Nissan’s flagship is the self-proclaimed 4 door sports car we all know well.
And over the years, we’ve witnessed its maturity and yes, the loss of its manual transmission.
But this all-new 2016 Maxima brings a rejuvenated level of sportiness and refinement to a car
with a rich pedigree.Created by driving enthusiasts for driving enthusiasts, the dramatically
styled 2016 Nissan Maxima looks like nothing else on the road today – and drives like
nothing in the segment.
The all-new Nissan flagship not only resets Maxima’s iconic “4-Door Sports Car”
positioning, it sets a new standard for style, performance and technology in the large sedan
segment.At first I couldn’t find it.
But there it was, etched into the tail lamp.
The iconic 4DSC moniker has moved off the window but remains.
What began as a rear-drive Datsun subcompact and small wagon imported from Japan during
its first generation in the early 80s has blossomed into this front-drive large midsize
sedan built in Tennessee with sport luxury aspirations.
Now in its 8th iteration, this Maxima sees an infusion of Murano design, a horsepower
increase to an even 300, and a new interior which is the best Nissan has ever delivered.What
hasn’t changed, at least fundamentally, is the engine and transmission.
No surprise here, Nissan uses their VQ-series V6 engine, found in no fewer than 8 of their
models, sized at 3.5-liters but utilizing 60% new parts facilitating more horsepower
and improved mileage.
Rated at 22mpg city/30mpg highway and 25mpg combined on recommended premium, this 2016
Maxima sees a 14% mileage improvement while growing over 2” in length and gaining about
20 lbs in this new range-topping Platinum trim.
The continuously variable transmission, which Nissan calls Xtronic, has all-new shift logic
which can hold the engine’s RPMs when it detects spirited driving.
It has manual shifting at the gate but no paddle shifters and is paired with a Drive
Mode Selector.
Maximum torque output of 261 pound-feet at 4,400 RPM remains unchanged.
In Sport mode, the high-res 7” cluster display offers a power meter, there are adjustments
to the throttle response, transmission tuning and steering feel and Active Sound Enhancement
kicks in amplifying the engine note inside the cabin.
Though the SR trim is designated for the most performance-oriented Maxima shopper, this
luxurious Platinum model balances a forgiving ride quality with decent front-drive dynamics.
Even with over 60% of its weight over the front, the Maxima is up for bouts of rambunctiousness
mostly resisting torque steer and understeer tendencies that could present themselves in
a powerful car of this setup.
These new Continental grand touring tires, sized at a modest 18”, seem nosier than
I would expect but provide the mix of softness and grip a car like this deserves.
It’s certainly quick enough with a 0-to-60mph time of 6 seconds but this Maxima is far better
at its relaxed duties than its athletic endeavors.The Maxima Platinum tries to walk the line between
luxury and sports car and does a pretty commendable job.
It has the nicest interior I’ve ever seen in a Nissan with zero gravity seats that are
spot on for my back.
I can’t believe there’s no height adjustment for the passenger seat so Lara hates that
because it sits ridiculously low and unless she’s sitting on the middle hump Maddie
can’t see out the windows.
For me, the cabin is too noisy at highway speeds, I don’t love the CVT and the steering
while direct has an artificial flavor.
But all that being said, if you’re looking for a sporty premium sedan with killer looks
and a spunky nature, the Maxima is certainly worth a look.More than any other aspect, it’s
in here where the Maxima shows its biggest gains.
Nissan has swung and missed enough times at interior design and quality but this Maxima
Platinum makes a strong case to support its $40,905 MSRP.
As the driver, I always felt supremely comfortable underpinned by just-right ergonomics.
Quilted seats, the argyle pattern on the wood trim, the dual panoramic moonroof, a wonderfully
rich 11-speaker Bose sound system and the vastly improved NissanConnect system fuse
to form a cabin that makes you feel welcome and at ease.
Even for taller folks, the rear seats provide substantial quarters, and the 14 cubic foot
trunk, unchanged in its size, has levers to unlock the rear seats.
It’s also chock full of safety tech with a Mercedes-like Driver Attention Alert sensor
that can detect drowsy or inattentive driving and tell you to take break.
The Surround View Monitor with moving object detection continues to be one of my favorite
Nissan features.
The base Maxima S starts at $33,235 followed by SV, SL, SR and Platinum trims, all stocked
as is with no options.
Love the styling and praise the upgraded interior, but I never really connected with this car
in a way that makes me want one.
It might make more sense to take this car further into the luxury realm and leave the
4DSC days in the past.