All About the 2017 Nissan Maxima

Overview of the 2017 Nissan Maxima

• All models of the iconic Nissan Maxima 2017 come standard with Apple CarPlay, providing easy and convenient control over music, navigation, phone calls, texts, and more than a dozen popular third-party apps.
• The 2017 Maxima is a 4-door sports car equipped with a powerful 3.5L V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and a responsive suspension, delivering the acceleration and handling expected of a sports car in the full-size sedan segment.
• The remarkable style of the Maxima showcases Nissan’s bold design language, including an aerodynamic V-shaped front, boomerang-shaped headlights, innovative C pillars, and a unique floating roof.
• The premium interior is custom-designed and dominated by a central cockpit that rivals luxury vehicles.

The eighth-generation Nissan Maxima, completely redesigned for the 2016 model year, has been enhanced for 2017 with the addition of Apple CarPlay, making it the first Nissan vehicle in the industry to come standard with smartphone connectivity.

As the flagship sedan of Nissan’s popular sedan lineup, the Maxima sets the standard for style, performance, and technology. In 2016, the Maxima received recognition from top automotive media for its style, performance, and driving pleasure – including being named to WardsAuto’s 10 Best Interiors and 10 Best Engines lists, as well as receiving MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Award.

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

A Sporty Car Dressed as a Sedan

While the exterior of the 2017 Maxima boasts a prestigious and distinctive look with its low profile and wide stance, the heart of this next-generation 4-door sports car lies in its powerful 3.5L V6 VQ series engine and performance-focused Xtronic transmission. With more than 60% of new parts compared to the previous generation’s V6 engine, the 2017 Maxima achieves a high specific output of 85.7 horsepower per liter, thanks to lessons learned from the Nissan GT-R, such as sodium-filled valves. The engine delivers a torque of 261 lb-ft.

This complete reconfiguration has also resulted in an impressive 15% reduction in fuel consumption on the highway compared to the previous generation, achieving 7.8 L/100 km. The city fuel consumption is estimated at 11.1 L/100 km.

The advanced Xtronic transmission, perfectly matched to the engine, offers the unique advantage of always selecting the right gear at the right time due to its absence of fixed gear ratios. Its wide range of gear ratios provides strong acceleration from a standstill, and the “D-Step” shift logic enables quicker shifts when opening the throttle. This shift logic keeps the engine at the ideal rpm when high-speed turns are detected, allowing for smoother acceleration out of corners.

The 2017 Maxima is also equipped with a drive mode selector (sport and normal) that adjusts the throttle response, steering, and transmission, as well as an active sound enhancement system. In sport mode, the throttle response increases, the Xtronic transmission’s programming allows for more aggressive shifting, the steering weight increases, and the active sound enhancement system amplifies the engine sound inside the cabin.

At the core of the Maxima’s improved handling and driving comfort is its platform, characterized by the use of high-strength steel components, including 1.2 GPa high-strength steel. This not only improves the Maxima’s torsional rigidity by 25% but also reduces its weight by 82 lbs compared to the previous generation.

At the front, the Maxima features an independent strut suspension mounted on a subframe with coil springs, while the rear features an independent multi-link suspension with ZF Sachs shock absorbers. The rear shock absorbers have a monotube design often found in performance applications to enhance performance and resistance to overheating. Large-diameter stabilizer bars are mounted at the front (26.0 mm) and rear (26.5 mm).

Powerful braking force is provided by four-wheel vented disc brakes with four-wheel antilock braking system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution, and brake assist. Regarding steering, the Maxima is equipped with speed-sensitive hydraulic-electric power steering. It also comes standard with 18-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels with painted inserts and 245/45R18 all-season tires.

The SR model takes sportiness to the next level. Exclusive features for the Maxima SR include unique suspension tuning and a larger front stabilizer bar. Additionally, the panoramic dual-panel moonroof, which comes standard on the Maxima SL and Platinum models, has been removed to lower the center of gravity and increase torsional rigidity (compared to models with a sunroof).

In addition to unique Alcantara leather appointments on the seats and steering wheel to enhance grip in strategic areas, the Maxima SR is equipped with an integrated dynamics control module that adds an additional layer of electronic chassis management. For example, vehicle dynamic control, a function within the integrated dynamics control module, uses targeted brake applications in response to bumps or undulations in the road to immediately raise the chassis, enabling the Maxima SR to provide a test-worthy driving quality characteristic of a sports car.

A True Masterpiece, Inside and Out

The distinctive exterior style of the 2017 Maxima sets it apart from the sea of uninspired sedan designs. The Maxima’s body is low, sculpted, and streamlined, creating an aerodynamic profile with bold contours that explicitly evoke a fighter jet. A special metal stamping technique was developed to bring the designers’ ideas to life, resulting in powerful body contours and deeply sculpted doors.

The Maxima’s bold front combines Nissan’s characteristic aerodynamic V-shaped grille with new lighting elements, adding to the car’s remarkable presence. The boomerang-shaped headlights include standard LED daytime running lights. At the rear, two-piece taillights with distinctive LED lighting complete the distinctive lighting module. The Maxima’s distinct profile is achieved with a floating roof that is supported by black A-pillars, similar to those of the Nissan GT-R. The B and C-pillars are also covered in black, creating the illusion of a wraparound canopy. This impression is further enhanced by the presence of a dual-panel panoramic moonroof (standard on SL and Platinum models), which provides front and rear passengers with breathtaking views of the sky above.

The futuristic appearance is complemented by large chrome dual exhaust finishers and 18-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels. The Maxima SR features 19-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels. One of the most distinctive design features is the “4DSC” logo stamped inside the taillights and headlights, subtly reminding of its 4-door sports car heritage.

The 2017 Maxima is available in six body colors: Super Black, Deep Blue Pearl, Pearl White, Gun Metallic, Forged Bronze, and Coulis Red.

The luxurious interior of the 2017 Maxima is dominated by a central cockpit and meticulously crafted premium execution. The driver-centric focus starts with a 7-degree-tilted center console (inspired by the legendary GT-R) and a raised floating console compared to the previous generation Maxima, providing easier access to primary controls. For example, the push-button ignition switch is now located on the console and flashes when the driver enters the cabin. The console also features luxurious padding on the sides, enhanced with contrasting stitching. The command display screen located on the console allows touch control of the premium central touchscreen display, reminiscent of a high-end sports sedan.

The Maxima’s interior is designed to rival luxury vehicles. It features genuine stitching on the dashboard, doors, and console, interior accent lighting, premium Ascot leather upholstery with optional diamond-quilted seat inserts, unique faceted finishes, and a D-shaped sport steering wheel (with a flat bottom). The interior incorporates a selection of unique materials such as Alcantara leather, typically found in luxury exotics, to deliver on the promise of a premium sedan.

Nissan’s unique Zero Gravity front seats with sport bolstering are standard equipment (8-way power driver’s seat and 4-way power front passenger’s seat) and offer increased comfort with a three-layer foam design. They can be covered in premium cloth, standard leather, or premium Ascot leather. Exclusively in Canada, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated front seats are standard on all models, with temperature control on the front seats available as an option depending on the model. The rear seats have a 60/40 split-fold function.

Just as with the body, the interior colors have been carefully chosen to suit the Maxima’s exclusive premium sports sedan personality. While most full-size sedans feature black and beige tones, the Maxima SR comes with a rich and deep camel interior color. Even the standard Charcoal seat color features contrasting blue stitching, and the Cashmere seat color is paler than usual, providing superior contrast with the black surfaces.

Next-Generation Technology – Standard, of Course

Nissan’s next-generation advanced technologies include NissanConnect functionality with standard navigation and Apple CarPlay on all models. In addition to Apple CarPlay, the system features an 8.0-inch color touchscreen, two bright USB ports for iPod interface and other compatible devices, Nissan’s voice recognition for navigation and audio controls, SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link (three-month complimentary trial, SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), hands-free Bluetooth phone system, Bluetooth audio streaming, and hands-free text messaging.

Apple CarPlay is compatible with iPhone 5 and newer models. Once connected via USB, the iPhone screen is mirrored onto a suitable automotive interface. The touch screen, control buttons, and switches in the Maxima can all be used to control iPhone apps, including music, maps, messages, podcasts, and audiobooks. Pressing and holding the voice switch provides access to the Siri voice control.

The NissanConnect functionality with navigation, including Apple CarPlay, also includes a swipe-to-change function, allowing the driver to swipe the navigation map from the central display to the 7.0-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display integrated into the instrument cluster.

The Advanced Drive-Assist Display features multiple screen choices, including a Home screen that displays navigation routes, speed in digital format, and audio information, providing all necessary information at a glance without having to navigate two separate screens. A sport screen provides the Maxima driver with a unique “power meter” gauge that displays real engine performance, accompanied by gauges showing oil pressure and transmission oil temperature, respectively, for the automotive connoisseurs. “Toggle to Navigation” is another hidden function that is part of the system and allows the driver to input a route into the navigation screen and then toggle to the Advanced Drive-Assist Display for directions.

Maxima Platinum models come standard with NissanConnect functionality with navigation and services, including Apple CarPlay. The wide range of system features includes, among others, automatic collision notification, remote starting via smartphone, emergency calling, stolen vehicle locator (subscription required, sold separately after six-month initial trial).

The NissanConnect system connects the user to cloud services in three ways: through a radio and satellite beam, through a smartphone, and through an integrated telematics control unit (TCU) connected to a cellular network. Thus, in an emergency, simply pressing a button connects the user to a person who can be asked for help. In the event of an accident severe enough to deploy the airbags, NissanConnect Services agents will attempt to communicate with the vehicle’s occupants to determine the level of assistance required and call for help. Roadside assistance can also be dispatched if the driver experiences a flat tire, runs out of fuel, or encounters any other problem.

Assistance services include connected and assisted search, downloading a destination route into the navigation system and even planning routes, which can include up to five waypoints per destination. Remote access** is another important feature. Help is available through a computer or compatible smartphone. Services include remote door lock/unlock, remote engine start, and remote horn and flasher control to help locate the Maxima in a garage or parking area.

Finally, the system allows for customizable alerts sent by email or text message. These alerts include vehicle speed, curfew (with the option of notifying the driver 20 minutes before the curfew), valet alert, and geofence alerts.

The Maxima’s entertainment features include an optional Bose 11-speaker premium audio system designed to deliver a top-of-the-line sound experience worthy of Nissan’s flagship sedan. The design team took inspiration from luxury sedans in higher categories than the Maxima to provide optimal audio fidelity in this segment. Enhancements (compared to the previous generation audio system) include a more appropriate positioning of the tweeters for improved sound quality, the addition of additional speakers, and the integration of new sound processing technologies. These technologies include Bose Centerpoint sound staging, which creates a surround sound experience even from a two-channel audio source, and a driver-optimized audio processing mode.

All Maxima models come standard with two bright USB ports that have the ability to play music. These ports are housed in a dedicated console compartment, which is large enough to accommodate an iPhone 6 Plus.

The serene atmosphere inside the luxurious Maxima cabin is achieved through the use of laminated glass, not only on the windshield but also on the front door windows, a characteristic of high-end vehicles. An active noise cancellation system attenuates unpleasant low-frequency sounds, much like noise-canceling headphones (available with Bose audio system only).

To enjoy the authentic engine noise in the cabin during spirited driving while mitigating undesirable noises, the Maxima is equipped with an active sound enhancement system that amplifies the authentic sound of the legendary VQ35 V6 engine, creating an exhilarating sonic environment. The engine sound increases slightly when the driver switches to Sport mode, thereby increasing the sound amplitude in the cabin.

Convenience features worthy of a luxury vehicle are part of the available option package, including a power tilt and telescoping steering column with easy-access feature, a perimeter display screen, and a power rear sunshade.

Advanced Safety, Protection, and Driving Assistance Systems

The Maxima is equipped with a wide range of safety, protection, and driving assistance systems, many of which are standard equipment (depending on the model). These include forward collision warning, intelligent cruise control, emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic alert, all of which are standard on SL, SR, and Platinum Maxima models.

Additionally, the Maxima Platinum features Nissan’s breakthrough perimeter display screen with moving object detection, providing a 360-degree view around the vehicle.

The Maxima Platinum also includes a standard driver attention alert system***, which warns the driver when signs of drowsiness or inattention are detected. Studies have shown that drowsy driving is the cause of 21% of fatal accidents (Automobile Association of America Study, November 2014). The driver attention alert system triggers an audible and visual warning if it detects signs of driver inattention (by analyzing steering data to detect changes in driving behavior).

The Maxima is equipped with Nissan’s advanced airbag system for the driver and front passenger, which includes supplemental front airbags, seat belt sensors, and a front passenger seat occupant classification sensor, supplemental side curtain airbags integrated into the headrests, and supplemental front seat-mounted side-impact airbags with rollover protection, designed to protect the heads of front and rear outboard occupants in the event of a collision.

The Maxima also comes standard with vehicle dynamic control, traction control system, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, tire pressure monitoring system with easy-fill tire alert, Nissan’s vehicle immobilizer system, and anti-theft system.

Five Models

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

The Maxima S features NissanConnect functionality with navigation, including Apple CarPlay, an 8.0-inch display coupled with a 7.0-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display on the instrument cluster, remote engine start with intelligent key, two bright USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, SiriusXM Traffic, and SiriusXM Travel Link (three-month complimentary trial, SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), iconic LED daytime running lights, 18-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels, 8-way power driver’s seat, 4-way power front passenger’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control with front and rear vents, HomeLink universal transceiver, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, and more.

The Maxima SV adds leather seats, heated front seats, power lumbar support on the driver’s seat with manual thigh support extension, and front and rear parking sensors.

The Maxima SL adds a dual-panel panoramic moonroof, Bose 11-speaker premium audio system, forward collision warning, intelligent cruise control, emergency braking, blind spot warning, and adjustable LED ambient lighting. This model is recognized for its long list of standard safety and driving assistance equipment, usually found on higher trim levels of competitors’ offerings.

The Maxima SR features sport-tuned suspension, integrated dynamics control module, premium Ascot leather-appointed seats with diamond-quilted Alcantara inserts, heated front seats, Ascot leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with Alcantara inserts, paddle shifters, aluminum sport pedals, liquid chrome faceted finishes, LED low-beam headlights, 19-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels, and exclusive 245/40R19 all-season tires developed specifically for the Maxima.

The Maxima Platinum includes a wide range of premium features, including a dual-panel panoramic moonroof, power tilt and telescoping steering column with easy-access feature, premium Ascot leather-appointed seats with diamond-quilted inserts, premium Ascot leather-wrapped steering wheel, perimeter display screen with moving object detection, power rear sunshade, driver’s seat memory, available auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power folding outside mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, driver attention alert system, NissanConnect functionality with navigation and services including Apple CarPlay (subscription required, sold separately after six-month initial trial), faux-matte wood faceted finishes, auto-dimming inside mirror, and reverse tilt-down outside mirrors.

Available accessories include side sill moldings, interior accent lighting, and ground lighting.

The 2017 Nissan Maxima is assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee, and the engines are built in Decherd, Tennessee.

• Fuel consumption figures are based on 2017 NRCan fuel consumption ratings for the 2017 Maxima. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – Use for comparison only. ** Provincial laws may apply; check local laws before using. *** The driver’s primary responsibility is to remain attentive at all times. The driver attention alert system is only a warning to inform of a potential lack of driver attention or drowsiness. It does not detect all situations and provides no warning in every situation. Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more information.