2016 Nissan Quest
More Than a Minivan
Minivans aren’t the most desirable vehicles, but Nissan is changing that. The 2016 Quest may sport sliding doors and three rows of seats, but its exterior is more stylish than anything you’d normally expect to see biding its time in a school parking lot. On the inside, the Quest boasts plenty of functionality, but also comfortable seating and plenty of tech and convenience options.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2016 Nissan Quest features a solitary powertrain option, but it’s been battle tested in a diverse array of Nissan cars and trucks over the years, and proves suitably powerful and economical in this minivan.
The 3.5-liter V6 produces 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. It drives the front wheels through a CVT automatic transmission that’s smoother than a conventional geared automatic, but features D-Step Shift Logic and Adaptive Shift Control to mimic the driving characteristics of one.
Despite being a fairly large vehicle, the Quest offers decent EPA-rated fuel economy of 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway).*
Features and Trims
The 2016 Nissan Quest is a seven passenger minivan available in four trim levels, with prices starting at $26,580.**
Starting with the base Quest S, standard equipment includes Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button ignition, cloth seat trim, fold-flat second and third-row seats, second and third-row heating and air-conditioning vents with second-row controls, tilt and telescoping steering column, mood lighting, and 16 cupholders.
Moving up from the Quest S, the Quest SV incorporates all of the base model’s applicable standard features, and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, one-touch power-sliding rear doors, Bluetooth®, tri-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Nissan’s RearView Monitor backup camera.
The penultimate Quest model is the SL, which adds leather seats with heating for the fronts, a one-touch power liftgate, 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, roof rails, a digital compass, and a 13-speaker Bose® audio system.
The top Quest model is the appropriately-named Platinum. In addition to the applicable standard features from the preceding models, it comes as close to a bona fide luxury minivan as you can get with features like an AroundView Monitor system, navigation, and a DVD entertainment system with second-row monitor. There’s also an optional dual-pane moonroof.
Design
Many designers are trying to make their minivans more interesting, and the 2016 Nissan Quest is leading that trend. Far from a people-carrying box on wheels, it features sleek styling that even allows for a fairly impressive drag coefficient of 0.32.
The chrome grille with blended headlights, full surround glass, and “boomerang” taillights give the exterior a sleek appearance, while optional 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome roof rails and door handles lend the Quest an upscale feel.
A wide stance and tall roofline also make for plenty of room on the inside. Specifically, the Quest boasts up to 177.8 cubic feet of passenger space, 37.1 cubic feet of trunk space, and 108.4 cubic feet of total cargo space with both the second and third rows folded.
Those seats are both versatile and comfortable. Both the second and third rows can fold flat, with a 60/40 split for the third row. The two rear rows are arranged theater style to give all occupants good visibility, particularly useful if the optional DVD entertainment system is added to the options list.
Nissan builds its seats with a special structure and three types of cushions, while the front seats are available with Quick Comfort heaters, which start by warming body parts that are most sensitive to heat, such as the thighs and hips.
There’s plenty of storage space for small items, too, including a dual-level front center console, removable second-row console, and an available overhead front console.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Nissan Quest includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and front, front-seat mounted side, and roof-mounted curtain airbags. Nissan’s RearView Monitor and AroundView Monitor camera systems are optional, as is blind-spot monitoring.
Bottom Line
Minivans might be "the practical choice" but that doesn't mean they have to be boring. The 2016 Nissan Quest adds some much-needed flavor to a traditionally vanilla segment.
For more information, or to test drive the 2016 Nissan Quest, contact us online or visit Hall Nissan Virginia Beach at 3757 Bonney Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 today.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage may vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices list are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other charges.
Image: Nissan