more about this model The 2017 Nissan Maxima is enigmatic. While its modestly sized interior places it firmly in the midsize sedan class, it comes at a price on par with larger, full-sized sedans. The Maxima has humble badging but then is unexpectedly refined, impressing with its stylish interior that feels quality-made to the touch, the type we'd expect from an entry-level luxury model. Its power performance runs right with the pack for its midsize class but then nimble handling and a polished driving feel point again to entry-luxury rivals. These difficult to classify attributes leave us feeling a bit quizzical. Regardless, the Maxima is exciting and stylish and etches out a unique niche for itself that just may be attractive to the buyer who values driver experience over brand cachet.
Fully redesigned one model year prior, the 2017 Maxima returns largely unchanged. It does get a technology upgrade in the form of Apple CarPlay which joins the Maxima's already easy-to-use tech controls. Its 8.0-inch touchscreen features the NissanConnect infotainment system. The Maxima is Nissan's first model to offer CarPlay smartphone integration, which is newly standard equipment on Nissan's flagship sedan. Hold tight Android fans; Nissan has yet to integrate Android Auto functionality.
Drivers can rest assured that underneath its desirable styling the Maxima offers stellar safety features. It earned an overall five-out-of-five stars in government crash tests in both total front-impact and total side-impact tests. There are, however, a few areas where we think the Nissan Maxima falls short. While we brag that it has better handling than we'd expect from a midsize sedan, there's no all-wheel-drive option like that offered on many other comparatively priced models. Additionally, the lack of space in the back seat and trunk leave us wanting more room, especially at the Maxima's price point.
Fuel economy on the Maxima is an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined (21 city/30 highway).
The midsize Maxima seats five passengers and is offered in five trim levels: S, SV, SL, a sporty SR and a plushly optioned Platinum. An impressive electronics suite comes standard on the base level S and up. SV and SL models add a plethora of cabin-comfort features while the SL and higher boast safety technology for the concerned driver. The SR appeals to performance lovers with its paddle shifters and sport-tuned suspension (though overly firm in our evaluation). The Platinum trim offers a finely honed mix of additional luxury and safety upgrades.
It may have an odd assortment of characteristics but the 2017 Maxima is reasonably affordable and polished beyond the average family sedan. If you're in the market for a midsize sedan, the Maxima is one of the most interesting, defies easy classification and is worth consideration.
Edmunds is here to help find the perfect 2017 Nissan Maxima for you.
2017 Nissan Maxima Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Nissan Maxima and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Maxima featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Nissan Maxima and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Maxima 4.3 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Maxima.
Vehicle
3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Review
You will notice the professionals who review cars say the same things over and over! Here is a different view to them where I agree and disagree. First, I love the Xtronic (CVT) Transmission. After driving the Maxima for a while, and then driving other cars with a regular transmission, I love the CVT!! It is smooth and sounds so much better - so relax "car pros" - you think you are sooooo smart to shake your head at the CVT, but I LIKE IT!! The interior is amazing and the looks suite me just fine. The handling is good, but I will agree with the pros that front wheel drive can be a negative for some (until you drive in the snow) - and all wheel drive would be nice as well (but would add cost). It is a FUN CAR TO DRIVE, so sorry "Pros," I am good with the 4DSC moniker. (so there!)
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Nissan Maxima
Edmunds Value
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
The 2017 Nissan Maxima earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, IIHS Small Overlap Front Test Results, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 4.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
Available Nissan Maxima 2017 Submodel Types: Sedan
Available Trims: 3.5 SV, 3.5 S, 3.5 SL, Platinum, 3.5 SR, 3.5 SE, SE, GLE, GXE, SE 20th Anniversary
Exterior Colors: Super Black, Pearl White, Gun Metallic, Brilliant Silver, Deep Blue Pearl, Coulis Red, Crimson Black, Navy Blue, Storm Blue, Bordeaux Black, Winter Frost Pearl, Dark Slate, Midnight Garnet, Tuscan Sun, Winter Frost, Java Metallic, Radiant Silver Metallic, Crimson Black Metallic, Mystic Jade Metallic, Tuscan Sun Metallic, Forged Bronze, Metallic Slate, Dark Slate Metallic, Mystic Jade, Ocean Gray Metallic, Spirited Bronze Pearl, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Metallic Slate Metallic, Navy Blue Metallic, Onyx, Precision Gray Metallic, Red Opulence Metallic, Liquid Silver Metallic, Majestic Blue Metallic, Pebble Beach Metallic, Sonoma Sunset Metallic, Gray Lustre, Java, Liquid Silver, Ocean Gray, Red Opulence, Sheer Silver, Spirited Bronze, Coral Sand Metallic, Majestic Blue, Precision Gray, Smoke, Smoke Metallic, Sunlit Sand, Sunlit Sand Metallic, Champagne Mist, Cloud White, Glacier Pearl, Majestic Blue CC Pearl, Merlot, Satin Blue Pearl, Sterling Mist
Interior Colors: Charcoal leather, Charcoal cloth, Charcoal premium leather, Charcoal premium leather/alcantara, Cashmere leather, Cafe Latte cloth, Cafe Latte leather, Cashmere premium leather, Cafe Latte premium leather, Black, Cafe Latte, Frost, Cashmere cloth, Frost cloth, Black cloth, Camel premium leather/alcantara, Blond
Popular Features: Fold Flat Rear Seats, Power Driver Seat, Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Rear Bench Seats, Trip Computer, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Stability Control, Bluetooth, Aux Audio Inputs, USB Inputs, Sunroof/Moonroof, Heated seats, Back-up camera, Leather Seats, Navigation, Upgraded Headlights, Keyless Entry/Start, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Parking sensors, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pre-collision safety system, Cooled Seats, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, 2nd Row Bucket Seats, Upgraded Stereo, 360-degree camera, Post-collision safety system, Remote Start, Electronic Folding Mirrors
Engine/Mechanics: 6 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (recommended), premium unleaded (required), regular unleaded
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
