“Love the speed and pickup, the luxurious interior, super comfortable and amazing sound system”
2018 Nissan Maxima: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2018 Nissan Maxima is standard Android Auto on every trim. Otherwise, this is a light update with darker grille accents and no redesign or major mechanical changes.
About the 2018 Nissan Maxima
8th generation (A36), introduced for 2016; 2018 is the third model year, just before the 2019 refresh.
Nissan sells the Maxima as a sportier alternative to the typical big family sedan — the brand’s “4-Door Sports Car” idea in modern form. For most shoppers, that means a strong V6, sharper styling than most mainstream rivals, a driver-focused cockpit, and more upscale cabin materials and tech than a typical midsize sedan. Buyers pick it less for maximum rear-seat space and more for quick acceleration, bold design, and a more premium feel without moving to a luxury brand.
The 2018 Maxima remains a five-trim, front-wheel-drive sedan with a 300-hp V6 and a comfort-to-sport range of personalities. Even the S has an 8-inch navigation touchscreen, remote start, and automatic emergency braking. The SR stands out with a firmer sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters, while the Platinum emphasizes luxury with quilted leather, a 360-degree camera system, and climate-controlled front seats.
What changed, by category
Tech
Android Auto becomes standard on every trim, joining Apple CarPlay.
Styling
The front grille receives darker black accent detailing, with no broader exterior redesign.
2018 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 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| 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 | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| 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 changed on the 2018 Nissan Maxima compared with the 2017 model?
The 2018 Maxima adds standard Android Auto across the lineup and darker black accents on the front grille. Its five trims, 300-hp V6, automatic transmission, and front-wheel-drive layout otherwise carry over.
Was the 2018 Nissan Maxima redesigned?
No, the 2018 Maxima was not redesigned. It remains part of the eighth generation introduced for 2016, with only small technology and grille-detail updates for this year.
Does every 2018 Nissan Maxima have Android Auto?
Yes, Android Auto is standard on every 2018 Maxima trim. It works through the standard 8-inch touchscreen and joins Apple CarPlay.
Did the 2018 Nissan Maxima get a new engine or drivetrain?
No, the 2018 Maxima keeps the 300-hp 3.5-liter V6, automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive from the prior year. There was no major engine, suspension, chassis, or body-structure update.
How do the 2018 Maxima SR and Platinum differ?
The 2018 Maxima SR is the sport-focused trim, with a firmer suspension, paddle shifters, 19-inch wheels, and sport-themed cabin details. The Platinum is comfort-focused, with quilted leather, a 360-degree camera system, memory settings, rain-sensing wipers, and a power rear sunshade.
2018 Nissan Maxima Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Nissan Maxima.
4.1
2018 Nissan Maxima
(171 reviews)
“No blind side detection, only one power outlet and a little more cabin noise than expected so might as well get the Altima with V6 engine.”
“Great interior and exterior styling and quality, good acceleration, reasonable costs to maintain, decent mileage.”