Nissan Quest reviews

2011 Nissan Quest Interior Features

Quest's cabin is a major advance from the previous version, primarily because it appears more car-like, even luxurious on upper models, where the previous Quest seemed to stop at fully functional. Apart from the Nissan logo we couldn't find a single part or finish that didn't speak better quality than before.

Seven-seat is the only configuration offered on the Quest, with two individual seats in the first two rows and a three-seat arrangement for kids in the last row. The Quest feels very open and is quite roomy if used this way, the generous 204 cubic feet of volume tilted in favor of adult comfort; if you frequently put adults in the third row the Honda Odyssey is better. But who does that?

The four forward seats are very comfortable, have good-to-best competitive dimensions and are just as good for short jaunts in the school Grand Prix or interstate cruising. We spent as much time hollering, "Are we there yet?" from the middle row as sitting in front and, apart from adjustments and the middle seats folding, didn't note a significant change in support in either; the middle-row chairs one-up the front with an individual armrest on each side. Standard cloth upholstery on the lower two trims gives way to heated leather on upper trims, and the leather is piped for the high-end look.

Sliding side doors are typical but there is a step just inside them so there's less climbing or halfway-in kids falling back out. It also tends to keep that accumulation of junk on shoes from dirtying the carpet as quickly. Rear-seat entry/exit is decent and the second-row console is easily removed (cupholders remain nearby) for walk-through access.

The third row is split 40/60 with the wide side curbside. It partially reclines, moving the cushion slightly in the process and you could two adults back there for short trips. Most models have three-zone climate control with overhead vents outboard and the LE has four side-window shades.

But it's behind the seat that Quest defies the norm. Rather than the fold-into-floor last row there is a cargo floor level with the opening at the back. A cover on each side is rated for 220 pounds per, so fertilizer and backpacks can be tossed in but cement or masonry treated more gently. Beneath this cargo floor is open space about the size of a midsize car's trunk, and with the covers out a 35-cubic-foot area behind the third row. With the back two seat rows folded flat, maximum cargo height or volume isn't as much as most competitors but you can still get the ubiquitous 4x8 sheet of plywood inside and keep the concealed cubic-footage under the back. The spare tire is underneath where it has no effect on cargo loading, or unloading to change a flat.

The instrument panel has dropped the center-mounted gauges for a more conventional, clearly Nissan layout, but it would be easy for some to mistake an SL or LE dash as from an Infiniti. Gauges are lit white while all controls and console ambient lighting are amber. There is a mood-light option with different colors and highlights (cupholders, footwells, etc.) though we have not experienced one in the dark.

Analog gauges give the usual information, framed by controls on its ears for dash lighting and trip computer. Power side-door controls are up high driver's left with other vehicle controls below. Steering wheel stalks handle lights and wipers (front and rear) and the wheel itself has redundant controls for the audio system. The key can stay in your pocket because every Quest is pushbutton start. We prefer a traditional key, but that's not an option.

Everyone has a good view out and the driver has few blind spots; a warning system is optional and effective but no substitute for an over-the-shoulder glance. As is often the case, the small triangular front side windows are more useful on the far side.

The shifter is on the left side of the center panel abutment but unlike that in the Odyssey it doesn't impinge on taller drivers' right knee space. The audio system and climate controls are to the right of it, controls for the navigation and such at about 45-degrees to horizontal above the shifter, and everything works as you'd expect. On the lower face are seat heater controls, two beverage holders and a disc-drive below; the drive is recessed so your Big Gulp might not immediately become a big glitch but you'd still have to reach under the cupholders to load it.

Quest forgoes the ultra-wide screen rear entertainment in favor of an 11-inch screen, the largest 16:9 perspective screen in the business; and somehow they did it without the driver losing rear view when the screen is being used. There are only a couple of features the competition offer the Quest does not: The widescreen/dual-image arrangement, ventilated front seats, middle-row lounge chairs, and a coolbox. Quest does have an audio-mute button for addressing unruly passengers. Attention, Munchkins! Also, when refilling the tires the pressure monitor system will chirp the horn when the pressure is correct.