the 2011 Nissan Quest is a decent minivan, but others in the class are simply better.
It’s tough to beat a minivan when it comes to practicality, and unfortunately for the 2011 Nissan Quest, it’s tough to beat class-leading minivans like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. Reviewers say that the redesigned Nissan Quest is a good minivan. "If your focus for a new minivan is concentrated on passenger comfort and driver engagement, the 2011 Nissan Quest is well worth consideration,” writes Edmunds. The Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna both seat more people and haul more cargo than the Quest does and are priced competitively.
Details: Nissan Quest
The Quest is available in front-wheel drive only.
It's been more than three months since Nissan released a single, closely cropped image of its redesigned 2011 Quest minivan. If you're absolutely desperate for more information, Nissan has launched a microsite so you can keep tabs on what's new with your favorite grocery getter.
After a one-year hiatus, the Nissan Quest returns for 2011 fully redesigned.
Second-row seating has provisions for only two passengers, meaning this minivan offers seating for seven overall, while the competition accommodates eight passengers. Another possible downside is that the third-row seat folds forward rather than dropping into a rear well, reducing cargo space. At the same time, the second-row seats fold forward, creating a flat load floor all the way to the back of the front seats. If your focus for a new minivan is concentrated on passenger comfort and driver engagement, the 2011 Nissan Quest is well worth consideration.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Nissan Quest is a seven-passenger minivan offered in four trim levels: S, SV, SL and LE.
The SL further sweetens the deal with 18-inch wheels, heated mirrors, roof rails, a power liftgate, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver seat and one-touch fold-flat third-row seats.
The range-topping LE tacks on xenon headlights, driver seat memory, a power front passenger seat, power-return third-row seats, advanced air filtration, a navigation system, second- and third-row sunshades, a blind-spot warning system, a rear entertainment system with 11-inch widescreen, and a 13-speaker Bose surround-sound system with an 8-inch display and satellite radio. Powering the 2011 Nissan Quest is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. This engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that sends power to the front wheels.
Safety
Standard safety features for all 2011 Nissan Quest models include antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and front-seat active head restraints. In Edmunds brake testing, the Quest came to a stop from 60 mph in 134 feet, an average distance for a minivan.
Interior Design and Special Features
This latest Nissan Quest adopts a more conservative design approach than before. Unfortunately, the Quest comes up a bit short with interior bins, pockets and storage space for personal effects.
While the segment-leading Odyssey and Sienna can accommodate a third passenger in their second-row seats, the Quest is limited to a two-seat configuration. As with most minivans, removing these heavy seats requires a helping hand. Average-size adults will find the third-row seats roomy and comfortable enough for extended periods.
Space and utility are hallmarks of the minivan segments, but cargo capacity in the 2011 Quest comes up short. On nearly any road surface, the 2011 Nissan Quest presents a calm, comfortable and quiet cabin.