Top Safety Pick

2018 Nissan Maxima

midsize car / 4-door sedan

Award applies only to vehicles with specific headlights

2018 Nissan Maxima 4-door sedan — 2017 Nissan Maxima shown

Crashworthiness

Rating overview
Evaluation criteria	Rating
Small overlap front: driver-side
Small overlap front: passenger-side
Moderate overlap front: original test
Side: original test
Roof strength
Head restraints & seats

Crash avoidance & mitigation

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Headlights (varies by trim/option)
Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle
Standard system	Superior

Seat belts & child restraints

Evaluation criteria	Rating
LATCH ease of use

Other available safety features

Optional blind spot detection

Key

G
Good
A
Acceptable
M
Marginal
P
Poor

Superior
Advanced
Basic

Some ratings use a scale of Poor to Good. Others range from Basic to Superior.

Small overlap front: driver-side

Rating applies to 2016-18 models

Tested vehicle: 2016 Nissan Maxima S 4-door

The Nissan Maxima was redesigned for the 2016 model year after a one-year absence from the market.

Evaluation criteria	Rating

Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics The dummy’s head barely contacted the frontal airbag before sliding off the left side, leaving the head vulnerable to contact with forward structure. Additionally, the seat belt allowed excessive forward excursion of the dummy’s head and torso to the extent the head hit the interior door trim and release lever. The side curtain airbag deployed and has sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with side structure and outside objects.

Action shot taken during the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test.

The dummy's position in relation to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained well.

During the crash, the dummy's head barely contacted the frontal airbag before sliding off to the left, and the seat belt allowed far too much forward movement of the dummy.

The driver's space was maintained well, and risk of injuries to the dummy's legs and feet was low.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEN1523
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm)	11
Footrest (cm)	8
Left toepan (cm)	5
Brake pedal (cm)	3
Parking brake (cm)	12
Rocker panel lateral average (cm)	1
Upper occupant compartment
Steering column	0
Upper hinge pillar max (cm)	3
Upper dash (cm)	6
Lower instrument panel (cm)	7

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEN1523
Head
HIC-15	168
Peak gs at hard contact	not meas.
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.7
Extension bending moment (Nm)	10
Maximum Nij	0.30
Chest maximum compression (mm)	15
Femur (kN)
Left	0.2
Right	0.1
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	0
Right	0
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.51
Right	0.43
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	2.1
Right	0.4
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	63
Right	60

About the small overlap front test

Small overlap front: passenger-side

Rating applies to 2016-18 models

Tested vehicle: 2017 Nissan Maxima S 4-door

The Nissan Maxima was redesigned for the 2016 model year after a one-year absence from the market.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Action shot taken during the passenger-side small overlap frontal crash test.

The dummy's position in relation to the door frame and dashboard after the crash test indicates that the passenger’s survival space was maintained reasonably well.

The frontal and side curtain airbags worked well together to keep the passenger dummy’s head from coming close to any stiff structure or outside objects that could cause injury.

The passenger's space was maintained reasonably well, and risk of injuries to the dummy's legs and feet was low.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEP1702
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm)	16
Footrest (cm)	12
Right toepan (cm)	8
Center toepan (cm)	5
Rocker panel lateral average (cm)	3
Upper occupant compartment
Center dash (cm)	5
Upper hinge pillar max (cm)	6
Upper dash (cm)	8
Right lower dash (cm)	11

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEP1702
Head
HIC-15	96
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.6
Extension bending moment (Nm)	22
Maximum Nij	0.17
Chest maximum compression (mm)	18
Femur (kN)
Left	0.2
Right	1.2
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	0
Right	0
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.53
Right	0.51
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	1.5
Right	1.0
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	45
Right	43

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEP1702
Head
HIC-15	54
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.7
Extension bending moment (Nm)	10
Maximum Nij	0.17
Chest maximum compression (mm)	20
Femur (kN)
Left	0.1
Right	0.1
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	0
Right	0
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	0
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.41
Right	0.21
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	0.2
Right	0.3
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	43
Right	23

About the small overlap front test

Moderate overlap front: original test

Rating applies to 2016-18 models

Tested vehicle: 2016 Nissan Maxima SV 4-door

The Nissan Maxima was redesigned for the 2016 model year after a one-year absence from the market. Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Nissan.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Leg/foot, left
Leg/foot, right
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1502
Footwell intrusion
Footrest (cm)	3
Left (cm)	5
Center (cm)	5
Right (cm)	3
Brake pedal (cm)	4
Instrument panel rearward movement
Left (cm)	1
Right (cm)	1
Steering column movement
Upward (cm)	-3
Rearward (cm)	-8
A-pillar rearward movement (cm)	1

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1502
Head
HIC-15	235
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.3
Extension bending moment (Nm)	19
Maximum Nij	0.31
Chest maximum compression (mm)	22
Legs
Femur force - left (kN)	2.1
Femur force - right (kN)	0.7
Knee displacement - left (mm)	1
Knee displacement - right (mm)	1
Maximum tibia index - left	0.47
Maximum tibia index - right	0.92
Tibia axial force - left (kN)	2.3
Tibia axial force - right (kN)	1.6
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	57
Right	76

About the original moderate overlap front test

Side: original test

Rating applies to 2016-18 models

Tested vehicle: 2016 Nissan Maxima S 4-door

The Nissan Maxima was redesigned for the 2016 model year after a one-year absence from the market. Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Nissan.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis/leg
Driver head protection
Rear passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis/leg
Rear passenger head protection

Technical measurements for this test

Test ID	VTS1503
B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm)	-15.0
Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline.

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1503
Head HIC-15	443
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.1
Compression (kN)	0.0
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	31
Lateral force (kN)	1.4
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	35
Average deflection (mm)	29
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	2.80
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.39
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	0.8
Acetabulum force (kN)	1.1
Combined force (kN)	1.9
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	1.0
L-M moment (Nm)	141
A-P moment (Nm)	65

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1503
Head HIC-15	203
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.3
Compression (kN)	0.1
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	25
Lateral force (kN)	1.4
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	33
Average deflection (mm)	28
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	2.53
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.40
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	0.6
Acetabulum force (kN)	0.5
Combined force (kN)	1.0
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	1.4
L-M moment (Nm)	177
A-P moment (Nm)	51

About the original side crash test

Roof strength

Rating applies to 2016-23 models

Tested vehicle: 2016 Nissan Maxima S 4-door

Overall evaluation
Curb weight	3,479 lbs
Peak force	15,738 lbs
Strength-to-weight ratio	4.52

About the roof strength test

Head restraints & seats

Seat type: Power cloth seat

Overall evaluation
Dynamic rating
Seat/head restraint geometry

Technical measurements for this test

Seat type	Power cloth seat
Geometry
Backset (mm)	20
Distance below top of head (mm)	30
Seat design parameters
Pass/fail	Pass
Max T1 acceleration (g)	13.5
Head contact time (ms)	63
Force rating	1
Neck forces
Max neck shear force (N)	0
Max neck tension (N)	591

About the head restraint & seat test
Currently, IIHS tests apply only to front seats.

Headlights

Ratings are given for 2 different headlight variations available on this vehicle.

Trim level(s)

SR trim
SR midnight trim
Platinum trim

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	LED projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and fair on the left side. On curves, visibility was good on the gradual right curve, fair on the sharp right and sharp left curves, and inadequate on the gradual left curve.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and fair on the left side. On curves, visibility was good on the gradual right curve and fair on the sharp right and both left curves.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	SR trim SR midnight trim Platinum trim
Low-beam headlight type	LED projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating Applies to 2016-18 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	96.3 m	None
Straightaway left edge	48.3 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	65.0 m	None
250m radius left curve, right edge	45.9 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	52.5 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	48.8 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	163.2 m
Straightaway left edge	135.4 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	76.7 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	72.0 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	57.4 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	58.3 m

Trim level(s)

S trim
SV trim
SL trim

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was fair on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was fair on the gradual right curve and inadequate on the sharp right and both left curves.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	S trim SV trim SL trim
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen projector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating Applies to 2016-18 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	81.2 m	None
Straightaway left edge	34.4 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	52.4 m	None
250m radius left curve, left edge	35.8 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	40.3 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	32.3 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	156.1 m
Straightaway left edge	122.3 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	70.3 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	63.0 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	51.1 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	47.9 m

About the headlight evaluation

Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle

System details

Standard Forward Emergency Braking

Overall evaluation

Applies to 2018-19 models

Superior

This system meets the requirements for forward collision warning.
In the 12 mph test, this vehicle avoided a collision.
In the 25 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 11 mph.

About the original front crash prevention test

Child seat anchors

Rating applies to 2016-18 models

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	S
Seat type	cloth

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor only.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	S
Seat type	cloth

Rating icon	Rating
G	Good
A	Acceptable
M	Marginal
P	Poor
	Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
thether anchor symbol	Tether anchor
lower anchor symbol	Lower anchors
shared lower achors symbol	Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
	No hardware available

Details by seating position

Position	Rating
1
1	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors
2
2	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	none available
3
3	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors

Technical measurements for this test

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	28
Clearance angle (degrees)	63
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	31
Clearance angle (degrees)	70
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
No lower latch for this seat position
Lower anchor B
No lower latch for this seat position
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	31
Clearance angle (degrees)	70
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	28
Clearance angle (degrees)	67
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Rating applies to 2016-18 models

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	SL
Seat type	leather

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor only.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	SL
Seat type	leather

Rating icon	Rating
G	Good
A	Acceptable
M	Marginal
P	Poor
	Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
thether anchor symbol	Tether anchor
lower anchor symbol	Lower anchors
shared lower achors symbol	Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
	No hardware available

Details by seating position

Position	Rating
1
1	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors
2
2	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	none available
3
3	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	easy to maneuver around anchors

Technical measurements for this test

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	28
Clearance angle (degrees)	63
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	31
Clearance angle (degrees)	64
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
No lower latch for this seat position
Lower anchor B
No lower latch for this seat position
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	22
Clearance angle (degrees)	68
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	26
Clearance angle (degrees)	67
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

About the child seat anchor evaluation