2016 Nissan Maxima Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$32,510 to $39,960

Original MSRP

7
of 10

expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(28 reviews)
7
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
6/10
Technology
9/10
Performance
7/10
Safety
7/10
Form & function
8/10
Cost-effectiveness
5/10
2016 Nissan Maxima Test Drive Review summaryImage

If you don’t like the way the new Nissan Maxima looks, nothing about it will prove compelling enough to overrule your eyeballs.

At this point, calling the Nissan Maxima a 4-door sports car seems like an outright lie. A BMW 335i is 4-door sports car. The Maxima? Not so much. But if you like the way this car looks, you’re probably going to like everything else about it.
6/10

Raise your hand if you remember the Pontiac Grand Prix. I’m not talking about the cool ones from the 1960s and early '70s. I’m talking about the sedans on sale from the late 1980s until Pontiac was euthanized as a part of the guv’mint bailout of General Motors, the ones that relied primarily upon Rubbermaid body kits in order to generate excitement.

Conceptually, the redesigned 2016 Nissan Maxima reminds me of those versions of the Grand Prix.

Dynamically, the new Max is vastly better than any Grand Prix of the past four decades. Plus, the interior is terrific. But this still isn’t a 4-door sports car, no matter what Nissan tells you.

With the arrival of a new Maxima, five versions are on sale, each equipped with specific features and offered with few extra-cost upgrades. Prices start at $33,235 for the Maxima S and top out at $43,660 for a Maxima Platinum with every factory-installed option. My test vehicle for the week was the Maxima SL, the mid-grade model, painted Storm Blue and featuring a Charcoal leather interior. Including its floor and trunk mat set, the price came to $37,935.

In addition to the standard equipment for the Maxima SV—leather, heated front seats and side mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, an 8-way power driver’s seat with thigh support extension—the Maxima SL adds a number of safety technologies to the car. They include predictive forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

Additionally, SL models include a dual-panel sunroof, a premium audio system, active noise cancellation and active sound enhancement, ambient cabin lighting, and a heated steering wheel. Note, too, that nearly all Maxima models are equipped with the same 18-inch aluminum wheels and exterior design details as my test vehicle, the exception being the sportier Maxima SR model.

The Maxima SR is the closest thing to a 4-door sports car in the lineup and is priced from $38,495. It includes Maxima SL equipment, but ditches the panoramic sunroof to incrementally lower the car’s weight and center of gravity. Paddle shifters, a sport suspension, a front performance chassis damper, 19-inch wheels with lower profile tires, and an Integrated Dynamics Module (IDM) with Active Ride Control, Active Trace Control, and Active Engine Brake are exclusive to the Maxima SR.

If you like the way the new Nissan Maxima looks, you’re probably going to like everything else about the car, enough so that you’ll park one in your driveway. If you don’t like the way the new Nissan Maxima looks, nothing about it will prove compelling enough to overrule your eyeballs.

Nissan hopes you like what you see, because the company’s so-called “V-Motion” design cues are making their way across the company’s entire lineup of cars and crossovers. While the Maxima might ultimately represent an extreme manifestation of the company’s design direction, you should prepare yourself for a multitude of Nissans wearing a similar grille treatment, boomerang-shaped lighting elements, floating roof appearance, and unconventional styling details.

While I’m not quite in agreement with where Nissan is heading as far as exterior styling is concerned, I love what they’ve done with the Maxima’s interior. The automaker says the car’s dashboard is modeled after those of fighter jets, with the center control panel angled 7 degrees toward the driver. My SL test car had metallic accent trim with a diamond-faceted surface, and it looked terrific.

Additionally, for the most part, the interior materials match expectations set by the car’s price tag. Much of the switchgear exhibits a sense of heft and quality, and consistent surface detailing conveys a level of sophistication entirely appropriate for a vehicle positioned as a premium model.

Christian Wardlaw
Published May 25, 2021 by Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw has 25 years of experience reviewing cars and has served in editorial leadership roles with Edmunds, J.D. Power, the New York Daily News, Autobytel, and Vehix. Chris prefers to focus on the cars people actually buy rather than the cars about which people dream, and emphasizes the importance of fuel economy and safety as much as how much fun a car is to drive. Chris is married to an automotive journalist, is the father of four daughters, and lives in Southern California.

User reviews for 2016 Nissan Maxima

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User rating:
by Alexandria R
Jan 18, 2025
I like this car, definitely a family car because it has a big body. Jan 18, 2025
by Todd M
Jan 11, 2025
Great car for my son. Loaded with lots of extras. Drives great and looks great. Jan 11, 2025
by Von C
Jul 16, 2024
Always was a fan of Maxima and Altima... The only thing missing is a CD player cuz Im ol school I still gotta lot of CDs that I play.... The features was eye catching..Jul 16, 2024

2016 Nissan Maxima Pricing

Original MSRP
$32,510 to $39,960
Price range
$12,423 to $13,176
Average price on CG
$12,431
YoY price change
$13,084 to $12,431

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brake width: .63 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 5.25

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Travel Link · Infotainment: NissanConnect · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.3

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brake width: .63 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 5.25

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: NissanConnect · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.3

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brake width: .63 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 5.25

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Travel Link · Infotainment: NissanConnect · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.3

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brake width: .63 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 5.25

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: NissanConnect · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.3

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brake width: .63 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with pass-thru · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: sunglasses holder · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 5.25

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Travel Link · Infotainment: NissanConnect · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low washer fluid

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.3

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (5)