Acceleration

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	4.2

Among the faster minivans, with fine power off the line, good merging and passing muscle. Midrange throttle response slightly quicker with 5-speed automatic transmission, but performance otherwise similar with 4-speed. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb.

Fuel Economy

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	4.2

Test 3.5 SL averaged 17.9 mpg, test 3.5 SE 18.4, both in city/highway driving. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel for Quest.

Ride Quality

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5	5.8

Absorbs bumps pretty well, but can pitch and bound over big moguls. The 3.5 SE's 17-inch tires ride more harshly over sharp ridges and ruts than the other models' 16s. No opportunity to test with run-flat tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	4.7

Quest is among the larger minivans, so it's less carlike to drive than some rivals, especially in tight spots. On the upside, steering is responsive and natural in feel, and Quest corners with good grip, modest body lean.

Quietness

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	5.7

No undue road rumble, and engine is no louder than most rival V6s, but it does sound coarser in rapid acceleration. More highway wind rush than expected, too.

Controls

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	6

Dashboard sacrifices function for avant-garde styling. Main gauges are atop center of dashboard. Design takes getting used to, makes small warning lights hard to see, washes out in sunlight. Also odd is placement of audio and climate controls on nearly horizontal surface atop a semicircular center-console column. They're easy to reach, but many markings are too small. Navigation system absorbs no audio or climate functions--a plus. Interior materials a mix of many colors, textures; most are attractive, some look cut-rate.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6.7

Tall folks may need more seat travel, but get plenty of head room. All models have height-adjustable driver seat, adjustable lumbar support. Adjustable pedals a boon for shorter drivers. Step-in height a bit steep. Dashtop reflects badly in windshield, and 3rd-row headrests block view aft. Good visibility otherwise.

Room/Comfort (rear)

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	6.8

Adult-sized room in 2nd, 3rd rows. Wide door openings ease entry/exit for 3rd row, as do tilt-forward 2nd-row seats. Second-row seats slide fore/aft about 3 inches to increase 3rd-row room. Available Skyview roof, dual-screen entertainment system, overhead console are nice touches.

Cargo Room

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
10	10	9.9

Available flat-fold seats are handy, and Nissan says Quest will hold a 4x8-ft. panel. But 2nd row doesn't fold quite level with floor, and won't fold with headrests attached unless front seats are well forward. Third-row folding also requires removing headrests, and converting either row is clumsier than in most rivals. Numerous interior storage cubbies, including dual under-dash trays and covered bin ahead of driver (where gauges would normally be located).

Value within Class

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	4	6.3

Quest gives up a little too much function in its quest to be stylish. It also lags the top-rated minivans for refinement and workmanship, and gets quite pricey with options. But it does carry seven in reasonable comfort, and delivers the expected safety and convenience features. Slow sales should have dealers discounting.

Total Score

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
58	56	60.3

Scores for all Minivans

Low Score		56
Average Score		60
High Score		71