Acceleration

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	4.8

Among the faster minivans, with fine power off the line, good merging and passing muscle. Transmission upshifts smoothly and downshifts promptly for additional passing power.

Fuel Economy

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	4.1

Averaged 20.5 mpg in mostly highway driving. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	6	6

Absorbs bumps well, with good body control over big moguls. Some typical minivan pitching, but overall a good balance of compliance and control. 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	6	4.7

Quest is among the larger minivans, so it's less carlike to drive than some rivals. Turning radius is reduced for '07, but Quest can still feel cumbersome in close quarters. 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
6	6	5.9

Additional sound insulation for 2007 brings Quest in line with quieter minivans, such as the Toyota Sienna.

Controls

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6.2

Dashboard no longer sacrifices function for avant garde styling. Gauges now easy to see, read. Audio, climate controls remain mounted on horizontally biased surface. They're easy to reach, but many markings are too small and their indicator lights may be subject to washing out in direct sunlight. Navigation system absorbs no audio or climate functions--a plus.

Details

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

Interior materials are an attractive, upscale mix of colors and textures.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	6.9

Tall folks may need more seat travel, but get plenty of head room. All models have height-adjustable driver seat, adjustable lumbar support. Available adjustable pedals a boon for shorter drivers. When deployed, 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	6.9

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, overhead console, and SE's dual-screen entertainment system are nice touches. Power windows on the sliding side doors are unavailable.

Cargo Room

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

Available fold-flat seats handy, and Nissan says Quest will hold a 4x8-ft. panel. But 2nd row doesn't fold quite level with floor. Third row folds flush with floor via one-handed operation, but is a one-piece bench rather than a split bench as in most competitors. Interior has numerous storage cubbies, plus available front center console.

Value within Class

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5	6.3

Give Nissan credit for revamping Quest for 2007, just three model years after it was introduced. For better or worse, it's still not as mainstream a design as more popular rivals from Dodge, Honda, and Toyota. But its dashboard no longer sacrifices too much function in the name of high style, and improvements in ride comfort, quietness, and features make it more competitive in the minivan class.

Total Score

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
71	70	67.8

Scores for all Minivans

Low Score		56
Average Score		67
High Score		71