The 2018 Nissan Maxima 3.5L gets 25 MPG combined. This is an acceptable, if unremarkable, figure for a large, V6-powered sedan designed more for driving enjoyment than ultimate efficiency. Maxima buyers want power, space, and sporty styling, and are willing to compromise on fuel economy to get it.

City and Highway Performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Maxima gets 21 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the frequent stops and starts where the 3.5L V6 engine works harder. The highway number is better; at a steady speed, the Maxima uses less gas. The Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), or AV-S7 as Nissan brands it, is programmed to mimic conventional automatic shift points. This design helps keep the engine in its most efficient range, optimizing fuel economy.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA says the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2018 Nissan Maxima is $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using national average fuel prices at the time of estimation. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, location, and current fuel prices. Drivers who commute in heavy city traffic will likely spend more than $2,300, while those who mainly drive on the highway could spend less.

Real-World Expectations

EPA estimates are a benchmark, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Many Maxima owners report fuel economy numbers close to the EPA estimates, but some circumstances can easily change these figures. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, and neglecting basic maintenance can lower fuel economy. Using cruise control on extended highway drives and ensuring proper tire inflation can help you achieve, or even exceed, the 30 MPG highway rating. The Maxima’s performance tempts drivers to put the V6’s power to good use, but resisting that urge will save money.

How It Compares

The 2018 Maxima’s fuel economy is competitive for a large sedan. A 2018 Toyota Avalon, with its 3.5L V6, gets around 25 MPG combined, while some drivers state they consistently achieve higher real-world fuel economy numbers. A 2018 Chrysler 300 with its 3.6L V6 engine gets roughly the same MPG; this illustrates that efficiency is often compromised in this vehicle segment to offer good horsepower. A 2018 Acura TLX with the V6 gets 24 MPG combined, so a person wanting a more premium brand might also accept fuel economy in this range. Comparing all Nissan fuel economy data to competitors shows the Maxima is within accepted parameters for its market segment, but MPG matters most to the individual.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

The Maxima’s Xtronic transmission is designed to provide smooth shifting and optimize fuel economy, but its effectiveness is diminished with aggressive driving. Gradual acceleration and avoiding sudden bursts of speed allow it to operate most efficiently, minimizing fuel consumption. It can be challenging to resist flooring the accelerator with a 300 horsepower engine, but try to resist!

Tire pressure is important for fuel efficiency. See the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure and maintain it. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and, therefore, burn more fuel. A tire pressure gauge is a good investment.

Regular maintenance is critical for fuel economy. Scheduled oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance ensure the engine operates efficiently. A neglected engine will burn more fuel and deliver less power, negating the benefits of owning a performance sedan.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which can improve fuel economy on long drives. The Maxima’s adaptive cruise control system can be helpful in moderate traffic, helping you avoid constant pedal adjustments.

Consider driving without the A/C when possible. The air conditioner places a significant load on the engine, reducing fuel efficiency. When weather permits, opening the windows or using the fan can reduce this load and save fuel. Some drivers looking for MAXIMA MPG across all years have seen boosted MPG numbers using this strategy.