2016 Nissan Maxima Masters Sport Sedan Look

From an exterior design standpoint, the redesigned 2016 Nissan Maxima that made its debut at the 2015 New York International Auto Show has a lot to keep your eyes busy. The front end is defined by a plunging grille that touches the lip spoiler, and the design is repeated on a smaller scale within it with a V-shaped element that borders the Nissan badge. It’s an aggressive, but attractive, look.

Related: More 2015 New York Auto Show News 

The Maxima also has black roof pillars that provide some visual separation between the roof and body. It helps give the car a profile that’s distinct from all its competitors.

The prior Maxima was priced like full-size sedans, but it wasn’t as roomy as them. Despite being longer, the 2016 Maxima still has a snug cabin. The front of the interior is form fitting, with a driver-oriented dashboard, and the backseat isn’t as comfortable as the Toyota Avalon’s or Chevrolet Impala’s; my head was hitting the roof back there.

It is, however, a very nicely finished interior with upscale soft-touch surfaces and stitched trim. It has a richness that you don’t see in some competitors.

The Maxima has been an island to itself in recent years, not falling neatly into a segment. That doesn’t change with its 2016 redesign, which Nissan continues to position as a sport sedan. How it drives will determine if that’s an accurate characterization, but it sure has the looks down.

More on the 2015 Nissan Maxima:

2016 Nissan Maxima Starts at $33,235

2016 Nissan Maxima: First Look