2018 Nissan Maxima review
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)
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
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 similaritiesS:
- 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:
- Includes all features available on the SR
- Leather Seats
- View our Nissan Maxima SV inventory
SL:
- Includes all features available on the SV
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Sunroofs
- View our Nissan Maxima SL inventory
Platinum:
- Includes all features available on the SL
- Memory Seats
- Rear Sunshade
- View our Nissan Maxima Platinum inventory
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.Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.7 out of 5
15 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 13 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 0 |
| 3 Stars | 2 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
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 MaximaNissan Maxima features and specs
Curious how Nissan Maxima trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
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 Mirrors
- 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 Sunshade
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Skylight(s)
- 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
The 2018 Nissan Maxima is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Platinum: 21 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- SL: 21 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- SR: 21 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- SV: 21 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- S: 21 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
The Nissan Maxima received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Nissan Maxima as 7 out of 13 among Fullsize Car
The 2018 Nissan Maxima has received an average 4.7 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Nissan Maxima, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Nissan Maxima Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Nissan Maxima:
- Sunroof(s)
- Skylight(s)
- Leatherette Seats
- Android Auto
- Heated Mirrors
Research other vehicles
- nissan maxima used car value
- 2001 nissan maxima used car value
- 2002 nissan maxima used car value
- 2003 nissan maxima used car value
- 2004 nissan maxima used car value
- 2005 nissan maxima used car value
- 2006 nissan maxima used car value
- 2007 nissan maxima used car value
- 2008 nissan maxima used car value
- 2009 nissan maxima used car value
- 2010 nissan maxima used car value
- 2011 nissan maxima used car value
- 2012 nissan maxima used car value
- 2013 nissan maxima used car value
- 2014 nissan maxima used car value
- 2016 nissan maxima used car value
- 2017 nissan maxima used car value
- 2018 nissan maxima used car value
- 2019 nissan maxima used car value
- 2020 nissan maxima used car value
- 2021 nissan maxima used car value
- 2022 nissan maxima used car value
- 2023 nissan maxima used car value
- 2018 Audi S4 review
- 2019 Audi S4 review
- 2017 BMW M240 review
- 2018 BMW M240 review
- 2019 BMW M240 review
- 2019 Chevrolet Colorado review
- 2020 Chevrolet Colorado review
- 2021 Chevrolet Colorado review
- 2020 Chrysler 300 review
- All things EV
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC350E Plug In Hybrid review
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG review
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG Coupe review
- Used Nissan buying guide
- 2023 Nissan Maxima review
- 2016 Nissan Maxima review
- 2017 Nissan Maxima review
- 2019 Nissan Maxima review
- 2020 Nissan Maxima review
- 2021 Nissan Maxima review
- 2022 Nissan Maxima review
- 2025 Subaru WRX review
- 2016 Subaru XV Crosstrek review
- 2016 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid review
- 2022 Toyota Avalon Hybrid review
- 2022 Toyota C-HR review
- 2024 Volkswagen Arteon review
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.




