and occupy the middle seat when in use.   

Younger families will appreciate the Maxima’s easy to reach LATCH connectors in the outboard seats and three easily accessed upper tether anchors. And the Maxima scored a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Fuel economy is also very good for this class. The Maxima is rated 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Unfortunately, its powerful V6 engine requires premium fuel.

The 2017 Nissan Maxima is a desirable overall choice in the highly competitive full-size sedan category. From its award winning interior to its class leading resale value and its impressive fuel economy, the 300-hp Maxima is as family friendly as it is fun-to-drive. Its design also packs a visual punch that’s unique in a segment often thought of as boring and uninspired.

It’s a winning overall formula of form, function and fun that has made the Maxima popular for the last 36 years and will surely continue to do so.