2016 Nissan Maxima vs Acura TLX Mashup Review: The 4-Door Sports Car is... 

The TLX looks like a step back from the TL. Acura needs to find a new designer (interior and exterior). Their cars just don't look good anymore. I also really don't like that they don't have exhaust tips. I really don't like this tamer version they've become. Bring back the 3.7L engine in the MDX please.

I drove both, I bought the Maxima Platinum. Loved that car so much, the CVT transmission works great. Car is Luxurious as heck for the price!

Maxima when it comes to interior and exterior looks. Acura when it comes to handling or performance.

I currently own an 07 Maxima (255hp) and I'd love to see how this one feels. My CVT pulls wonderfully and I actually like the constant, smooth surge of power. The constant RPM under acceleration isn't off-putting at all and I love knowing I'm making max power at all times. It's a welcome change when I don't feel like shifting my own gears in my G35 6MT coupe. CVT or manual, no more automatics for me!

Nissan should've stepped it up they just changed the looks. Should've made it AWD, took off the CVT. and add about 50 more horse power? whose with me :p ?

the sound of the maxima is beautiful

Roman, there's a video on RU-vid called Maxima Challenge test track.... where the Nissan Maxima beat three cars, Audi Quatro, Acura Tlx and BMW 328i. .. they tested those cars with GPS tech on curves and straight line and the winner of the track was the Maxima. It got more acceleration and beat those cars....

I own the maxima 2016 platinum and I am in love! It has everything I wanted and things I didn't even know I wanted #blessed 🙏🏼

Nissan....you had a stunningly gorgeous car inside and out with a great engine in it...and then you had to throw in the CVT. Basically killed the car for me. Never would I buy a car with a CVT in it. I hate them, and I'm not alone.

I love how Nissan literally provided a car for its newest offering to fail against.

I always thought that Acura vas a competitor to the Infiniti, It should be Nissan vs Honda.

I own a 2016 Maxima SR it is incredibly nice and the design is awesome... for those never driven the maxima SR go try it out and then compare to the Acura and see :)

The Acura's interior reminds me of my sister's 2014 hyundai elantra interior in terms of material quality and looks

Trust me, the driver who test drove both cars in this video does not know what he’s talking about. Before you criticize a CVT, do some research to get the real facts. Today’s CVT transmission is far more advanced compared to your standard one. I know because I own a 2017 Acura TLX with I/E/H and raced a stocked 2012 Maxima with CVT three times (once on a race track and twice on the street). I am embarrassed to say all three times I lost to the Maxima. Lesson learned, don’t ever underestimate the power of a Maxima!!! It is a sleeper race car but when challenged it turns itself into a angry beast!

I think Acura went for more of a "simplicity is elegance" design with the TLX which is quite admirable in person, love the car in white. I hope they bring back the Integra now that they've brought back the Civic Type R, still have my 01 Integra. Good work on the interior Nissan, glad you kept the Maxima around instead of killing it.

This maxima will definently stand out...it's so cool. You can even flip a switch that allows you to feel the gear shifts similar to an automatic

Fwiw, I cross shopped the tl and the maxima in 13. I was able to get a great deal on the maxima. It has, by far, the best seats in any car I've driven. As for the cvt, you sort of just get used to it. It's very quick with the cvt and after a while, once you start to understand how the cvt works with the engine, not at all distracting. Cvt's on four cylinder engines are terrible, but with a sweet and strong six, they are much more liveable. I never thought I'd like a cvt until I got my maxima.

i would choose 16 maxima, i've test driven it, it is just an amazing car for the price

Wow Nissan knew better than to compare it to that Acura, but I will say however I like the Nissan's interior a tad more.. but that CVT kills it.

No one buys a sports car with a cvt

Acura interior a little bit more boring but the drive is always superior to any Nissan

The funny thing is that in an Official AMCI Testing Certification the nissan Maxima beats BMW 328i, Audi A4 2.0 and Acura TLX V6 Tech was last lol haha

So the car that clams to be the sports car is more luxurious, while the luxury Acura is the more sporty one with a interior that isn't as nice.

is this even a comparison? the maxima is so much better in every aspect

Acura should handle a little bit better since it's a luxury car and it is also a bit more expensive then the Maxima is, however, I'd take the Maxima because the TLX is a bit feminine looking and there isn't that big of a difference in performance between these two cars anyways. Plus, the Maxima has a nicer interior too so it wouldn't be a hard choice for me as to which car i would choose.

You know a lot of people say "well the Maxima isn't a 4 door sports cars" or that it has a CVT. Which I understand all those. But the Maxima has so much potential specially for it's 8th Gen. I'm looking forward to seeing what all will happen with the Maxima.

To be honest: The Infiniti G-sedan was Nissan's true 4-door sports car that was powered with a traditional transmission and a potent 3.5 Liter now 3.7 Liter V6 engine that produced well over 300 horsepower to the rear or both front and rear wheels.

I totally agree, I had few Acuras and totally fell in love with them, the handling experience is very unique no nissan will ever replace it.... Great video TFL

Damn that Maxima grill looks crazy!

I have a 2017 NIssan Maxima SR Midnight edition. I love it. Sure I would love a real transmission, but the fast shifts, the amazing VQ Engine, the giant paddle shifters mounted to the column, etc. The midnight edition adding a black spoiler, black wheels, and a beautiful coulis red

Funny how CVT is supposed to be the next evolution of transmission technology, and then so many folks just hate it. I'll probably get the Nissan though. It looks better inside out, and despite the CVT this is still a very nice car to have.

Skip both and get either the Charger R/T or SRT for the same price or less. Now that's a real 4 door sports car! ;)

Despite the argument about the Maxima's CVT, I think it has proven stronger and reliable over the problematic ZF transmission in the V6 Acura transmission. It seemed like a great move but after learning about the recurring issues with the German built ZF transmission, I'll take the CVT, especially how well it works.

Lol at the bloopers... Great review Roman, as always. I like both cars a lot. I think I like the Acura a bit better because it is a bit more premium.

So me and my wife drove 2 hours to test drive the 2019 3.0T Q50 and we felt the Infiniti was too small. I now have a 2016 Acura TLX. More interior space, it’s has a V-6 also had less miles with all wheel steering. The female consultant that we were working with looked at me like I made a mistake and asked “Are you sure you want the Acura? Most customers go for the Infiniti”. I smiled and yes this is it! My transmission did throw a code the first month I had it. I took it to Acura and it just needed a software update. If size weren’t an issue for me than the Q50 would have been a great buy.

I own the 2018 maxima s couldn't afford the platinum but still loves this car because its good on gas and yet still fast

Im the type of person that do not mind the CVT that much, i'd take the Maxima.

I work at Nissan and I get to drive the Maxima's around all the time it's the best lol

I'd take the Acura.

i just test drove both of these and purchased the Acura TLX. while the nissan does have some attention grabbing features the acura felt much better on the road. The acura's ride quality is amazing to say the least. especially compared to the maxima. bumps i felt in the nissan were nonexistent for the TLX. its steering felt much tighter and its engine felt more powerful. if little features are your want i'd say a fully loaded maxima will not let you down. however. in my case that option with low miles was out of my price range. i got a 2016 TLX with 33,000 miles for $19k where the 2017 maxima was a few thousand more. i also got an unbeliavable bumper to bumper warranty with interior and exterior warranty through acura. all in all i'd say both are great cars. though the acura will probably be better once hitting the 100K mile mark

Acura all the way no doubt about it! Although I do like the interior design of the Maxima more than the TLX.

The locomotive engineer is obviously a fan of TFLC and was sounding his horn as an appreciative greeting

Every aspect of the Acura looks really good! until you see that front end... Honda needs to learn that bland is not good. Young and old drivers alike want an approachable yet mean look. The Maxima did a decent job of that

Maxima and Acura in the same sentence as Sports car? Really?!?!?!

I have a 2012 Nissan Maxima and I have topped that out at 145 mph, I want to see that against the TLX. Maxima all day. You can't test out a sports car by driving in the hills, you got to get it out in the open and let the show what it can do.

Can't go wrong with either one..both are stunning vehicles, I like the Nissan exterior and interior much better over the weird looking Acura. Also, the reviewer said that the Acura is slightly better than the Maxima in handling and steering feel, so in real world driving these 2 vehicles are evenly matched, with the Maxima probably being a little quicker with that 300HP engine.

I'd pass on both and get a q50s, a true 4DSC

It all comes down to preference. Both amazing vehicles that perform very well for a sedan.

Hang on. A CVT with paddle shifters? sigh... It's a shame because I really like Nissans. However, I will never buy one with a CVT in it. That just kills the whole package for me.

What’s funny is that I totaled my 2016 Nissan Maxima SR when I hit a deer it had 162,000 miles insurance gave me a certain amount of money that certain amount of money was enough to put down on a 2015 Acura TLX with 162,000 miles lol

The true sports car is Acura TLX with the inline 4 and the 8 DCT. Shifts as fast as a super car and very balanced weight. Has rear wheel steering and very comfortable. For grown ups that don’t go by 0-60 times the base spec TLX is the best in class

No transmission shifts smoother than cvt have a 2004 frontier with 265000 miles still drives like new!

Acura needs to make a gap between Honda's interior. The new 16 Accord is very similar.

The sh awd is the tlx to own. having test driven both the Maxima is really nice but no AWD means no point to those of us up north. The SHAWD in the Acura makes it an entirely different car. Gimmicky name aside the Super Handling AWD is among the best in the biz. Add the tech package and you have luxury and tech. I understand they were trying to compare similar price points so comparing the top maxima to the top TLX vs the base fwd tlx they tested would be different in cost again... but in a way unfair to Acura as it is not the top model.

those cars are not comparable. Acura is a luxury brands

I'll take the Maxima all day. Put that car in sport mode, flip the gear selector to manual mode and the thing will mimic a regular automatic. I know Acura is good but I'll pass.

0-60?

I use to bash CVT but after getting a 2014 Maxima I like how no matter what speed I am at the car always delivers optimum tq and hp.

Roman has said it perfectly, and overall this is a very good car, and in the end Nissan is using the term 4 door sports car as a marketing gimmick to trick some people into believing it truly is a 4 door sports car.

Let's be honest here, neither of these cars are 4 door sports cars. And I'm sure the majority of buyers who buy these won't drive them that way either. I'm more interested in knowing which of these would you buy for $40,000? Which is quieter, which has the smoother ride, which has the better interior, real world fuel economy? Which is the *better* car for the money?

most people are stuck in traffic 90% of the time and the closest thing they come to when it comes to corners is the on and off ramp to the highway.

I would get the Acura so many times over the Nissan that it's not even funny. Let me see the Acura doesn't have a CVT, looks better (imo), and it comes with Acura service. It's a no brainer.

Nothing new here from Honda's side.. Very well done Nissan. Idk about yall but I love how those CVTs purr

I don't know... I trust TFLC guys a lot, but I get the feeling that is all about the CVT. The Maxima sound faster, looks, better and has beaten a BMW! Not to mention all the tecnologie Nissan put on this project. I still think Maxima should won this mashup ...

that acrua looks cheap ass hell

3:09 spotted one! And yet there still on the road, proud owner of a 2016 Nissan Maxima SR great vehicle

I love how Acura hides the exhaust on most of their cars like an electric or hybrid car. Very conservative looking like most Acura cars except for the NSX. So I'll pass.

Yes! The TLX beat maxima not surprise since the TLX already beat the Infiniti Q50 in autoguide nice try Nissan....

for tall people the maxima is the best of all time

I like the TLX but give me the four cylinder with the 8 speed DCT with a torque converter and I'll keep the change.

CVT vs 9 speed auto? Who cares...neither should be in a sports car. They both need a manual. I'd take the Max.

LOL I bet Nissan didn't see that coming. He said Acura was the four door sports car hahaha

this car in 6MT will be amazing

I am not a big fan of cvts. But I have to say, I had a maxima platinum as a rental in LA a few weeks back and the car was awesome. Once you get used to how the cvt operates its not that annoying, in this application anyway. It’s kind of like an old school big turbo in a way, you hit the gas and it starts to pull and then comes this big slingshot like power curve. It’s not as precise as a manual or a modern automatic, but it can actually be a lot of fun if you understand when it hit the gas. The acceleration is really good, especially from a roll. I had a 2013 accord exl v6 for a company car in 13-14. I’d say the maxima is quite a bit more fun to drive, and I absolute loved the accord!

Reason the TLX corners better is because this version is TLX AWS. It has All Wheel Steering.

Grow up ppl. Put your kids in the car and go for a drive. It's not aimed for the single guy with no one else in the car. I loved all my Nissans. The new one looks to small to carry teenagers. There's all lot of big differences from my 2010, personally I like the 2010 look much more they just needed it to be awd to get rid of the body roll. When the kids move out then get your sports car."2dr"

TLX looks so much better than the maxima in my opinion and I'm not trying to be bias bc I have both a Nissan and an Acura and their both well built cars👌🏽

Why car companies are yet throwing CVT in their cars everywhere people complaining about the CVT

I was a teenager in the 70's. Enhanced engine sounds are strictly forbidden

I own the maxima sr and it is awesome, no complaints. All this talk about weight, is it a sports car and road feel is all pointless because when you drive this maxima it will blow your mind away, it is fun to drive.

Comparing interiors - Maxima at 1:58. TLX as 7:05. I mean, that's is a HUGE difference, IMHO.

Acura is a premium brand and the TLX segment D or medium size, the comparison should have been with the Infiniti Q50. The Maxima is segment E or large size, its premium equivalent is the Q70 like its direct rival RLX and Lexus ES.

First of all these are both not sports cars, just sedans Those argueing about luxury vs not luxury. IDK, it's all how you compare. cheapest Lexus ES350 feel even less luxury than Acura. I am not even talking about ILX and Lexus IS. BMW 3 series or Audi A3-4 are not that luxury either, same goes to cheapest Infinity, to cheapest Cadillacs etc. An Advanced package Van is more luxury than those $30-35k cars. Honda Odyssei Touring or Toyota Sienna Limited are more luxury than basic BMW 3, Audi A3-A4, not even talking about ILX or Lexus IS. The true luxury starts with BMW 5, Acura has RLX that is the only real luxury. Same about those around 40k SUV like Lexus RX(2016 sport fully packed is ok though), Infinity QX60, Acura MDX - not that luxury. Lexus GS is luxury already. Problem with Acura is that it only makes "budget luxury" cars, RLX is the only real luxury, while Lexus has GX, LS, LX. LS and LX are still more luxury than RLX

Zero to 60 times are - 2016 Acura TLX - 5.7 sec ---- 2016 Nissan Maxima - 5.8 sec (Source car and driver)

I'm going to get the Maxima I've been collecting Maxima's since 1991 so I got to have it good video Roman.

You're comparing a luxury car to an affordable Nissan.

The Maxima is a sports car emulator. An excellent car, but they need to drop that title.

I want to see the toyota Avalon and the maxima

The Nissan would be much better if it had a dual clutch transmission or at least a manual transmission or even a regular automatic. I love the way the maxima looks but the Acura seems like it gives you a better driving experience because it has a regular automatic transmission.

maximas are always gonna sell. i mean if you treat them right theyll treat you better. ive seen 7 gen max with 200k miles on the original trans. just change the fluids every 60 to 80k miles and dont beat on them.

Mashups are cool, but I'd love to see the Maxima vs the Accord or even Mazda 6 (which seems to be the sedan to beat at the moment). Or the even better do a G37/Q50 vs the TLX. Pretty sure the Infinity would come out ahead on that one, but it would still be interesting.

The NIssan is the closest sedan that I have seen with a greater visibility out the drivers side window. I think that window goes back a lil more than any other sedan I have seen. Thats huge for me.

You can't sell me this Acura over the Maxima when the Nissan absolutely SHITS on the Acura's interior and exterior and the only thing you can say that's better in the Acura is the steering feedback. They're both sedans and won't throw themselves into corners being FWD. If we're going to determine sportiness we need to determine the lap times, the looks: inside and out, and the ability for the car to put the power down. Am I wrong?

The "luxury" Acura has a Civic-like plastic interior with almost no hint of any premium materials...But the "mainstream" Maxima has great looking and feeling materials all around. That's pretty sad for the entry level A4, C class, Acura, etc.

Why would you not test an AWD TLX if the goal is to determine which car is more sporty? Acura sells their vehicles handling through their AWD systems and just doesn't make sense to not use it in a comparison.

My $ on Maxima, but then again I’ve also owned the first 1960 Corvair Monza and 1968 Javelin. A little suspension mods and engine work to both turned many a head!!

If Nissian made the Maxima twin turbo with modified suspension and better brakes. Itll be a beast.

I would assume that for comparison purposes one would compare Infiniti to Acura and Nissan to Honda... Both cars are beautiful and I wuold be happy with either one!

Even if the maxima didn’t have a cvt you are still comparing Nissan to Acura

I don't think they should compare the two. Nissan's high end brand (Infiniti) would blow the TLX out of the water.