The 2016 Nissan Maxima SR is not your average sedan. It’s combination of sleek lines, normal and sport drive mode with a V6 engine (3.5-Liter DHOC 24-Valve) and sport-tuned suspension make it a sportier more fun version of the typical family sedan. Who doesn’t want a little more of that in their world?
Source: Nissan USA
First Impressions
I learned to drive on a Nissan Maxima but the white with gold rims and tinted windows 1989 version with its talking computer was vastly different in styling than the SR I drove for a week. The only thing these two cars had in common was the newly redesigned 2016 Maxima can still turn heads (It no longer looks so much like the more sedate Altima!) and the ‘Deep Pearl Blue’ color on mine mixed with its curving lines on the hood and sides certainly did that. The blue stitching on the suede-like interior was also a stylish touch.
Once behind the wheel the actual driving feel was similar to my old model in the tight but smooth turning capabilities and firm ride. The SR has a more firm ride than other Maxima models (S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum) due to its 19-inch wheels and sport-tuned suspension. The 2016 version still hums along at a deceptive speed. You are probably going faster than you think, just like my Maxima from days gone by. That’s one trait I hope never goes away.
Get In
On the inside the 8-inch display with Multi-Touch Control is easy to use. It’s a touchscreen that doesn’t feel far away, awkward or hard to see. You can use Voice Recognition for audio or navigation purposes. The SR comes with Sirius XM and Bluetooth as well as an 11-speaker Bose audio system. A rearview camera that clearly guides you is also included.
Source: Nissan USA
The steering wheel on the SR model is D-shaped offering a sportier feel. It’s wrapped in premium Ascot Leather and I found myself touching it continuously while driving. If you are a texture person, like me, then the Maxima SR gives you a lot of them, including the ‘Liquid Chrome’ faceted finishers which blended nicely with the diamond quilted Alcantara stitched seats. The inside of the Maxima is just as pretty as the outside.
While the backseat is shorter than other sedans in its class there is still enough room for two adults or three small children. I fit two in booster seats and one not. My kids loved the look and feel of this car as did any of their friends who encountered it. The back has a 60/40 split with fold down rear seats.
I had no issue storing items the week I had the Maxima SR. I easily fit all my groceries for a week for my family of five into the trunk (14.3 cubic-feet) plus an additional run around town that included picking up items at Ikea and Home Goods. I never felt like space was lacking in this vehicle.
In the End
Source: Victoria Mason
When my time was up with the Maxima SR I said good-bye to its fun new design and smile-inducing and sporty blue color. I’ll miss the Blind Spot Warning system, the sport mode with paddle shifters on the steering column, the premium interior textures and intuitive centerstack that this model possesses.
It is a nice alternative to the usual family sedan. It may not be sporty enough for everyone, but it has enough style and edge to satisfy many and it puts the name Maxima back on the list of sedans to watch. I think Nissan is back on track with it and it is worth taking a look at if you are in the market for a new family sedan.
The 2016 Nissan Maxima SR starts at $37,770 (30 highway/22 city mpg) with the review model priced at $38,750. Find more options at Nissanusa.com
*Disclosure: Opinions are 100% my own. No compensation was received for this review. Cars provided by Nissan USA through esi.
