The eighth-generation Nissan Maxima->ke540 comes 40 years after the name was launched as a trim level for the 1976 Bluebird. It was first unveiled to the public during a surprise impression during Nissan’s 2015 Super Bowl ad, which was then followed by a couple of pictures to hold us off until it officially debuted at the New York Auto Show->ke226. In short, it was a revolutionary design that brought more sports DNA to the car than was had in all the previous generations combined. Outside, the car a very sculpted body profile, a longer and wider footprint, and a very bold front end. The inside, just like the outside, was heavily inspired by Nissan’s Sport Sedan->ke142 Concept. The center console is crowded but functional, and the two-tone coloration of the interior is more than inviting. The large infotainment screen in the center stack is angled toward the driver, and the overall feel is comparable to that of more expensive full-size sedans on the market.

After a total of 24 years and six redesigns, the Maxima is finally the car it was always meant to be. It’s got the room for hauling the family around and the looks to make just about any man who is stuck driving a sedan happy. On top of the new looks, that revised 3.5-liter V-6 under the hood packs a decent 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, which isn’t bad for a car that starts out below $32,500. Of course, it does have some strong competition from models like the Chevy Impala->ke1792 and the Toyota Avalon->ke350, so it should come as no surprise that Nissan->ke62 went the extra mile to bring us something truly magnificent.

The funny thing is, over all the generations, the Maxima has progressively gotten better. If you position a picture of each generation in order from oldest to newest, it shows an evolution similar to that shown in evolutionary charts derived from Darwin’s theory of evolution. It’s a good thing, so check out our full review on the all-new Maxima before it evolves into something else.

Updated 6/10/2016: Nissan has announced pricing and a couple of new personalization packages for 2017. Check out the Exterior, Interior, and Pricing sections below for all the details.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Nissan Maxima.

2016 - 2017 Nissan Maxima

Specifications

• Make: Array
• Model: 2016 - 2017 Nissan Maxima
• Engine/Motor: V6
• Horsepower: 300 @ 6400
• Torque: 261 @ 4400

Pros

Cons

Exterior

Essentially a slightly toned-down Sport Sedan Concept, the new Maxima is stunning to look at. The sedan is 1.3 inches lower and 2.2 inches longer than the previous generation, projecting a distinctive upscale look through its lower profile and wide stance. The sporty appearance is aided by the sculpted and streamlined body lines, and the bold front end that borrows nearly every cue from the Sport Sedan Concept. The boomerang-style headlamps with standard LED DRLs flank a massive V-shaped grille which extends deep into the bumper. The three-piece, horizontal foglamps further enhance the sedan's wide footprint. The concept's creased hood has been replaced by a smoother piece, but that's far from upsetting as it adds a touch of elegance to the sporty front fascia.

The Sport Sedan Concept's styling adorns the rear as well, including the taillights with boomerang-style LED signature and the chrome strip on the trunk lid. Even the bumper is nearly identical, with only the exhaust outlets sporting a more conventional shape. The black diffuser-like piece is also gone, replaced by a less aggressive, body-colored insert.

The profile is what makes the Maxima stand out in the full-size segment. The blacked-out pillars create a wraparound canopy appearance, which is enhanced by the Dual Panel panoramic moonroof, while the sloping rear glass gives it a coupe-like shape. The muscular fenders and the deeply scalloped doors exude strength and effervescence.

This gorgeous design can be had in nine exterior colors, including the Deep Blue Pearl shown here and the Maxima-exclusive Forged Bronze and Coulis Red.

Changes for 2017

The new personalization packages for the Maxima bring a lot more to the exterior than they do to the interior. As a reminder, the Midnight Edition, which is a carryover from last year, includes a sport spoiler, rear diffuser, and 19-inch gloss black aluminum-alloy wheels with center caps. The new Medallion Package includes a premium spoiler, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and exterior ground lighting. The new Dynamic Package brings a premium spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, and new side rocker molding.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

The interior of the new Maxima also takes its cues from the Sport Sedan Concept. Both the dashboard and the instrument cluster are identical to the study's, but come with production features such as larger HVAC vents and additional buttons and knobs on the center stack. The center console is also a lot more crowded, featuring more knobs, a stop-start button, a slightly different gear shifter and a pair of cup holders. But despite the clutter, the Maxima's interior looks sharp and more premium than a Nissan badge might suggest.

The center stack is angled seven degrees toward the driver, a feature Nissan says it borrowed from the GT-R supercar, while the floating console sits higher than in the previous Maxima. The console also features luxurious padding on the sides, with contrast stitching, which is also present on the instrument panel and the door panels.

Nissan's innovative Zero Gravity front seats with side bolsters come standard, and are eight- and four-way power-adjustable for the driver and the passenger, respectively. A new three-layer foam design provides increased softness. The seats are wrapped in premium cloth in the based models, but higher trims offer either leather or premium Ascot leather seating surfaces. The flat-bottom steering wheel features perforated leather inserts, while Alcantara is available as an option for certain surfaces around the cabin.

Maxima’s new in-car technology now includes NissanConnect with standard navigation on all trim levels, and an 8-inch color display with smartphone-like gestures. There's also a Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant for Android devices and Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio. The instrument cluster is equipped with a 7-inch split-display that shows navigation routing, digital speed, and actual engine output.

Nissan claims the Maxima brings luxury-level interior quietness to this segment by using laminated glass for the windshield and front door windows, and a new active noise-cancellation system that helps reduce unpleasant low-frequency sounds. The noise-cancellation system, unfortunately, is only available with the optional Bose audio system.

Naturally, the number of standard features differ from one trim level to another. The new Maxima can be had in five version. The Maxima S sits at the bottom of the lineup, while the SV, SL, and SR lead up to the range-topping Platinum grade. This model includes a standard moonroof, power tilt and telescoping steering column, premium Ascot leather-appointed seats with diamond-quilted leather inserts, premium Ascot leather-wrapped steering wheel, Around View Monitor, driver-side memory seat, and mahogany wood-tone faceted finishers, among many others.

Changes for 2017

For 2017, the Nissan Maxima carries on practically unchanged inside, but Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity will now come standard for all trim levels. Furthermore, the Maxima is now available with two new personalization packages. For the interior, the new Medallion package adds illuminated kick plates and interior accent lighting to the cabin of the Maxima, while the new Dynamic package brings just illuminated kick plates.

Changes for 2017

Drivetrain

Hiding behind the Maxima's aggressive new front fascia is a completely revised 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to a performance-oriented Xtronic transmission. Using 60 percent new parts compared to the previous V-6, the revised engine cranks out 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. That's only 10 horses more and no torque improvement over the previous model, but the real highlight here is fuel economy, which has increased by 15 percent, according to Nissan estimates, to 30 mpg highway and 22 mpg city. The previous model returned 26 mpg highway and 19 mpg city.

Compared to its main competitors, the new Maxim is significantly more powerful than the 268-horsepower Toyota Avalon, while lacking only three horses compared to the Chevy Impala. Acceleration of 0 to 60 mph isn't yet available, but the sprint should come in the low 6-second range, making it significantly faster than both the Toyota and the Chevy. And that's a must given that Nissan promotes the Maxima as a sports sedan. As far as fuel economy goes, the new Maxima should best the Impala, but fall short of the Avalon by one mpg in highway conditions.

The revised transmission features a wider gear ratio range, which allows for stronger acceleration from a standing start and quicker shifts at high throttle openings. An all-new shift logic holds rpm when it detects high-G cornering, allowing for seamless re-acceleration on corner exit. Granted, Nissan did everything possible to make the Maxima sportier without ruining its full-size family car appeal.

Unfortunately, Nissan still won't offer an all-wheel-drive system for this FWD sedan. That's a shame!

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

Pricing for the base Maxima increased only slightly with the extensive updates, now coming in at $32,410 versus $31,290 for the previous model. The SV trim, on the other hand, is 10 bucks cheaper than its predecessor, at $34,380. The newly introduced SL and SR grades start from $36,890 and $37,670, respectively, while the range-topping Platinum model fetches $39,860.

Interestingly enough, Nissan says there are no options available for the Maxima. Instead, six factory installed accessories can be ordered, including splash guards, illuminated door sills, premium spoiler, sport spoiler (SR only), 19-inch tires with full-size aluminum-alloy wheel spare (SR only), and unique 18-inch alloy wheels.

2017 Pricing

For 2017, Nissan saw fit to increase the pricing of its sports sedan just a little bit. The entry-level S trim level will now set you back $32,560. The SV comes in at $34,540; the SL commands $37,040, the SR demands $37,820, and the range-topping Platinum will hit the bank for $39,990. Overall, the increase in price is minor with the bottom four trim levels increasing by only $150 and the range-topping Platinum being increased in price by just $130. Nissan has yet to release pricing for the new personalization packages, but the new Medallion Package is available on the Maxima Platinum, the Dynamic Package is available on the Maxima SV, and the existing Midnight Edition is available on the Maxima SR. I wouldn’t expect either of the new packages to cost more than $1,000 before taxes.

2016 Pricing

2017 Pricing

Competition

Toyota Avalon

The Toyota Avalon takes a more reserved approach to the full size, entry-level luxury sedan segment. Even with its updated styling, the Avalon skips the “sport” and aims more for comfort. Despite this, the Avalon and Maxima are somewhat similar. Like the Nissan, the Toyota comes powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 turning the front wheels. In Toyota’s case, a six-speed automatic does the shifting and horsepower is rated at 268, while torque is listed at 248 pound-feet.

The Avalon comes with its fair share of swanky gadgets and technology, including Toyota’s Entune infotainment system, available radar cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Pricing for the Avalon squares up evenly with the Maxima, starting $31,340. Adding options to a top-trim model results in an MSRP of more than $42,000. Find out more about the Avalon in our detailed review here.

Chevrolet Impala

The Chevrolet Impala is another option in the game of entry-level luxury. Though its base trim models come with four-cylinder engines and cloth seats, the middle and upper trim levels come equipped with a 303-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6. Front-wheel drive is the only option and power is delivered through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Like the Avalon, the Impala aims more towards the classy and luxurious side of things verses the sport-luxury segment. Still, the Impala holds its own against the Maxima. Technology wise, it includes Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system and the available built-in 4G LTW Wi-Fi hotspot.

Pricing for the Impala starts at $27,535, but the more comparable V-6 models start at $30,760. Fully loaded, an Impala can break the $40,000 mark. Read our full review here.

Conclusion

Although the full-size segment doesn't lack stylish sedans, none of them are as gorgeous as the 2016 Maxima. And it's not just beautiful to look at. Its design is unique, daring, and sportier than anything else you can buy in this segment in 2015. Compared to the Maxima, the Toyota Avalon is a brick on wheels. The Maxima's interior is another strong point, as it introduces a range of premium features otherwise not available on entry-level vehicles. It's like the Maxima was built by a new brand created to bridge the gap between Nissan and Infiniti. Nissan is obviously going up the premium ladder, and that's excellent news for buyers in need of a family sedan that's lavish without commanding Audi A8 or BMW 7 Series stickers.

On the other hand, the new drivetrain is not as impressive as the car's exterior design and cabin, but I don't see it as an issue. And that's because the Maxima is still a full-size sedan and not a sports car. As far as I'm concerned, 300 horsepower is more than enough, and the fact that fuel economy is better makes the package that much sweeter. What doesn't make the Maxima perfect is the lack of all-wheel-drive. Every FWD large sedan should have that option if you ask me. Hopefully, Nissan will add an AWD system with the next facelift.

"With Dad" Super Bowl Commercial

Update History

Updated 04/02/2015: The new generation Nissan Maxima made its world debut at the 2015 New York Auto Show and will be put on sale later this summer at a starting price of $32,410.