2016 Nissan Maxima Review: Performance, Design, and Features

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June 19,2016

4 min read

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Nissan Maxima features

2016 Nissan Maxima: A Comprehensive Review

Nissan Maxima 2016 Headlight

History of the Nissan Maxima

The first generation of the Nissan Maxima was produced in 1981, originally named the Datsun Maxima. Over the years, the Maxima has evolved through eight generations, undergoing significant mechanical and aesthetic changes. Today, the Maxima competes with models such as the Chevrolet Impala, Hyundai Azera, and Toyota Avalon.

Nissan e-NV200

Nissan is currently at the forefront of the automotive industry, with the Nissan e-NV200 being one of the dominant electric commercial vehicles in the market.

Main Features

Engine: 3.5 liters – 6 cylinders
Transmission: Xtronic CVT
Power: 300 horsepower / 354 Nm of torque
Top Speed: 220 km/h
Price: AED 108,000 – AED 146,000

Exterior Design

Nissan Maxima 2016 Front Exterior Design:

The Maxima showcases a sporty character, featuring sleek lines that flow across the entire body and a contemporary exterior design. The headlights have been reshaped and sculpted to give a more aggressive look compared to previous Maxima models. Nissan has done a commendable job in transforming the Maxima from an ordinary sedan into a sporty vehicle.

The wheels have also seen a size increase to 19 inches, adorned with diamond-shaped trims. The prominent Nissan emblem at the front seems to announce, "I am Nissan." In my opinion, this is the only drawback in the exterior design; otherwise, it looks fantastic.

Interior Design

Nissan Maxima 2016 Cabin

The interior design of the Maxima has also been updated, featuring dual sunroofs, luxurious seating, and an 8-inch infotainment system. The cabin is spacious with high-quality materials, as if each component was designed with care. However, one drawback is the lack of comfort in the rear middle seat; I’m not a large person, but the ceiling height in the back seat is quite low, which I found disappointing.

Comfort and Control

All controls, including the steering wheel and gear shift, are very comfortable and easy to use. The steering wheel is beautifully designed, making you feel connected to the car in a unique way. Great job! One point the Nissan team emphasized when introducing the Maxima was the slight 7-degree tilt of the infotainment system towards the driver for easier access. However, is just 7 degrees enough to make a significant impact? I believe it doesn’t contribute much, given the system is already easy and quick to use.

Safety

The Maxima is equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features, including sensors around the vehicle and a front emergency braking system. The car comes with seven airbags distributed throughout the cabin. It is also equipped with dynamic control systems, traction control, anti-lock braking system, and electronic brake force distribution, which all contribute to the car's stability in unstable conditions.

Additionally, the Maxima includes an automatic front emergency braking system that activates if the vehicle detects an imminent collision. This is a feature I found particularly useful. The blind spot monitoring system is equipped with lights on the door pillars that illuminate when a vehicle is detected in your blind spot, and if you attempt to change lanes, it provides an audio alert for caution.

Driving Experience

I believe the Maxima excels in its driving capabilities. What does it do well? It accelerates powerfully and maintains speed through curves while offering a comfortable ride. The new 3.5-liter V6 engine produces around 300 horsepower, which is quite substantial for a car, yet the Maxima utilizes this power effectively.

The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds and continues to build speed until it reaches its top speed of 220 km/h. During regular driving, the Maxima transitions from a hard sporty car to a luxurious vehicle that is pleasant to drive. With a comfortable interior, you can drive for hours without feeling discomfort.

Conclusion

I was impressed by the Maxima's powerful engine and comfortable cabin. While it may not be the best or most luxurious car, it offers a solid performance across the board. If you are in the market for a vehicle with similar specifications, I would say the Maxima is a fitting choice.