2016 Nissan Maxima review

1. Sleek, eye-catching styling

Fully redesigned for this model year, the 2016 Nissan Maxima is a sports sedan billed as a four-door sports car. One look should be enough to convince you that those claims have some weight to them. From the aggressively styled and sleek front end and the big wide wheel arches to the swooping side scallops and fastback coupe rear decklid, the 2016 Nissan Maxima is certainly a car that warrants a second look if you pass one on the street.

2. Performance to match the looks

Not only is the 2016 Nissan Maxima an exciting-looking car, but it has the performance chops to match. All 2016 Nissan Maxima models are powered by a 3.5L V6 engine, with 300 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable automatic transmission puts that power down via the front wheels and provides more than enough power to really shift when you put your foot down. If you want to maximize the sporty credentials of the 2016 Nissan Maxima though, look no further than the SR model, which offers sports-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels.

3. Feature-rich selection of trims available

Speaking of trims, there's a total of five to choose from across the 2016 Nissan Maxima range, and all of them include a stacked selection of features. The base S model sets the tone, offering such amenities as 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen display, power front seats, and an eight-speaker sound system all as standard. At the other end of the scale, the premium Platinum trim includes a power-adjustable steering wheel, automatic wipers, a 360-degree parking camera system, and LED headlights. No matter which 2016 Nissan Maxima trim you choose, you'll be getting a very well-equipped midsize sports sedan.

4. Comfortable, premium interior

Those aggressive looks and powerful engine might have you thinking that the 2016 Nissan Maxima sacrifices comfort and luxury for performance thrills. Happily, that isn't the case at all. There's seating for five passengers inside, and 45 inches of front legroom and 32 inches of rear legroom allow everyone to stretch out inside. Dual-zone automatic climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are standard on all 2016 Maxima models, with the SV trim adding leather upholstery and heated front seats. SL trims have a panoramic sunroof and ambient interior lighting. All of this means the 2016 Nissan Maxima is a car you and your passengers will love traveling in, no matter how long the journey is.

5. Driver convenience technologies at your fingertips

To help you relax behind the wheel, the 2016 Nissan Maxima offers a selection of driver convenience features for further peace of mind. SL trims upwards offer blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Up on the Platinum trim, you also get a driver-drowsiness monitor, and a 360-degree parking camera system with a moving object detection system to warn you of any moving objects in close proximity to your vehicle.