The 2016 Nissan Maxima: Where Concept Meets Reality

From Show Car to Showroom: The Maxima's Design Evolution

When Nissan unveiled its Sport Sedan Concept, automotive enthusiasts wondered how much of its radical styling would survive production. The 2016 Nissan Maxima answered definitively by retaining approximately 80% of the concept's design elements - an unusually high percentage in the automotive world.

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The production Maxima emerged as a stunning interpretation of Nissan's "emotional geometry" design philosophy. Key concept-inspired elements include:

• Floating roof design created by blacked-out pillars
• V-Motion grille that became a Nissan signature
• Boomerang-shaped headlights and taillights
• Aggressive character lines with muscular rear haunches

Dimensional Changes: Lower, Longer, Leaner

The 2016 Maxima represented a significant dimensional departure from its predecessor. Compared to the 2014 model, the new generation featured:

• 1.6-inch lower overall height (56.5" vs. 58.1")
• 1.9-inch longer wheelbase (109.3" vs. 107.4")
• 2.2-inch increase in overall length (192.8" vs. 190.6")
• 0.5-inch wider track (front and rear)

These changes resulted in a more planted, athletic stance while maintaining comfortable interior space. The lower center of gravity particularly enhanced handling dynamics.

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Engineering the Sport Sedan Promise

Nissan didn't stop at cosmetic changes. The 2016 Maxima received substantial mechanical upgrades to justify its "4-Door Sports Car" marketing claim:

Powertrain Enhancements

The familiar 3.5L VQ-series V6 received meaningful upgrades:

• 300 horsepower (20 hp increase over 2014)
• 261 lb-ft torque (11 lb-ft increase)
• Xtronic CVT with manual shift mode and D-Step Logic
• Improved fuel economy (22/30 mpg city/hwy)

Chassis and Suspension

To match its sporty appearance, Nissan upgraded the Maxima's underpinnings:

• Revised front strut/rear multi-link suspension
• Active Ride Control for improved bump absorption
• Standard Active Sound Enhancement (selective cabin audio)
• Available sport-tuned suspension (SR trim)
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Interior: Concept Car Luxury Meets Production Reality

The Sport Sedan Concept's cockpit-inspired interior translated remarkably well to production. Highlights included:

Driver-Focused Design

• NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats (standard)
• Asymmetrical dashboard angled toward the driver
• Flat-bottom steering wheel (SR trim)
• Aluminum sport pedals

Premium Materials and Technology

• Available quilted semi-aniline leather
• 8-inch touchscreen display with NissanConnect
• 11-speaker Bose audio system
• Dual panel moonroof option

Critical Reception and Market Impact

The 2016 Maxima received widespread praise for its daring design and improved driving dynamics:

• "The most dramatic Maxima ever" - Automobile Magazine
• "Proves sedans can still excite" - Car and Driver
• "Finally delivers on the 4DSC promise" - Motor Trend

In the marketplace, the design gamble paid off. Nissan reported:

• 32% increase in first-year sales versus 2014 model
• Higher ATP (average transaction price)
• Younger buyer demographic attracted by sporty styling
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Legacy and Lasting Influence

The 2016 Maxima's success influenced Nissan's design direction in several ways:

Design Language Propagation

The V-Motion grille and floating roof design elements spread across Nissan's lineup:

• 2017 Nissan Altima refresh
• 2018 Nissan Kicks
• 2019 Nissan Sentra redesign

Performance Credentials

The Maxima's sporty positioning paved the way for:

• Nissan NISMO street performance variants
• More aggressive tuning of mainstream models
• Continued emphasis on driver engagement

Comparing the Concept to Production Reality

While remarkably faithful, some concept elements didn't make production:

These compromises reflect real-world production constraints while maintaining the concept's essence.

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Ownership Experience: What Drivers Say

After several years on the road, the 2016 Maxima has established these ownership patterns:

Pros

• Standout styling that still turns heads
• Comfortable highway cruiser with premium feel
• Reliable powertrain (VQ engine proven over decades)
• Good resale value for a full-size sedan

Cons

• CVT transmission polarizes driving enthusiasts
• Rear headroom compromised by sloping roofline
• Fuel economy lags some turbocharged competitors

2016 Maxima vs. Key Competitors

How Nissan's flagship sedan stacked up against segment rivals:

Performance Comparison

The Maxima offered compelling performance value in its class.

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Buying Considerations in 2024

For shoppers considering a used 2016 Maxima today:

What to Look For

• Transmission health - CVT fluid changes critical
• Trim level differences - SR vs. Platinum packages
• Technology features - Verify navigation/Safety Shield options
• Maintenance records - Particularly for higher-mileage examples

Current Market Value

According to MotorVero's valuation data:

• Clean title examples: $15,000-$22,000
• Mileage sweet spot: 45,000-75,000 miles
• Most desirable trim: SR with sport package

The Maxima's Place in Nissan History

The 2016 model marked a turning point for Nissan's flagship sedan:

• Eighth generation of the long-running nameplate
• First Maxima developed under Renault-Nissan Alliance
• Last V6-powered Maxima before downsizing trend
• Design bridge between conservative past and bold future
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Today, the 2016 Maxima represents an appealing used car proposition - a stylish, well-equipped sedan with Nissan's proven V6 power and more distinctive styling than most competitors from the era.