2016 Nissan Maxima Review: Buy It, but Not Because You Want a 4DSC [Video]

2016 nissan maxima

The 2016 Nissan Maxima went under the knife and came out completely redesigned. Now it has a new look, improved drive quality and a dramatically reinvented style. Billed by Nissan as a four-door sports car, the Maxima has some lofty aspirations but really comes up short in the sports car department. That’s not to say the 2016 Maxima is all bad. If we look at it as a mature sedan that offers good value, has a solid history of reliability, and will transport everyone inside safely, then “yes” the Maxima excels quite well.

The Maxima’s 300 horsepower V6 has been re-engineered is good for 261 lb-ft of torque @ 4400 rpm. A new Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) is the only transmission available, but it has a manual shifting mode, wider gear ratios, and an all-new D-Step shift logic for a quick shifting, sporty driving experience. A 15 percent mpg improvement gives the new Maxima an EPA estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, for a combined 25 mpg.

The 2016 Maxima comes in five trim levels – starting from the entry-level S trim and topping out with the Platinum trim. There are no options except for choosing the exterior and interior color, plus some accessories. If you want more gear with your Maxima, simply choose the next trim level. All Maximas come nicely equipped and range from $32,410 at the bottom, and go up to $39,860.

Truth be told: the 2016 Nissan Maxima has a winning combination of technology, comfort and safety, making it a top pick among midsize sedans. Just don’t fall into Nissan’s marketing buzz about the Maxima being a four-door sedan.

Watch this video and Roman will explain where the 2016 Nissan Maxima really excels.

2016 Nissan Maxima Specs:

  • Engine: 3.5L DOHC V6
  • Power: 300 hp @ 6400 rpm
  • Torque: 261 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
  • Transmission: Xtronic w/manual shift mode, D-Step logic and sport tuning
  • Drive layout: front engine / front-wheel drive (FWD)
  • EPA estimated fuel economy (mpg): 22 city / 30 hwy / 25 combined
  • MSRP:
    • Maxima S, $32,410
    • Maxima SV, $34,390
    • Maxima SL, $36890
    • Maxima SR, $37,670
    • Maxima Platinum, $39,860