2017 Nissan Maxima vs 2016 Nissan Maxima

2017 Nissan Maxima vs 2016 Nissan Maxima

Serving New Rochelle, Yonkers, and Mt. Vernon, NY

Nissan Maxima sedans appeal to a particular type of driver that enjoys powerful, sporty vehicles but perhaps cannot afford a top of the line model like a Mercedes or BMW. Maxima models, in general, offer the best of both worlds – power and performance but with a budget in mind. In its eighth generation of production, the Maxima’s redesigned body is sportier and lighter.

In creating the 2017 Maxima, Nissan designers visited the famous Blue Angels planes and modeled the wraparound design of the Maxima after the cockpit of the Blue Angels planes. In their words, they made a sports car “built to fly.” The 2016 Maxima features the same redesigned, sportier body as the 2017 Maxima.

 DESIGN ASPECTS

As far as appearance, both vehicles look nearly identical from the outside. Both the 2016 and 2017 models are available in six trim levels: the base model S, SV, SL, SR, SR Midnight, and Platinum.

2016 was the first year that the Midnight trim was available – it features blacked out exterior components – the wheels, spoiler, interior, and splash guards are all black. For the 2017 version, Nissan offers drivers a choice of exterior colors instead of just the default black. It also includes all the other components that come with Nissan’s SR trim level – including a sport-tuned suspension, aluminum pedals and paddle shifters, and an 11-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2017 Maxima is the first Nissan vehicle to come standard with Apple’s CarPlay. By connecting to a compatible iPhone, it allows access to all of the iPhone’s features using a dashboard touchscreen. In addition, both the 2016 and 2017 models include NissanConnect navigation as standard equipment. However, a small tweak in the software for 2017 allows drivers to swipe the navigation from the main display screen to the dash display for easier viewing. Also standard on the base model of the 2017 Maxima is Bluetooth audio streaming, Sirius XM satellite radio, and steering-wheel mounted audio controls. Heated front seats are standard beginning with the SV trim for both 2016 and 2017.

PERFORMANCE

The 2017 and 2016 Maxima model are nearly identical in their performance ratings. Each vehicle is equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine, rated at 300HP and 261 lb.-ft. torque, mated to an automatic CVT transmission with manual shifting mode. There is virtually no difference related to performance when it comes to comparing these two vehicles. Gas mileage is nearly identical as well, although the 2016 Maxima gets slightly better ratings in the city – 22 MPG vs. the 2017’s 21 MPG. Both vehicles are rated for 30 MPG on the highway.

 SAFETY

Many safety components are included in both the 2016 & 2017 Maxima models. The 2017 S & SV trims both come standard with ABS, an advanced airbag system, a traction control system, tire pressure monitoring, and electronic brake force distribution. Beginning with the SL trim on the 2017 model (and this applies to the 2016 models as well), several safety monitoring features are standard equipment, including a forward collision warning system, forward emergency braking, blind spot warning, and intelligent cruise control.

The 2016 Maxima received a “superior” rating for front crash prevention according to tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It also received the highest rating possible for crashworthiness on all tested components – front, side, roof strength, and head restraints. The 2017 model has not yet been tested, but since it has the same safety equipment, the ratings will likely be similar.

Visit our local Nissan dealership today to test drive either a 2016 or 2017 Maxima. Both model versions are very similar in safety, appearance, and performance. When you stop by for a test drive, you can discover which model better suits your driving needs.