2017 Nissan Maxima Review: Performance and Style Combined
Tags:
2017 Nissan Maxima Review
Is the Nissan Maxima a sporty performance vehicle or simply a marketing claim from the Japanese automaker?
The Nissan Maxima caters to families and those seeking a luxurious ride. With its sporty claims, it competes against models like Kia Cadenza and Toyota Avalon, proving that large sedans can be far from boring.
Main Features
- Engine: 3.5 liters / 6 cylinders
- Transmission: CVT
- Power: 300 horsepower / 354 Nm of torque
- Top Speed: 211 km/h
- Price: 148,000 AED
Exterior Design
The Maxima features a V-motion design language at the front, showcasing the eighth generation's bold and striking appearance. Its sharp contours and aggressive stance are complemented by tasteful chrome accents and a set of 19-inch wheels that fill the wheel arches perfectly. The higher-end (SR) version includes a prominent rear spoiler, dual exhaust pipes, and a smartly designed rear diffuser, all enhancing its sporty image.
Interior Design
The 2017 Maxima's cabin is adorned with soft, perforated leather and brown wood accents that harmonize beautifully with the black and beige dashboard and center console. The sporty ambiance is enhanced by a flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and large paddle shifters behind the wheel, not to mention sporty leather seats featuring embossed "4 Door Sports Car" lettering on the gear shifter.
Technology and Safety
Equipped with heated front seats, a Bose audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and an 8-inch touchscreen, the Maxima offers an impressive array of features for its price point. In terms of safety, this Japanese sedan includes a host of sensors that assist with various functions, including emergency braking assistance and adaptive cruise control.
Driving Experience
The Maxima stands out as the most powerful among its Korean and Japanese competitors, featuring a 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 354 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT that directs power to the front wheels. Unlike typical CVTs, this one mimics the performance of a standard 6-speed automatic transmission. The Maxima accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 211 km/h.
Conclusion
The Nissan Maxima embodies the saying by the famous scientist Albert Einstein: "Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid." In other words, the Maxima seems to strive to be something it is not. While it is undeniably a great car from Nissan, it falls short of being a true sports car.
Editor's Choice:
Review: Our Experience with the 2017 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Nissan Unveils Its 370Z 2018 Before Launching at the New York Auto Show