2018 Nissan Maxima
Pros
- Well-made and attractive cabin rivals those of luxury-branded sedans
- Tech controls are easy to use
- Lots of features for the money
- Sharp handling for a midsize sedan
Cons
- Back seat and trunk aren't very spacious
- High price given the car's size and Nissan badge
- All-wheel drive is not available
- SR trim level's firm ride
2018 Nissan Maxima pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Maxima does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
7.3 / 10The Maxima isn't like most other sedans you might be considering. It's sportier than the typical family sedan but is equipped and priced more like a large sedan. It could even be an option for an entry-level luxury car. As such, the Maxima is largely a niche offering, but one with undeniable appeal.
Nissan has long called the Maxima a "four-door sports car." Of course, the phrase is mostly marketing hype. But the Maxima handles pretty well when you're driving around turns and comes standard with a powerful V6 engine. There's even a sporty SR trim with unique suspension tuning and performance-oriented driver aids.
Given the Maxima's lengthy list of features, upscale interior appointments and all-around competence, it could be a solid alternative to luxury sedans such as the Acura TLX or Lincoln MKZ. The cabin is so decadently trimmed in the SR and Platinum levels, it outdoes even those cars at that price.
We will note that this year's crop of midsize sedans is pretty appealing. The redesigned Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, in particular, boast sportier styling and stronger performance than ever before. That might dilute the Maxima's appeal considering the Honda and Toyota are roomier and less expensive. But if you're looking for a sedan with equal parts sportiness and unpretentious luxury, the 2018 Nissan Maxima is certainly worth checking out.
2018 Nissan Maxima configurations
The 2018 Nissan Maxima sedan comes in five trim levels: the base S, midlevel SV, the slightly more expensive SL, sporty SR and the top-level Platinum.
Like all Maximas, the S is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine (300 horsepower, 261 pound-feet of torque) that drives the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Standard features include 18-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, foglights, remote engine start, keyless entry and ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, adjustable driving modes, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats (eight-way driver and four-way passenger), a 60/40-split rear seat, a navigation system, an 8-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and an eight-speaker audio system with a CD player and satellite radio.
Standard safety systems include a rearview camera and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
The Maxima SV adds front and rear parking sensors, heated mirrors, heated front seats, leather upholstery, and an upgraded driver seat with extendable thigh support and two-way power lumbar adjustment. The SL doesn't cost much more, and its impressive list of extra features includes a dual-panel sunroof, active noise reduction, active engine sound enhancement, adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The SR adds performance enhancements to the SL, with 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, column-mounted paddle shifters, Active Ride Control (uses the brakes to quell body motions over bumps), Active Trace Control (uses targeted braking to keep the vehicle on its intended path) and active engine braking that helps slow the car when heading aggressively into corners or approaching a stop. The panoramic sunroof is removed, but the SR does add a few luxury features, including LED headlights, ventilated front seats, and upgraded leather upholstery with quilted simulated suede seat inserts and special interior trim.
A rear spoiler and the Midnight Edition package (black-painted wheels and exterior styling elements, rear spoiler, an auto-dimming driver-side mirror, driver-seat memory settings and a 360-degree parking camera) are optional for the SR.
The top-trim Platinum does away with some of the SR's add-ons, though it retains the LED headlights and ventilated front seats. It then adds automatic wipers, an auto-dimming driver-side mirror, a 360-degree parking camera, a power-adjustable steering column, driver-seat memory settings, a six-way power passenger seat, upgraded leather upholstery and interior trim, a rear power sunshade and NissanConnect services (remote start, automatic collision notification, emergency calling and stolen vehicle location).
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Nissan Maxima Platinum (3.5L V6 | CVT automatic | FWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Maxima has received some revisions, including newly standard driver aids and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Maxima.
Driving
8.0Acceleration
7.5Braking
7.0Steering
8.5Handling
8.0Drivability
8.0Comfort
6.0Seat comfort
7.0Ride comfort
5.0Noise & vibration
8.5Interior
7.5Ease of use
9.5Getting in/getting out
6.5Roominess
6.0Visibility
7.0Quality
8.0Utility
7.5Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Nissan Maxima.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Maxima safety features:
- Intelligent Forward Collision Warning
- Warns the driver if a front collision is imminent.
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Works with the Intelligent Forward Collision Warning system. Automatically applies the brakes to lessen the impact of a front collision.
- Intelligent Around-View Monitor
- Provides a 360-degree, top-down view of the Maxima to help when parking.
2018 Nissan Maxima for Sale
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See your car's valueThe 2018 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 the cost of a larger sedan. The Maxima has humble badging yet is unexpectedly refined, impressing with a stylish interior and quality you can feel, the type we'd expect from an entry-level luxury model. Its power performance runs right with the pack for the midsize class, but its nimble handling and polished driving feel point again to entry-luxury rivals. These difficult-to-classify attributes leave us feeling a bit quizzical. In any case, the Maxima is exciting and stylish and etches out a unique niche that just might attract buyers who value driver experience over brand cachet.
Fully redesigned two years ago, the Maxima carries forward into 2018 largely unchanged. It does get a technology upgrade in the form of Android Auto, which joins the Maxima's already easy-to-use NissanConnect infotainment system. Drivers can rest assured that underneath its desirable styling the Maxima offers stellar safety features. It earned an overall five stars, the highest rating, 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 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 tight back seat and trunk leave us wanting more room, especially at the Maxima's price point.
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 2018 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 2018 Nissan Maxima for you.
2018 Nissan Maxima Overview
The 2018 Nissan Maxima is offered in the following submodels: Maxima Sedan. Available styles include 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT), Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT), 3.5 S 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT), 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT), and 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT).
What do people think of the 2018 Nissan Maxima?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Nissan Maxima and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Maxima 4.5 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 2018 Maxima.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Nissan Maxima and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 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.
What's a good price for a New 2018 Nissan Maxima?
2018 Nissan Maxima Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
The 2018 Nissan Maxima Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $42,185. The average price paid for a new 2018 Nissan Maxima Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is trending $10,478 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $10,478 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$31,707.
The average savings for the 2018 Nissan Maxima Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is24.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 40 2018 Nissan Maxima Platinum 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
The 2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $36,315. The average price paid for a new 2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is trending $9,975 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $9,975 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$26,340.
The average savings for the 2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is27.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 41 2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 S 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
The 2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 S 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $34,815. The average price paid for a new 2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 S 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is trending $10,385 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $10,385 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$24,430.
The average savings for the 2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 S 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is29.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 27 2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 S 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
The 2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $39,235. The average price paid for a new 2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is trending $9,595 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $9,595 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$29,640.
The average savings for the 2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is24.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 21 2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
The 2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $40,085. The average price paid for a new 2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is trending $9,628 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $9,628 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$30,457.
The average savings for the 2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is24% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 5 2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SR 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 Nissan Maximas are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Nissan Maxima for sale near. There are currently 335 new 2018 Maximas listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $33,020 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Nissan Maxima. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $12,033 on a used or CPO 2018 Maxima available from a dealership near you.
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Why trust Edmunds?
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.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 Nissan Maxima?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Nissan lease specials