2017 Nissan Maxima
The sedan that doubles as a sports car
Close your eyes. Now imagine a world where the sedan you drove felt and looked like a sports car. Now open your eyes. Oh, what's this four-wheeled beauty, you ask? Why, it's the 2017 Nissan Maxima, and it's here to change the way you view sedans forever.
Pardon our hyperbole, but we're just that excited about the Maxima. Not only does the Maxima sport movie-star good looks (outta the way, Channing Tatum!), but the Maxima tosses in thrilling performance by taking the typical family sedan experience and injecting some much-needed style and excitement.
Performance
Nissan’s effort to back up its “four-door sports car” claim begins under the hood. As with the previous generation, the 2017 Maxima is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, but the engine now produces 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. That’s 10 more horsepower than the 2015 model, with an identical torque output.
The power boost comes thanks to a thorough overhaul of the engine, applying lessons from the supercar-fighting GT-R. The carmaker also boasts that the Maxima has a power-to-weight ratio that exceeds those of two blue-blooded sports sedans: the BMW 335i and Acura TLX V6.
The V6 is harnessed to an updated version of Nissan’s Xtronic® continuously variable transmission (CVT), with manual shifting and D-Step logic for a crisper, sportier feel. The new short logic can detect cornering g-forces and hold higher rpm for faster corner exits. Like the last few generations of Maxima, the new model is also front-wheel drive, and it now achieves EPA-rated fuel economy of 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway).*
To give the Maxima a sportier attitude, Nissan equipped it with a Drive Mode Selector that adjusts throttle response, transmission tuning, and steering feel. It also works with the Active Sound Enhancement system available on certain models. The Maxima SR model adds unique suspension tuning, larger front stabilizer bar, Performance Chassis Damper, paddle shifters, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Features
The 2017 Nissan Maxima is a four-door, five-seat full-size sedan, with five trim levels starting at $32,560.**
The Maxima sits at the top of the Nissan sedan lineup, so even the base S model comes with an impressive array of standard equipment, including 18-inch alloy wheels; LED daytime running lights; navigation with voice control; dual-zone automatic climate control; remote start; power front seats; and Apple CarPlay®, which is newly standard for the 2017 model year.
One step up from the Maxima S is the Maxima SV, which includes all of the base model's standard features (where applicable) and adds a leather interior, heated front seats with driver power lumbar support, dual-panel panoramic moonroof, and a Bose® premium audio system.
Next up is the performance-oriented Maxima SR, which gets the aforementioned go-fast goodies as well as Premium Ascot Leather seats and steering wheel with Alcantara inserts, climate controlled (heated and cooled) front seats, “Liquid Chrome” faceted trim, aluminum sport pedals, and more.
Moving on from performance to luxury, the Maxima Platinum sits at the top of the lineup with added standard features like a power tilt/telescoping steering column; driver memory system for the seat, steering wheel, and outside mirrors; a heated steering wheel; ambient lighting; and rain-sensing wipers.
Design
The 2017 Nissan Maxima debuted last year as the Sport Sedan Concept, and made the transition to production virtually unchanged. It brings some dynamism to the Nissan lineup with the brand’s new corporate face, consisting of the “V-form” grille and stiletto-like headlights. A “floating” roof gives the car a profile unlike anything else on the road, while at the back stylized taillights with LED signatures complete the package.
Nissan also went to great lengths to create an interior that is both sporty and upscale. There’s stitching on the instrument panel, doors, and center console and available ambient lighting, but also a flat-bottomed steering wheel and comfortable seats with plenty of side bolstering.
The driver displays offer a nice mix of sportiness and tech. The Maxima still has easy-to-read analog gauges, but there’s also a 7.0-inch display screen mounted between them, and an 8.0-inch center stack display for the navigation system.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Nissan Maxima includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and a full array of airbags.
Optional features include Intelligent Cruise Control, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, and Driver Attention Alert, which monitors the driver’s level of attention and provides warnings if necessary.
Verdict
The 2017 Nissan Maxima is a modern sports sedan with great looks and impressive moves. It blends all the thrills of a sports car while maintaining all the elements that make a four-door sedan so functional for everyday driving.
Interesting in experiencing the Maxima for yourself? Contact us online or visit Hall Nissan Virginia Beach at 3757 Bonney Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 for a test drive.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
Image Credit: Nissan