“Love everything about the car except for the transmission... It is a low rpm slog. The CVT transmission is a detriment not an asset.”
2017 Nissan Maxima: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Nissan Maxima is standard Apple CarPlay on every trim. Otherwise, this is a light update that carries over the V6, automatic transmission, five-trim lineup, and overall styling from 2016.
About the 2017 Nissan Maxima
8th generation (A36, 2016-2023), second model year after the 2016 redesign.
Nissan positions the Maxima as a "4-Door Sports Car" rather than a traditional full-size sedan. Its core appeal is a strong standard V6, sharper styling than softer rivals, and an upscale cabin with real comfort and tech features even in lower trims. For most shoppers, the Maxima is the pick for getting more power and a more driver-focused feel than an Avalon, Impala, or Cadenza, without stepping into an entry-luxury badge.
The 2017 Maxima ranges from the well-equipped S to the comfort-focused SV and SL, all with a 300-hp V6 and an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and Apple CarPlay. The SR adds a sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters, while the Platinum emphasizes luxury with premium quilted leather, heated and cooled front seats, and a 360-degree camera system.
What changed, by category
Tech
Apple CarPlay was added to the standard 8-inch touchscreen navigation system on every trim.
Safety
Some late-build 2017.5 Maximas received broader automatic emergency braking coverage as a running change. This did not apply across the full 2017 lineup at launch.
2017 Nissan Maxima specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, Xtronic CVT | Auto, Xtronic CVT | Auto, Xtronic CVT | Auto, Xtronic CVT | Auto, Xtronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 261 lb-ft | 261 lb-ft | 261 lb-ft | 261 lb-ft | 261 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.2 in | 34.2 in | 34.2 in | 34.2 in | 34.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Cooled Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 Nissan Maxima?
Standard Apple CarPlay is the biggest change for 2017. It works through the 8-inch touchscreen navigation system fitted to every trim.
Was the 2017 Nissan Maxima redesigned?
No, the 2017 Maxima was not redesigned. It is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2016, with Apple CarPlay as its main update.
Did the 2017 Nissan Maxima get a different engine or transmission?
No, the engine and transmission carried over. Every trim retained the 300-hp 3.5-liter V6 and continuously variable automatic transmission.
Does every 2017 Nissan Maxima have Apple CarPlay?
Yes, Apple CarPlay is standard on every 2017 Maxima trim through the standard 8-inch touchscreen navigation system.
Did every 2017 Nissan Maxima have automatic emergency braking?
No, automatic emergency braking was not fitted across the full lineup at the start of the model year. The SL included Forward Emergency Braking, and some late-build 2017.5 cars received broader coverage as a running change.
2017 Nissan Maxima Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Nissan Maxima.
4.3
2017 Nissan Maxima
(938 reviews)
“ride, comfort, performance, features, and price all come together with the maxima sr”
“I love my 2017 Nissan Maxima SR. It has all of the features that I was looking for and is extremely fun to drive! It's very reliable, comfortable, and has plenty of power! Everything has been smooth sailing since!”