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2018 Nissan Maxima review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Nissan Maxima highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Strong engine
  • Upscale interior
  • Easy-to-use infotainment system

Cons

  • No all-wheel drive
  • Cramped back seat
  • Small trunk

Mileage (EPA estimate)

21 city, 30 highway, 25 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

6 photos
Price
Year

All Nissan Maxima years

What is new for the 2018 Nissan Maxima?

  • Maxima trims have been upgraded with Android Auto as standard equipment this year.

2018 Nissan Maxima trims

Curious how Nissan Maxima trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S:

  • 300-hp, 261-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • View our Nissan Maxima S inventory

SR:

  • Includes all features available on the S
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • A/C Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Parking Sensors
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • View our Nissan Maxima SR inventory

SV:

SL:

Platinum:

Nissan Maxima photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Nissan Maxima

1. Solid engine

The 2018 Nissan Maxima is powered by a standard 3.5L V6 engine generating 300 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque. It's a potent engine that offers strong acceleration and overall performance that helps make the Maxima feel sporty. According to manufacturer's claims, it goes from zero to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 133 mph. With this type of athletic behavior, the 2018 Nissan Maxima is a great choice if you're looking for a spacious vehicle that is also exciting to drive.

2. Plenty of standard tech features

Another factor that sets the 2018 Nissan Maxima apart is the level of equipment that comes as standard on all trims. The base Maxima S model includes lots of tech features, which you can often only find on top-level trims with other cars from the same model year. The dual-zone automatic climate control and adjustable driving modes are just two of those features, making every ride as comfortable as possible for all passengers. An infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto integration contributes to this as well, along with the navigation system and the eight-speaker audio system.

3. Refined and comfortable interior

Inside the 2018 Nissan Maxima, you will find a welcoming and refined environment with room for five and pretty much all the amenities you need for a pleasant ride. The seats are roomy and comfortable, with 39.4 inches of front headroom and 36.7 inches of rear headroom. If you want to stretch out, front legroom measures 45 inches with rear legroom at 34.2 inches. An eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat is standard, along with a four-way power-adjustable passenger seat. You can also look forward to the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob as part of the standard equipment.

4. Attractive exterior

The great performance and upscale interior of the 2018 Nissan Maxima are complemented by its attractive exterior. It's a good-looking car that breaks the midsize sedan mold, with the large "V-shape" front grille as one of its most distinctive features. This is accompanied by a raised hood rounding out the aggressive, athletic front end. The boomerang-shaped headlights are another eye-catching feature, while the creases along the front and rear fenders give the Maxima a nice rounded look.

5. Good gas mileage

For a car that's powered by a 300-hp V6 engine, the 2018 Nissan Maxima gets great gas mileage. With this engine, which is paired with a continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmission, the 2018 Nissan Maxima gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined.

This is very competitive, especially considering the horsepower of the Maxima. This kind of mileage makes it a good option for you if you have a long commute to work, or if you often go on long-distance out-of-town trips.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

Customers love the 2018 Nissan Maxima for its sleek design and powerful ride. They especially enjoy the car's design and driver assistance features.
4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Nissan Maxima an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Nissan Maxima 8th out of 13 among Fullsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Nissan Maxima

Nissan Maxima features and specs

Platinum 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • BOSE Sound System
  • CD Audio
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Rear Spoiler

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

300

Torque (ft-lbs)

261

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

18

Wheelbase

109.3"

Overall length

192.8"

Width

73.2"

Height

56.5"

Leg room

F 45"/R 34.2"

Head room

F 38.9"/R 35.8"

Front tires

P245/45VR18

Rear tires

P245/45VR18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Nissan Maxima FAQ

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