The complete overhaul of the 2016 Nissan Maxima brings a bold and sporty new look to a previously bland design. The Maxima has always been quite similar in looks to the Nissan Altima, but with this new redesign the 2016 Maxima stands alone as a completely different vehicle. A host of new technology features accompany the luxury, power and space delivered by the stylish new 2016 Nissan Maxima.
ENGINE & DRIVE
The Maxima has never been lacking in the power department and the 2016 Nissan Maxima is no different! The full sized sedan comes equipped with a 3.5L six cylinder engine tuned for 300hp which creates powerful accelerations and easy overtaking. Pairing the engine to a continuously variable transmission makes accelerations smooth and precise throughout the power spectrum while improving fuel consumption.
Take things one step further and put the Maxima into sport mode for an adrenaline filled experience. Sport mode keeps the engine revving high so immense power is always instantly at hand. Be careful driving in this mode!
Thankfully, the precision handling will help to guide you back to smooth and relaxed cruising speeds. The solid, planted drive will reassure passengers through the bumps and turns, while the quiet cabin makes for a relaxed atmosphere.
Of course with a 300hp vehicle, the fuel economy will start to suffer. However for a vehicle the size of the 2016 Nissan Maxima, I was pleasantly surprised by the results. With posted figures of 7.8 L/100km on highway and 10.9 L/100km in the city, our combined city and highway test drive of 250km yielded an impressive 9.7 L/100km consumption, and that was with a fair bit of spirited driving!
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR
The full redesign of the 2016 Nissan Maxima’s exterior has taken similar cues from the 2015 Nissan Murano redesign with bold lines, a sporty and aggressive stance and an overall powerful and unique appearance. The dual exhaust, chiseled lines, black and chrome highlights and sleek curves all combine to push the boundaries of exterior design in the automotive industry.
The bright and comfortable interior of the 2016 Maxima is enhanced by the dual panoramic moonroof, the efficient driver oriented dash, the functional storage spaces and the high quality materials used throughout the cabin. The sporty elegance of the interior is emphasized with dual stitching all over the seating and door surfaces, the dash and the center console, giving the rich appearance of being surrounded by leather!
The giant 8” touch screen controls most features and helps to keep the dash uncluttered by minimizing the number of buttons and dials. A second 7” display located behind the wheel by the gauges provides useful driving data and other driving information always within easy view.
For the exterior size of the car, I expected a bit more rear legroom and trunk cargo space but I was happy that the interior space was used quite efficiently.
The bold exterior of the 2016 Nissan Maxima will win you over at first glance, but over time you will appreciate the attention to detail and the simple little things that make driving the 2016 Nissan Maxima that much more pleasurable. Two prime examples are the D-shaped steering wheel to provide that little bit of extra legroom underneath and the driver oriented dash which is slightly angled towards the driver putting the useful buttons and dials easily within reach.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
The 2016 Nissan Maxima’s connectivity technology has reached a whole new level. Although I would keep it all to myself and not let the kids drive it, the 2016 Maxima offers intuitive parental control functions such as sending alerts via text or email if a certain speed is exceeded or if driven outside of certain hours or outside of a certain area. Also, using your computer or smart phone you can remotely lock or unlock the car to prevent forgetful mistakes and you can remotely start the engine and control the thermostat to make things comfortable in extreme weather.
Safety technology also sees some firsts in the 2016 Nissan Maxima, which offers a Predictive Forward Collision Warning system which not only monitors the vehicle in front of you but also the vehicle in front of that to give you even more time to react to sudden and unexpected movements. The 2016 Maxima also includes the Forward Emergency Braking which not only alerts the driver to reduce speed or brake depending on current speed and proximity to vehicle ahead, but it goes one step further by reducing the impact speed by engaging the brakes when it calculates that a frontal collision is unavoidable. Equipping your 2016 Maxima with this feature vaults it into the IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus category.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Just like the original Nissan Murano’s styling was ahead of its time, the 2016 Nissan Maxima also pushes the boundaries of exterior design towards a bolder, sleeker, sportier future. I find it to be the best looking full size sedan currently on the market. Add the premium luxury interior which is included without the associated price tag and you have a winning combination. Modestly priced starting at $35,900 it really is the full sized sports sedan to consider!
