Ward’s 10 Best Engines List Recognizes Nissan’s VQ-Series Engine

Dec 14, 2015

The Ward’s 10 Best Engines list for 2016 has included Nissan’s 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine that provided power to the 2016 Nissan Maxima. This annual list was first released back in 1994, and this is now the 17th time that a Nissan model has been included. Additionally, 15 of those 17 times were for the VQ-series engine which means that this is the most awarded engine in the list’s history.

WardsAuto editors stated that the 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine’s 61 percent new parts, reduced friction and weight, and new intake manifold were top reasons why it was included on this year’s list. Additionally, this 300 horsepower engine has improved its fuel economy rating by 15 percent to now offer a rating of 30 mpg highway*.

“When the 2016 Maxima hit dealerships in May, our team believed this redesigned 3.5-liter V6 engine would be an important piece of the puzzle,” said Pierre Loing, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. “To be included in Ward’s 10 Best Engines list is a tribute to the outstanding design, performance and value of our new-generation Nissan Maxima flagship sedan. We thank everyone at Wards for this significant recognition.”

There were 31 different powertrains evaluated by WardsAuto in order to decide which vehicles would be included on the 2016 list. Through the evaluation process, which involved driving vehicles equipped with these engines on their daily commutes, the editors considered comparative specs, application of new technology, noise attenuation, torque, horsepower, and fuel economy for each engine.

*EPA estimate. Actual mileage will vary.

Raftery, Kevin. “All-new Nissan Maxima Engine Named to “Wards 10 Best Engines” List for 2016.” NissanNews.com. N.p., 11 Dec. 2015. Web. <http%3A%2F%2Fnissannews.com%2Fen-US%2Fnissan%2Fusa%2Freleases%2Fall-new-nissan-maxima-engine-named-to-wards-10-best-engines-list-for-2016>.