Nissan Maxima SL
An SUV that doesn’t resemble a jacked-up wagon.
In a counter-move against crossovers, Nissan has built an all-new version of its Four-Door Sport Sedan, the Maxima.
Nissan’s goal was to create an SUV that didn’t resemble a jacked-up wagon. The Maxima SL boldly succeeds with striking style comprised of great stance, good proportions and incredibly complex folds in form.
Inside, this is Nissan’s best cockpit in many years, comprised of high quality, intriguing materials such as the origami-fold accent trim, cosseting seats and a great driving position. Equipment, even on this midline SL, is generous, and most of it adds to the experience.
This is no sports sedan. It’s a luxurious, powerful car in the classic idiom. The Maxima rides well despite its big feet and punches hard, with the lightly revised, old-school VQ-series 300hp engine propelling the big Nissan to 60 mph in 6 seconds. Hooked to perhaps the best continuously variable transmission yet (it mimics conventional shifts, which should tell us something about these silly devices) it is also refined and sonorous.
What the Maxima doesn’t do is handle like a RWD sports sedan; the front drive and more pedestrian nature of its underlying components deny it that. However, it is flat through corners and the steering is accurate; it just doesn’t encourage one to seek out back roads.
In today’s congested environment, though, that’s almost academic; the Maxima’s soothing personality, great looks and comfortable interior are attributes that make it such a compelling antidote to stiff, high-riding truck-things.
2016 Nissan Maxima SL
EPA ratings: 22/30mpg; 25mpg combined
0-60mph:
Price as tested: $37,935
Here is what Nissan has to say.
Isaac Bouchard is owner of Bespoke Autos, an auto brokerage that helps people save time, money and hassle when buying or leasing vehicles. Since 1991 he has helped his clients save over $1 million dollars. He has written extensively about getting the best deal possible when buying or leasing a vehicle, arranging financing or trading in a car. Isaac has been a professional automotive journalist as well for over 12 years, having reviewed most all types of car, truck and SUV.
