New for 2016
The Maxima is completely redesigned inside and out for 2016.
Redefining the Sports Car
There are many sports sedans, but Nissan calls its 2016 Maxima a “four-door sports car.” With sleek styling, sporty mechanical hardware, and a premium interior, it looks to take the fight to traditional sports sedans from luxury carmakers, but at a price point that’s much more budget-friendly.
Powertrain and Performance
Nissan’s effort to back up its “four-door sports car” claim begins under the hood. As with the previous generation, the 2016 Maxima is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, but the engine now produces 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. That’s 10 more horsepower than the 2015 model, with an identical torque output.
The power boost comes thanks to a thorough overhaul of the engine, applying lessons from the supercar-fighting GT-R, Nissan says. The carmaker also boasts that the Maxima has a power-to-weight ratio that exceeds those of two blue-blooded sports sedans: the BMW 335i and Acura TLX V6.
The V6 is harnessed to an updated version of Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), with manual shifting and D-Step logic for a crisper, sportier feel. The new short logic can detect cornering g forces and hold higher rpm for faster corner exits. Like the last few generations of Maxima, the new model is also front-wheel drive, and it now achieves EPA-rated fuel economy of 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway).*
To give the Maxima a sportier attitude, Nissan equipped it with a Drive Mode Selector that adjusts throttle response, transmission tuning, and steering feel. It also works with the Active Sound Enhancement system available on certain models. A new-for-2016 Maxima SR model adds unique suspension tuning, larger front stabilizer bar, Performance Chassis Damper, paddle shifters, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Features and Trims
The 2016 Nissan Maxima is available only as a four-door, five-seat full-size sedan, with five trim levels starting at $32,410.**
The Maxima sits at the top of the Nissan sedan lineup, so even the base S model comes with an impressive array of standard equipment, including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, navigation with voice control, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, power front seats, and more.
One step up from the Maxima S is the Maxima SV, which includes all of the base models’ standard features (where applicable), and adds a leather interior, heated front seats with driver power lumbar support, dual-panel panoramic moonroof, and a Bose premium audio system.
Next up is the performance-oriented Maxima SR, which gets the aforementioned go-fast goodies as well as Premium Ascot Leather seats and steering wheel with Alcantara inserts, climate-controlled (heated and cooled) front seats, “Liquid Chrome” faceted trim, aluminum sport pedals, and more.
Moving on from performance to luxury, the Maxima Platinum sits at the top of the lineup with added standard features like a power tilt/telescoping steering column, driver memory system for the seat, steering wheel, and outside mirrors, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and rain-sensing wipers.
Exterior/Interior
The 2016 Nissan Maxima debuted last year as the Sport Sedan Concept, and made the transition to production virtually unchanged. It brings some dynamism to the Nissan lineup with the brand’s new corporate face, consisting of the “V-form” grille and stiletto-like headlights. A “floating” roof gives the car a profile unlike anything else on the road, while at the back stylized taillights with LED signatures complete the package.
Nissan also went to great lengths to create an interior that is both sporty and upscale. There’s stitching on the instrument panel, doors, and center console and available ambient lighting, but also a flat-bottomed steering wheel and comfortable seats with plenty of side bolstering.
The driver displays offer a nice mix of sportiness and tech. The Maxima still has easy-to-read analog gauges, but there’s also a 7.0-inch display screen mounted between them, and an 8.0-inch center-stack display for the navigation system.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Nissan Maxima includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and a full array of airbags.
Optional features include Intelligent Cruise Control, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, AroundView Monitor with Moving Object Detection, and Driver Attention Alert, which monitors the driver’s level of attention and provides warnings if necessary.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Nissan Maxima is a modern sports sedan with great looks and impressive moves. It blends all the thrills of a sports car while maintaining all the elements that make a four-door sedan so functional for everyday driving.
Be sure to contact us online or visit us at 3Birds Template to schedule a test drive.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
Image: Nissan
