The hallmark of the 2012 Nissan Quest, which was fully redesigned for 2011, is innovation. Plus, its bold new styling makes this family hauler stand out, no matter where you take it.
Nissan has imbued a strong design sense into the Quest – not a phrase normally associated with minivans. It has full surround privacy glass, black sash molding and chrome trim accents. Combined with the wide, low stance and muscular front end, the Quest has a dynamic and distinctive appearance. The Quest exterior design is also one of the most wind-efficient with a 0.32 co-efficient of drag for the Quest S model, which helps make it fuel-efficient – 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
The 2012 Nissan Quest is powered by a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 with 260 hp and 240 lb/ft of torque, part of Nissan’s award-winning VQ engine series. Backing the engine is Nissan’s advanced Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with adaptive shift control. Nissan has succeeded with its CVTs where other companies have failed. It has the feel of a conventional automatic transmission.
The Quest rides on a four-wheel independent suspension with independent struts with coilsprings a stabilizer bar in front and a multi-link design in rear. That provides a smoother ride at all seating positions.
The Quest starts at an MSRP of $27,750 for the S level, which comes nicely equipped with an innovative Tire Pressure Monitoring System, fold-flat second- and third-row seats, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, an AM/FM/ six-CD system with four speakers and a permanent rear storage well. Move up to the SV level and the Quest comes with additional features like 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, one-touch power sliding doors, a rear-view monitor and USB connection port. Quest S and SV models come with 16-inch wheels (aluminum-alloy on SV) with P225/65R16 all-season tires.
The SL trim level delivers a higher level of luxury with leather-appointed seats, a one-touch power liftgate, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P235/65R18 all-season tires and front seats with enhanced comfort features.
The top-of-the-line LE trim level, which delivers a full complement of luxury and offers features like the Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System, a Bose premium audio system with AM/FM/CD/DVD and 13 speakers (including dual subwoofers) and Blind Spot Warning.
In SL and LE trim, the Quick Comfort front seat heaters use a sophisticated system to heat the body parts most sensitive to cold. The thighs and hips get warmed first, and then the heater increases warmth on body pressure points. All of this as part of the Quest “trilaminar” front seating structure, which uses three types of cushions to distribute body pressure more evenly than traditional padding.
Tire inflation maintenance, which is important for fuel economy and driving safety, is also innovative. The tire pressure monitoring system includes a segment-first application of Nissan’s Easy Fill Tire Alert. When filling the tires, the hazard lamps flash to indicate the system is working. When the correct pressure is reached, the Quest gives a beep of the horn. On Quest LE, the tire pressures for each wheel can be viewed on the eight-inch VGA navigation display.
The Quest LE comes standard with an Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster air purifier, Grape Polyphenol Filter and auto recirculation control. When exhaust from the vehicle in front enters the cabin, the intake port shuts and only opens again when fresh air starts flowing again from the outside. The Grape Polyphenol Filter scrubs allergens from the air while the Plasmacluster air purifier uses ions to knock out unwanted smells that can sometimes creep into a minivan.
Every 2012 Quest offers Vehicle Dynamic Control and Traction Control System. Also standard are a Nissan Advanced Airbag System with dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seatbelt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, front-seat active head restraints and child safety rear door locks.
The Quest is the total minivan package. Schedule a test drive today to see which model works best for you.
