25 MPG combined is perfectly acceptable for the 2017 Nissan Maxima 3.5L. This isn’t a hybrid, nor does it pretend to be. The Maxima is a stylish, comfortable, and deceptively quick full-size sedan, meant for drivers who value driving enjoyment but need the practicality of four doors and a usable back seat. Its fuel economy reflects a calculated compromise: performance prioritized, but not at the expense of reasonable efficiency.

City and highway performance

The Maxima’s 3.5L V6 is rated at 21 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. That 21 MPG city number is likely the more relevant one for most Maxima owners. This car sees duty as a comfortable commuter, navigating urban congestion and suburban sprawl. The 30 MPG highway figure is achievable on long, steady-speed cruises, and makes the Maxima a decent road trip companion, swallowing up miles with ease and minimal driver fatigue thanks to its supportive seats and smooth ride. However, aggressive driving will bring these numbers down, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Nissan Maxima 3.5L at $2,300. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and assumes national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits and the price of gasoline in your area, but this is a helpful figure when comparing MPG. The annual fuel cost can be an important deciding factor for someone considering a full-size sedan who also wants to maintain a frugal budget.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers provide a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy often differs. Drivers who frequently accelerate hard to exploit the Maxima’s ample power, or those who spend a lot of time idling in traffic, will likely see lower MPG figures. Conversely, drivers with a lighter foot and more highway-focused commutes might exceed the EPA estimates. Factors such as tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and even weather conditions can also affect fuel consumption.

How it compares

Within the large sedan segment, the 2017 Maxima’s fuel economy is competitive. A Toyota Avalon, for instance, achieves roughly similar figures, with the V6 model yielding around 24 MPG combined. The Avalon prioritizes comfort and refinement, just as the Maxima does, but the styling is very different. Meanwhile, a V6-powered Chrysler 300 hovers around 23 MPG combined. Compared to the base engines offered in some of these rivals, which might offer slightly better fuel economy but sacrifice performance, the Maxima strikes a reasonable balance. You can explore all Nissan fuel economy data on this site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Given the Maxima’s drivetrain, smooth and steady acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy. Avoid aggressive launches and try to anticipate traffic flow to minimize hard braking. The AV-S7 transmission is programmed to maximize fuel economy, but sudden changes in throttle position can sometimes defeat its efforts to save fuel.

Proper tire inflation plays a critical role in fuel efficiency. Check your tires regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Remember that in winter, the tire pressure will drop naturally, so more frequent monitoring is required to maintain optimal pressure.

Keep your Maxima well-maintained. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance ensure the engine runs efficiently. A neglected engine consumes more fuel. Dirty air filters can reduce airflow, forcing the engine to work harder, while old spark plugs can lead to incomplete combustion, wasting fuel. A well-maintained car also helps protect its reliability. Review MAXIMA MPG across all years and use the MPG data to compare your vehicle’s efficiency against others.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying heavy items in the trunk or back seat can negatively impact fuel economy. Remove any items that are not essential, such as sports equipment or tools, to lighten the load and improve MPG. This is especially true if you are planning a longer road trip, where added weight will have a greater total impact.

Use cruise control on the highway whenever possible. Maintaining a constant speed reduces fluctuations in fuel consumption. While cruise control may not always be practical in stop-and-go traffic, it can significantly improve fuel economy on longer stretches of open road, provided the road isn’t excessively hilly.