Nissan considers the Maxima a “luxury sedan,” and the model certainly fits the bill. The Maxima ticks all the boxes in the luxury category except for one: price. While most luxury sedans set you back at least $50K, the 2017 Nissan Maxima ranges from $34,400 for the nicely appointed, entry-level S to $43,960 for the top-of-the-line Platinum. 

The Maxima is the same size as the mid-size Altima sedan. But Nissan took the two bodies in different directions. The Altima is a practical, budget commuter, while the Maxima pursues a loftier mission as a “4-door sports car”. European styling and responsive handling are what sets the Maxima apart from the Altima. 

The 2017 Maxima features a long, sculptured, streamlined body and a “floating roof” design created by blacking out the pillars that support it. Nissan gave the Maxima’s exterior a major redesign in 2015 and added a large grille with boomerang headlights which still looks fresh and new. 

The interior is styled to look like a sports sedan. Touches that add the sporty, performance feel include metallic trim, a flat-bottomed steering wheel with optional paddle shifters and nicely finished supportive bucket seats. The control centre is sizable and features a large 8.0-inch touchscreen. 

The sports vibe carries on to the drive. Nissan specially tuned its 3.5-liter V-6 and paired it with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to give the Maxima a rating of 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. The 2017 Maxima features independent front strut and rear multi-link suspension and disc brakes. 

For drivers whose idea of heaven is a weekend drive of the Cabot Trail, the Maxima SR is a perfect choice. It has the tightest suspension of all Maximas. The SR is fitted with its own, signature shock and stabiliser bars, bigger, 19-inch wheels and shift paddles as standard. A chassis damper is added to the SR to minimise the discomfort of bumpy roads. 

The other four Canadian trim levels are the S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Navigation with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, power front seats, rearview camera, Bluetooth and two USB ports are standard on all Maximas. Leather, heated seats, and parking sensors are standard on trim levels above the S, and ventilated seats are standard on the SR and Platinum levels. The SL adds a large, power panoramic dual-paneled moonroof. The Platinum is the uber-luxury model and comes with high-end wood trim and leather throughout. The quilted Alcantara leather two-tone treatment is especially striking. 

The 2017 Maxima earned perfect safety scores in all NHTSA categories and the top “Good” scores in all IIHS tests. The 2017 Nissan Maxima was awarded the Top Safety Pick+ title by the IIHS. 

If you’re looking for a high-quality sedan that has a little bit of edge when you hit the gas, you’ll be pleased by what the Maxima has to offer. Visit one of our showrooms and take one of the five editions for a test drive today.