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2016 Nissan Maxima: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Nissan Maxima is a full eighth-generation redesign after the model skipped the 2015 model year in the U.S. It returns lower, longer, and slightly lighter, with a revised 300-hp V6, a reworked automatic transmission, and a more upscale cabin.
About the 2016 Nissan Maxima
8th generation (A36), first year; all-new redesign after the Maxima skipped the 2015 model year in the U.S.
Nissan positions the 2016 Maxima as a roomy sedan for shoppers who want stronger acceleration, bolder styling, and a more driver-focused feel than a typical family sedan. The brand leans heavily on its “4-Door Sports Car” identity, but the Maxima also aims to feel upscale with a more dramatic interior, standard navigation, and available luxury touches. Its appeal is the mix of V6 power, standout design, and near-entry-luxury features without moving to a premium badge.
The five-trim lineup ranges from the well-equipped S, with its 300-hp V6 and 8-inch navigation touchscreen, to the luxury-focused Platinum, with quilted leather, climate-controlled front seats, and a 360-degree camera. The SR is the performance-minded version, pairing sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters with a sportier cabin, while the SL emphasizes comfort and driver assistance.
What changed, by category
Structural
The eighth-generation Maxima has an entirely redesigned body and cabin. It is lower, longer, and slightly lighter than the outgoing model.
Styling
The redesign gives the Maxima a sportier exterior shape and a more upscale, driver-focused interior.
Powertrain
The revised 3.5-liter V6 produces 300 hp across the lineup. Nissan also reworked the continuously variable automatic transmission and raised EPA-estimated highway fuel economy to 30 mpg.
Tech
Every trim has an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system and a 7-inch driver information display. The new lineup also brings features such as premium audio on SL and a 360-degree camera on Platinum.
Safety
The redesigned lineup adds major driver-assistance features on upper trims. SL has adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, predictive forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking; Platinum adds driver-attention monitoring.
2016 Nissan Maxima specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 261 lb-ft | 261 lb-ft | 261 lb-ft | 261 lb-ft | 261 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.2 in | 34.2 in | 34.2 in | 34.2 in | 34.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Cooled Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Nissan Maxima redesigned?
Yes. The 2016 Maxima is the first year of the eighth generation and a full redesign after Nissan skipped the 2015 model year in the U.S. It has a new body and cabin, a revised V6, a reworked automatic transmission, and a five-trim lineup.
What engine does the 2016 Nissan Maxima have?
Every 2016 Maxima has a revised 3.5-liter V6 producing 300 hp. It is paired with a reworked continuously variable automatic transmission with Normal and Sport driving modes.
Which 2016 Nissan Maxima trim is the sportiest?
The SR is the sportiest 2016 Maxima trim. It has sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, handling controls, LED low-beam headlights, and a sport-themed cabin with quilted Alcantara seat inserts.
Which 2016 Nissan Maxima trim is the most luxurious?
The Platinum is the most luxury-focused 2016 Maxima. It has quilted premium leather, climate-controlled front seats, driver memory settings, a 360-degree camera, a power-adjustable steering column, and a rear-window sunshade.
Does the 2016 Nissan Maxima have automatic emergency braking?
Yes. The 2016 Maxima SL has automatic emergency braking along with predictive forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
2016 Nissan Maxima Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Nissan Maxima.
4.4
2016 Nissan Maxima
(736 reviews)
“Car will love you as long as it can. Sadly you will always have the CVT failure in the back of your mind. The lack of being able to actually change the transmission fluid. She drives and accelerates great. Handling gets stiff when you go into sport mode and when you go at high speeds.”
“Drives and looks great I'm unhappy with the paint job keeps chipping off in random spots”