2017 Nissan Maxima vs. Its Competition

2017 Nissan Maxima
Aaron Cole Aaron Cole Managing Editor

The 2017 Nissan Maxima may compete more directly with the car across the lot: the V-6-equipped Nissan Altima.

Nearly identical in size, both are different takes on the same idea.

The Maxima is clearly the aggressor, for better or worse, and the Altima is a little more practical.

The Lincoln MKZ has a luxury badge and a more refined look than the Maxima—in addition to available all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain.

Among luxury competitors such as the Acura TLX and Volvo S60, the Maxima's shape is less obtuse, although those cars may handle better on the road or carry passengers in better interior packages.

The Volkswagen Passat, when equipped with a V-6, can rival the Maxima in interior comfort.

2017 Nissan Maxima2017 Nissan Maxima
Browse Used Listings		2017 Acura TLX2017 Acura TLX
Browse Used Listings		2017 Lincoln MKZ2017 Lincoln MKZ
Browse Used Listings		2017 Nissan Altima2017 Nissan Altima
Browse Used Listings		2017 Volkswagen Passat2017 Volkswagen Passat
Browse Used Listings		2017 Volvo S602017 Volvo S60
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
7.3
The 2017 Nissan Maxima is the wild child of the Nissan bunch. It looks the part, but don't be fooled: after first blush it acts more like a near-luxury cruiser.
6.3
The 2017 Acura TLX is a near-luxury competitor in a luxury field crowded with very good (and very pricey) cars with European badges on them.
6.7
With available 400-hp, all-wheel-drive performance, plus a new face and more features, the 2017 MKZ could be an advance team for a different sort of Lincoln.
7.2
The 2017 Nissan Altima remains a fine mainstream choice, but rivals with newer designs offer far more technology.
6.7
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat is a conservative pick in the mid-size pack with generous interior space.
7.0
The 2017 Volvo S60 is a solid alternative to those tired of the German sedan game. It's not as flashy, but it is more sensibly priced.
MSRP From     
$32,610$32,000$35,170$22,500$22,440$33,950
Gas Mileage     
21 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy21 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Premium Unleaded V-6Premium Unleaded I-4Gas/Electric I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
Mid-Size CarsMid-Size CarsMid-Size CarsMid-Size CarsMid-Size CarsCompact Cars
Style Name     
S 3.5L *Ltd Avail*FWDHybrid Premiere FWD2.5 Sedan1.8T S AutomaticT5 FWD Dynamic
Drivetrain     
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
555555
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
SedanSedanSedanSedanSedanSedan
Transmission     
CVT w/ODAuto-Shift Manual w/ODCVT w/ODCVT w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2017 Nissan Maxima vs. 2017 Acura TLX2017 Nissan Maxima vs. 2017 Lincoln MKZ2017 Nissan Maxima vs. 2017 Nissan Altima2017 Nissan Maxima vs. 2017 Volkswagen Passat2017 Nissan Maxima vs. 2017 Volvo S60