2017 Nissan Maxima Review

2017 Nissan Maxima adds standard Apple CarPlay™, continues to offer unique combination of performance and refinement

The eighth generation Nissan Maxima, which was completely revised for the 2016 model year, is enhanced for 2017 with the addition of standard Apple CarPlay™ iPhone® connectivity, becoming the first Nissan vehicle to add the industry standard in smartphone connectivity. In addition, two new accessory value packages, the Medallion Package and Dynamic Package, join the previous Midnight Edition in offering buyers a convenient way to customize their Maxima straight from the dealership.

As the flagship of Nissan’s popular sedan lineup, Maxima sets the standard for style, performance and technology. In 2016, Maxima was recognized by leading automotive media for its style, performance and driving enjoyment – including being named to WardsAuto’s “10 Best Interiors,” MotorWeek’s “Drivers’ Choice Awards” and WardsAuto’s “10 Best Engines.”

The 2017 Maxima is available in five well-equipped models: Maxima S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum.

A Sports Car in Sedan Clothing

While the 2017 Maxima’s exterior projects a distinctive upscale look through its low profile and wide stance, the heart of this newest generation 4-Door Sports Car is its 300-horsepower 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine and performance-oriented Xtronic transmission. The engine utilizes more than 60 percent new parts (compared to the previous generation 3.5-liter V6), applying lessons learned from the Nissan GT-R such as sodium filled valves, to achieve a high specific output of 85.7 horsepower/liter. Torque is rated at 261 lb-ft.

The comprehensive re-engineering effort also resulted in a considerable 15 percent increase (versus the previous generation) in highway fuel economy to 30 miles per gallon*. City fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg.

Well-matched to the engine is an advanced Xtronic transmission, which, with its lack of fixed ratios, affords the specific advantage of always being in the right gear at the right time. A wide gear ratio range allows for strong acceleration from a standing start and the D-Step shifting logic allows rapid shifts at high throttle openings. The shift logic holds rpm when it detects high-G cornering, allowing for smooth re-acceleration on corner exits.

The 2017 Maxima also features a Drive Mode Selector (Sport and Normal modes) that adjusts throttle response, transmission tuning, steering feel and Active Sound Enhancement tuning. In Sport mode, the engine throttle response increases, the Xtronic transmission programming changes for more aggressive shifting under braking and gear holding, the steering weight increases and the Active Sound Enhancement system further amplifies the engine note in the cabin.

The foundation for the refined Maxima handling and ride comfort starts with a platform that features use of high strength steels, including 1.2GPa high strength steel. This allows the Maxima to not only boast a 25 percent improvement in torsional rigidity, but also contributes to an 82-pound weight reduction (versus the previous generation).

The suspension is an independent subframe-mounted strut/coil spring design in front. In the rear is an independent multi-link double wishbone design with ZF Sachs dampers. The rear dampers feature a monotube design, often found in performance applications, for enhanced performance and fade resistance. Large stabilizer bars are found in the front (26.0 mm) and rear (26.5 mm).

Responsive braking is provided by 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes, standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Steering is provided by a vehicle speed-sensitive hydro-electric power-assisted steering (HEPS) steering system. Maxima comes with standard 18-inch machined finish aluminum-alloy wheels with painted inserts and 245/45R18 all-season tires.

Taking the sporty look and feel to a higher level is the SR trim. The Maxima SR-exclusive hardware starts with unique suspension damper tuning and a larger front stabilizer bar. In addition, the Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof offered on Maxima SL and Platinum grades was eliminated to help lower the SR’s center of gravity and further enhance torsional rigidity (versus moonroof-equipped models).

And, along with special Alcantara® seating inserts and steering wheel insert for high-grip at key touch points, Maxima SR’s Integrated Dynamic-control Module (IDM) system adds an extra element of electronic chassis management. For example, Active Ride Control (ARC), a feature within the IDM system, uses targeted brake applications after the vehicle encounters a bump or undulation to immediately improve the level of the body, allowing the SR to offer a ride quality that defies its sporting intention.

A Design Masterpiece, Inside and Out

The 2017 Maxima’s distinctive exterior stands out in a field of cookie cutter sedan designs. Maxima’s body is low, sculpted and streamlined to achieve a sweeping aerodynamic profile that has more than a little jet fighter look to it. To bring all this inspiration to life, a special metal stamping technique was developed, adding the distinctive powerful gesture to its bodyline and deeply scalloped doors.

The bold front end combines Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille and lighting features, which add to its defining presence on the road. The boomerang-style headlights include standard LED Signature Daytime Running Lights. In the rear, two-piece taillights with their own integrated LED signature complete the distinctive lighting theme. The highly distinctive Maxima profile comes from its floating roof appearance with blacked-out A-pillars similar to the Nissan GT-R. Combined with the same blackout treatment applied to the B- and C-pillars, it creates a wraparound canopy appearance. The upper canopy look is accented with an available Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof (standard on SL and Platinum grades), which gives front and rear occupants an uninhibited view of the sky.

The futuristic appearance is finished with large dual exhaust chrome tailpipe finishers and 18-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels. Maxima SR adds 19-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels. One of the most distinctive design aspects is the “4DSC” embossed within the taillight reflectors and headlights, a subtle reminder of the Maxima signature 4-Door Sports Car heritage.

The 2017 Maxima is available in nine exterior colors: Bordeaux Black, Storm Blue, Super Black, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Pearl White, Deep Blue Pearl and two Maxima-exclusive exterior colors – Forged Bronze and Coulis Red.

The performance luxury-style interior of the 2017 Maxima is anchored by a “command central” driver’s cockpit and a premium bespoke style crafted execution. The focus on the driver begins with a center stack angled seven degrees toward the driver (a lesson learned from the legendary GT-R) and a floating console that sits higher than the previous generation Maxima design, putting key controls within easy reach. For example, the standard Nissan Intelligent Key™ start switch is located on the console and pulses when the driver enters the cabin. The console also features luxurious padding on the sides with contrasted stitching. The Display Commander control on the console allows fingertip control of the center display as befitting a premium sport sedan.

The Maxima interior is designed to rival those of luxury vehicles. It offers genuine stitching on the instrument panel, doors and console, available Interior Accent Lighting, available premium Ascot leather seating surfaces with diamond-quilted inserts, unique faceted finishers and a sporty D-shaped (flat-bottom) steering wheel. The interior includes unique material choices like Alcantara®, typically found on high-end exotics, to deliver on the premium promise.

Nissan’s unique Zero Gravity front seats with sport bolstering are standard (8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 4-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat) and offer increased softness provided by a three-layer foam design. They are offered in premium cloth, leather-appointed or premium Ascot leather-appointed seating surfaces. Heated and Climate-Controlled front seats and steering wheel are available depending on grade level. The rear seat features a standard 60/40 split fold-down design.

As with the exterior, interior colors were carefully considered to fit with Maxima’s exclusive sports-premium personality. While most large sedans stick with black and beige motifs, the Maxima SR is offered with an additional deep, rich Camel interior. Even the standard Charcoal color seating features blue contrasting stitching and the Cashmere (beige) seat color is lighter than usual, offering a higher contrast with the black surface areas.

Next-Generation Technology – Standard, of Course

The next-generation premium-level Maxima technology features include NissanConnect with Navigation featuring Apple CarPlay™ on all trim levels. In addition to Apple CarPlay™, the system includes an 8.0-inch color display with multi-touch control, two front illuminated USB connection ports for iPod®interface and other compatible devices, Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, SiriusXM® Traffic™ and SiriusXM® Travel Link™ (SiriusXM®subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant.

Apple CarPlay™ is compatible with iPhone® 5 or later models. Once connected by the USB cord, iPhone®’s display is translated to an automotive-appropriate interface. The Maxima’s touchscreen, knobs and switches can all be used to control the iPhone®’s apps, including music, maps, messages, podcasts and audiobooks. Pressing and holding the “talk” switch provides access to Siri® voice controls. Third party apps supported by the Maxima Apple CarPlay™ system include iHeartRadio, At Bat 2 (MLB.com), Spotify, Stitcher, CBS Radio, Overcast, Audiobooks.com, Audible, Pandora, Slacker Radio, Vox, Clammr, Downcast and NPR.

The NissanConnect with Navigation featuring Apple CarPlay™ system also features “swipe to meter” functionality, which allows the driver to swipe the navigation map from the center display to bring it up in the standard 7.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display (ADAD) within the instrument cluster.

The ADAD display features multiple screen selections, including a Home screen that shows navigation routing, digital speed and audio information on the same screen, giving the driver all requisite information at a glance without having to scroll through separate screens. A Sport screen offers the Maxima driver a unique “Power” meter, which shows actual engine output, flanked by gauges that display oil pressure and transmission oil temperature respectively for the discerning enthusiast. Swipe-to-Navigation is another hidden feature this system offers, allowing the driver to set a route on the navigation screen and then swipe toward the ADAD to bring up the directions.

Maxima Platinum models include standard NissanConnect with Navigation and Services featuring Apple CarPlay™. The system’s wide range of features includes automatic collision notification, remote start via smartphone, emergency call, stolen vehicle locator and more (six-month free trial; services subscription required, sold separately).

NissanConnect Services links users to Cloud Services in three ways – beamed in through radio and satellite, brought in through smartphone and built in with a cellular network embedded telematics control unit (TCU). That means in the case of an emergency, a touch of a button can connect the user to a live person for assistance. In the case of an accident severe enough to deploy the air bags, the NissanConnect Services agents will connect with the vehicle occupants to determine the level of assistance needed and call for help. Roadside assistance can also be dispatched to your location, whether for a flat tire, out of gas or other situations.

Convenience Services range from Connected and Assisted Search, destination directions downloaded right to the navigation system and even journey planning – with routing of up to five waypoints and destination. Remote Access** is another key feature, with help accessible through a compatible computer or smartphone. Services include remote door lock and unlock, remote engine start and remote horn and flashing lights to help find the Maxima in a garage or parking lot.

The system also offers customizable alerts via email, text message or automated phone call. Alerts include vehicle speed, curfew (with available notification to the driver 20 minutes before the curfew alert), valet alerts (more than two miles from drop-off) and geographical boundaries.

Maxima entertainment systems include an available 11-speaker Bose® audio system, which was created to deliver the ultimate premium audio experience befitting Nissan’s flagship sedan. The development team benchmarked luxury sedans several classes above Maxima with the goal of delivering the highest audio fidelity experience in the segment. Enhancements (versus the previous generation audio system) include a more optimal placement of the tweeters to enhance staging, addition of more speakers and introduction of sound processing technologies. These technologies include Bose® Center Point® Surround Stage technology, which can deliver a surround sound experience from even a two-channel audio source, and a driver’s seat optimization mode that allows for a driver-centric audio stage.

All Maxima models are equipped with two illuminated USB inputs with music playback capability enabled through either port. These ports are housed in the media bin on the console, which is large enough to fit an iPhone® 6 Plus.

The luxury-level interior quietness is enabled by the application of laminated glass, not only on the windshield but also on the front door windows – the latter being a hallmark of upscale luxury vehicles. An Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system works much like noise cancelling headphones and helps reduce unpleasant low-frequency sounds (available with Bose® audio system only).

To help provide an authentic engine note in the cabin during spirited driving, while simultaneously reducing unwanted noise, Maxima incudes an Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) system that works by enhancing existing engine sound from the legendary VQ35 V6 powerplant into the cabin, delivering a stirring experience. Engaging “Sport” mode takes the stirring engine note a step further with the system allowing even higher engine note amplitude in the cabin.

Convenience features befitting a luxury vehicle are part of the suite of available equipment – including a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with an “Easy Entry” system, heated steering wheel, Around View® Monitor, Remote Start via Key Fob and a power rear sunshade.

Advanced Safety, Security and Driving Aids

Maxima offers an extensive range of safety, security and driving aids – many included as standard equipment (depending on grade level). For example, Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW) are all standard equipment on the SL, SR and Platinum grades.

Additionally, the Maxima Platinum grade features Nissan’s innovative Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection (MOD) that provides a 360-degree “surround view” of the vehicle.

Maxima Platinum also offers standard Driver Attention Alert (DAA) system***, which helps alert the driver when drowsy or inattentive driving is detected. Studies have shown that drowsy driving is involved in as much as 21 percent of fatal car accidents (Automobile Association of America Study, Nov. 2014). The Driver Attention Alert system provides an audible and visual warning if the system judges that the driver may not be attentive (using analysis of steering inputs to detect changes in the driving behavior).

Maxima comes equipped with standard Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) for the driver and front passenger seats, which includes supplemental front air bags, seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor (for the front passenger seat), front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear outboard occupant head protection.

Also standard are 3-point rear seat belts for all seating positions, front seat belts with dual pretensioners, load limiters and adjustable upper anchors, emergency inside trunk release, Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Easy-Fill Tire Alert. Maxima also features standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS).

Five Models, Three Accessory Packages

The 2017 Maxima is available in five well-equipped models: Maxima S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum.

The Maxima S includes standard NissanConnect with Navigation featuring Apple CarPlay™, with 8.0-inch display paired with the 7.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display in the instrument cluster, Remote Engine Start via Intelligent Key, dual illuminated USB ports, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio and SiriusXM® Traffic™ and SiriusXM® Travel Link™ applications (Sirius XM® subscription required, sold separately), LED Signature Daytime Running Lights, 18-inch machined finished aluminum-alloy wheels, 8-way Power Driver Seat and 4-way Power Passenger Seat, Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control with front and rear vents, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver and more.

Maxima SV adds leather-appointed seating, heated front seats, driver’s seat power lumbar support and manual thigh support extension, front and rear parking sensors and heated outside rearview mirrors with turn signal indicators.

Maxima SL adds the Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof, Bose® audio system with 11 speakers, Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW), heated steering wheel and LED Interior Accent Lighting. This grade is notable for its long list of standard safety and driving aids that are typically found at a much higher entry price point on competitors.

The Maxima SR offers a sport-tuned suspension, Integrated Dynamics-control Module (IDM), premium Ascot leather-appointed seats with diamond-quilted Alcantara® inserts, Climate-controlled front seats, Ascot leather-appointed steering wheel with Alcantara® insert, paddle shifters, aluminum sport pedals, Liquid Chrome faceted finishers, LED low beam headlights, 19-inch machined finish aluminum-alloy wheels and 245/40R19 all-season tires developed uniquely for Maxima.

The Maxima Platinum grade includes an extensive array of premium equipment, including Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof, power tilt and telescoping steering column with easy access feature, premium Ascot leather-appointed seats with diamond-quilted leather inserts, premium Ascot leather-wrapped steering wheel, Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD), rear window power sunshade, driver-side memory seat, outside mirrors and steering wheel, rain detecting windshield wipers, Driver Attention Alert, NissanConnect with Navigation and Services featuring Apple CarPlay™ (services subscription required, sold separately), mahogany wood-tone faceted finishers, auto-dimming driver-side outside mirror, and outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature.

Three factory installed accessory value packages are offered for 2017. The Midnight Edition (SR grade) features a sport spoiler, rear diffuser, 19-inch gloss black aluminum-alloy wheels with center caps. The new Medallion Package (Platinum grade) includes premium spoiler, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, illuminated kick plates, interior accent lighting, exterior ground lighting. The new Dynamic Package (SV grade) offers premium spoiler, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, illuminated kick plate, side rocker molding.

Additional accessories include splash guards, illuminated kick plates, Premium spoiler, sport spoiler (SR only), 19-inch summer tires with full-size aluminum-alloy wheel spare (SR only) and unique 18-inch alloy wheels.

The 2017 Nissan Maxima is assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee, with engines assembled in Decherd, Tennessee.

2017 Nissan Maxima Pricing