Flash Drive

2016 Nissan Maxima

June 15, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 Nissan Maxima SR

The 2016 Nissan Maxima is a great road car that's ideal for touring.
The 2016 Nissan Maxima is a great road car that’s ideal for touring.

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 300 horsepower, 261 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 22/city, 30 highway, 25 combined

Base Price: $37,670

As Tested: $38,750

Performance:

First class engine

Good acceleration especially in Sport mode

Smooth, comfortable highway ride

Strong fuel economy; our best was 30 mpg

Driver and front passenger comfort are prime features of the 2016 Nissan Maxima SR.
Driver and front passenger comfort are prime features of the 2016 Nissan Maxima SR.

Four-wheel disc brakes

Large, dual exhaust tips

Normal and Sport engine/transmission modes

Standard blind spot monitoring

Excellent safety features

Front and rear parking sensors

Comfort:

Super stretch-out front passenger legroom

Very good headroom

Slick, contoured, heated steering wheel

Flat bottom to steering wheel

The thick, contoured, flat bottom, multi-function steering wheel is one of the best on any contemporary car.
The thick, contoured, flat bottom, multi-function steering wheel is one of the best on any contemporary car.

Large paddle shifters

Good auxiliary controls

Tilt/telescopic column

Heated and ventilated front seats

Supportive seats; driver power lumbar

Soft headrests

Driver adjustable thigh support

Handsome, stylish interior

Good backseat room if front seats are up a little

Just enough adult rear headroom

Low rear floor hump

Wide, soft armrest with two cup holders

Utility:

Big trunk

Oversized hinges, but covered

Rear seat room and comfort are ample. The upholstery pattern is distinctive.
Rear seat room and comfort are ample. The upholstery pattern is distinctive.

High lift-over

Flat trunk floor

Split folding rear seats

Significant slope to folded seats

Deep, locking glovebox, but hard to reach back of it

Medium to small front door bins

Oversize navigation/infotainment screen

Digital and analog speedometer

Medium rear door bins

Two seatback pouches

Wow Factors:

Very slick, comfortable steering wheel

Heated steering wheel

Great driver and passenger comfort features

The Maxima styling features crisp lines and bold elements.
The Maxima styling features crisp lines and bold elements.

Very handsome, classy interior

Whines:

Some torque steer under hard acceleration

Front-end styling too busy for our tastes

Balky fold down seat release on our tester

Bottom Line:

The 2016 Nissan Maxima SR is big on driver/passenger comfort both in terms of interior features and ride quality. It’s a great long distance touring sedan with ample luggage room. The front seats and a super slick steering wheel are interior highlights. The Maxima is surprisingly quick and gets excellent fuel economy.