2012 Nissan Quest: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Nissan Quest is a near-carryover from 2011. The main change is that satellite radio became standard on the SL trim instead of optional.
About the 2012 Nissan Quest
4th generation (2011-2017), second model year after the full 2011 redesign.
The Quest is Nissan's family minivan for buyers who want flexible seating and a more upscale, less boxy look than many rivals from the same era. Nissan marketed it around everyday ease: second-row seats that fold flat without removal, a third row that folds forward instead of into the floor, and a permanent rear cargo well that stays usable even when the van is full of passengers. Strong V6 power and a quiet, modern cabin were key selling points.
The 2012 Quest is a seven-seat minivan offered in four trims, all with a 3.5-liter V6, a continuously variable automatic transmission, fold-flat rear seats, and a permanent cargo well. The SV focuses on family convenience with power sliding doors and a rear camera, while the SL adds leather, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. The LE tops the range with blind-spot warning, navigation, rear-seat DVD entertainment, and premium audio.
What changed, by category
2012 Nissan Quest specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 240 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 108.4 cu-ft | 108.4 cu-ft | 108.4 cu-ft | 108.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 40.5 in | 40.5 in | 40.5 in | 40.5 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Sliding Doors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Video Input | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Nissan Quest compared with the 2011 model?
The only notable change for 2012 is that satellite radio became standard on the SL trim instead of optional. The rest of the Quest is essentially unchanged from 2011.
Was the 2012 Nissan Quest redesigned?
No. The 2012 Quest is the second model year of the fourth-generation design introduced for 2011, not a redesign or mid-cycle refresh.
Did the 2012 Nissan Quest get a different engine or transmission?
No. The 2012 Quest carries over the same 3.5-liter V6 and continuously variable automatic transmission used for 2011.
Did the 2012 Nissan Quest receive new safety or styling updates?
No. Nissan made no significant lineup-wide safety, styling, or structural changes to the Quest for 2012.
Is the 2012 Nissan Quest meaningfully different from the 2011 model?
No. The two years are mechanically and visually very similar; the main distinction is standard satellite radio on the 2012 SL trim.