When I was growing up, my neighbor had a black Nissan Maxima. A sticker on the rear window read “4DSC,” meaning 4-door sports car. Indeed the Maxima has changed a lot since I was a kid, with the latest redesign reflecting a focus on performance, fuel economy, and connectivity.
The now eighth-generation Maxima, although redesigned last year, was given new features and options for 2017.
Packages
The new Medallion Package (Maxima Platinum) includes a spoiler, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, illuminated kick plates, interior accent lighting, and exterior ground lighting. A new Dynamic Package (Maxima SV) features a spoiler, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, illuminated kick plate, and side rocker molding. The Midnight Edition (Maxima SR) includes a sport style spoiler, rear diffuser, and 19-inch gloss black aluminum-alloy wheels with center caps
Technology & Connectivity
In world where smartphones and cars are continually getting married, the 2017 Maxima responds wonderfully. Apple CarPlay is standard along with NissanConnectSM with Navigation. An 8-inch screen displays things like SiriusXM, Travel Link, and Bluetooth audio. Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant paired with Nissan Voice Recognition helps keep the driver’s eyes on the road.
Exterior Look
The 2017 Nissan Maxima radiates the automaker’s design language throughout the body. Most notable are the lower profile, wider stance, and V-Motion grille, something seen on the latest version of the GT-R.
Dual exhaust is a nice touch.
Expect the car in nine colors, including two Maxima only colors: Forged Bronze and Coulis Red.
Interior Feel
Nissan’s design signatures continue with well positioned controls and a center stack pointed at the driver. The center display is controlled by finger swiping motions. Unique stitching decorates the instrument panel, console, and doors.
LED Interior Accent Lighting and available Ascot or Alcantara leather, with diamond-quilted inserts, are nice touches.
Active Noise Cancellation reduces unwanted wind and road noises. The system works similar to noise cancelling headphones to rid unpleasant, low-frequency sounds. On the other side of the coin, Active Sound Enhancement boosts the engine noise for that raw performance feel.
Engine & Transmission
The 2017 Nissan Maxima takes a page from its older brother in the GT-R. The 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine uses sodium-filled valves for higher compression ratios and combustion temperatures. With 300 horsepower, Maxima achieves an output of 85.7 horsepower per liter.
Highway fuel economy is EPA rated at 30 miles per gallon.
Meanwhile, the Xtronic transmission boasts wide ratios for better acceleration and power delivery. Nissan’s D-Step shifting logic provides rapid shifts at high throttle openings.
Ride & Handling
During Maxima’s redesign, engineers incorporated more high strength steel while revising the 4-wheel independent suspension. The presence of both make the car feel solid. An extra dose comes in the Maxima SR, with special suspension tuning, larger front stabilizer bar, and 19-inch wheels.
Safety Features
If safety is at the top of your list, so too will be the 2017 Nissan Maxima. Standout safety tech includes Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Blind Spot Warning (BSW). Maxima also offers an available Driver Attention Alert (DAA) system, which learns individual steering patterns and can alert a drowsy or tired driver.
2017 Nissan Maxima MSRP by Trim Level:
Maxima S: $32,560 USD
Maxima SV: $34,540 USD
Maxima SL: $37,040 USD
Maxima SR: $37,820 USD
Maxima Platinum: $39,990 USD
Availability
The 2017 Nissan Maxima is available now. As with all cars, options and packages can vary. We would recommend visiting with a Nissan dealership, especially with regard to specific questions about pricing. As always, we are happy to assist you with any car related questions as well.
The 2017 Nissan Maxima is built in Smyrna, Tennessee. The engines are assembled about 70 miles away in Decherd, Tennessee.
*Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Nissan
