Nissan designers have fashioned a swanky looking 2016 Maxima that's svelte in profile and features sculpted taillights similar to those on its sexy 370Z sports car.

Nissan also blends a sports sedan with a luxury sedan, a strong mix that comes in an attractive price range of $32,125 to $40,685. My test car was a dark metallic red Platinum version, the model atop that price list. It was a dandy.

At its base, the midsize Maxima is a stylish sedan that will haul five adults in comfort and not blend in with the carpool lane crowd. Even the base S model features Nissan's 3.5-liter V6 that creates 300 horsepower and a torque rating of 261. Throughout the five trim levels that engine is well paired with Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission that shifts smoothly and yet gives the sedan well above average power.

Nissan uses D-step shift logic to simulate gear changes and it feels convincingly like a standard automatic, but smoother. Nissan and Subaru seem to have best mastered CVTs to this point.

There's plenty of power to leap up to highway speeds and it's well harnessed in the front-drive sedan via the Xtronic. Handling is responsive, but not exactly sporty, with good road feel. Traction control keeps the 19-inch tires from spinning, while 18-inch tires are standard on lower line Maximas.

You can control power and responsiveness via a vehicle dynamic control system, two buttons on the console for Normal or Sport mode. Sport boosts the engine performance and firms steering and ride a touch.

Ride is well controlled, both comfortable and firm enough to give Maxima more of a sport sedan ride and feel. A 109.3-inch wheelbase helps cushion riders from bumps and road imperfections.

Inside, Maxima delivers a quiet luxurious interior with a flair to match the car's exterior.

The test car featured a soft-feel black leather dash and black leather seats with white stitching to lend a youthful, sporty look. Everything is well laid out and easy to reach, and the Premium model upgrades the leather used on the seats along with adding three-level heated and cooled front seats.

While it all looks great, the seats were slow to warm and overall the design creates a tight-fitting cockpit. The console feels high and wide, pressing somewhat against the driver and front passenger's knees.

Nissan uses a highly patterned, striped mahogany wood-toned dash and door trim. While distinctive, it seems a tad garish to me.

I liked the soft leather seats that were so well shaped and included a lower cushion that could be extended for long-legged drivers. Front seats are powered and the driver's seat includes 10-way power, a power lumbar and two memory settings. Several passengers found the rear seat comfortable.

On the plus side, the leather steering wheel is well heated and has a flat bottom, creating more driver legroom and a sportier looking interior.

Dash layout is well executed with a large 8-inch touch screen and big buttons and knobs around it. Navigation is standard and Maxima features NissanConnect telematics and a rearview camera. The tilt/telescope steering wheel here also is powered.

Other standard features on the Platinum model include a blind-spot warning system, Around-View (overhead view) monitor to help you with tight parking spots, Bose sound system, power rear window sun shade, rain-sensing wipers, remote start system via smartphone and auto-collision notification that calls for help if you've been in an accident.

There's also a feature that allows parents to monitor their children's driving habits and will send them speed alerts.

Overhead are dual sunroofs, letting rear seat passengers soak up the sun.

There's a big trunk for luggage, and the rear seats are split and will fold down. Also, the Maxima's rear window is a tad narrow, which cuts rear visibility some.

Gas mileage is so-so. I got 20.2 miles per gallon in near zero-degree weather. The EPA rates Maxima at 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Maxima models stretch from the S base model to the SV at $35,215, including delivery. SV models include leather seats, front and rear sonar, and a driver's power lumbar adjustment. The SL model is $37,725 with the dual sunroof, Bose sound system, blind-spot warning and predictive forward collision warning. PFCW looks out two cars ahead for any possible collision possibilities.

The SR model is the sportiest model with sport-tuned suspension (that usually means much stiffer ride), 19-inch wheels, fancier leather interior and intelligent dynamics control. All of the previously mentioned features on the lower models, minus sport suspension, are standard on the Platinum model.

Other makes and models to consider in this segment include Kia's Optima, Chevy's Impala and Toyota's Avalon, all of which are attractive, but not as sporty or stylish as the Maxima. Low-end Lexus, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz models also may be considered, and Maxima will likely cost less than any of those.

Mark Savage welcomes your questions and comments regarding new vehicles at www.facebook.com/savageonwheels/.

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