“We bought to travel... We just made a 2,000 mile trip to Milwaukee to see our son... We ran into all types of traffic and road repairs.. This car handled them all and we were very satisfied with its performance... The most comfortable interior we have sit in for this length of time... We love it..”
Nissan Quest: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Nissan Quest is a seven-seat family minivan known for its quiet, comfortable cabin, flexible fold-flat seating, and relaxed V6 highway performance. It favors passenger comfort and useful storage over eight-seat capacity or the latest safety technology.
The Quest consistently put a roomy, comfort-first spin on the family minivan. Across its later generations, it paired distinctive styling and a lounge-like cabin with easy access through wide sliding doors. Its defining practical touches were rear seats that folded forward and a permanent storage well behind the third row.
Strengths
- Its seven-seat cabin puts comfort first, with enough rear legroom for adults to settle in easily.
- Wide sliding doors make it easier for passengers to get into the second and third rows.
- The second- and third-row seats fold forward, making the cabin easier to switch from people duty to cargo duty.
- A permanent storage well behind the third row leaves useful cargo room even when every seating row is in use.
- The strong V6 delivers the easy, relaxed power that suits highway trips.
- The quiet, upscale-feeling cabin gives the Quest a more lounge-like character than a purely utilitarian family van.
Who it's for
The Quest best fits families who need comfortable seating for up to seven and want a minivan that feels calm on long drives. It is especially useful for carrying children, adults, and everyday cargo without repeatedly removing seats. Shoppers who need eight seats, all-wheel drive, or newer safety technology may be better served elsewhere.
Nissan Quest lineup
The S is the straightforward entry trim for shoppers focused on the Quest’s basic space and family usefulness. The SV and SL occupy the middle of the range, with the SL sitting closer to the more upscale end of the lineup. The top trim was called LE through 2014 and Platinum from 2015 onward; it is the luxury-leaning version, and later examples added a 360-degree camera and object-detection technology. In short, pick the S for simplicity, look to the SV or SL for a middle ground, and seek the LE or Platinum for the most premium Quest experience.
Nissan Quest generations
From 2009 to 2017, the Quest spans two generations. The current 4th Generation — RE52 arrived for 2011, following the 3rd Generation (2004–2009).
4th Generation — RE52 (2011–2017)
This redesign brought new styling, a redesigned cabin, and a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Both rear rows folded forward, leaving a permanent storage well behind the third row.
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2017
Carryover final year with the same four trims, V6, transmission, and equipment structure.
2016
The four-trim lineup, V6 powertrain, and seven-seat layout carried over.
2015Trim changes
The LE trim became Platinum. Revised transmission programming improved response and fuel economy, while mid-level trims received a larger 5-inch audio display.
2014
The four trims, V6 powertrain, and fold-flat seating layout carried over.
2013
The LE gained a standard 360-degree camera; the rest of the lineup was largely unchanged.
2012
The powertrain, seven-seat layout, fold-flat rear rows, and cargo setup carried over from 2011.
2011New generation
The Quest returned after skipping 2010 with new styling, a redesigned cabin, a V6 with a continuously variable automatic transmission, and a new fold-flat seating layout.
3rd Generation (2004–2009)
This generation combined distinctive styling and a roomy interior with a 3.5-liter V6 and five-speed automatic transmission. It received a notable update for 2007 and ended after 2009.
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2009
Speed-sensitive automatic door locks became standard across the lineup; otherwise, this was a carryover final year.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Nissan Quest.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nissan Quest a minivan or an SUV?
The Nissan Quest is a minivan. Its family-focused layout has wide sliding side doors, three rows, seating for seven, and a deep cargo well behind the third row.
Does the Nissan Quest come as a hybrid?
No. The later Nissan Quest models covered here use a gasoline 3.5-liter V6. The fourth-generation van pairs that engine with a smooth automatic transmission rather than a hybrid system.
Does the Nissan Quest have all-wheel drive?
No. Fourth-generation Nissan Quest models use front-wheel drive. Shoppers who need all-wheel drive for frequent snow or unpaved roads will need to consider a different vehicle.
How many people does the Nissan Quest seat?
The Nissan Quest seats seven. Fourth-generation models use two second-row captain's chairs and a three-person third-row bench, so there is no eight-passenger seating layout.
Do the Nissan Quest's rear seats fold flat?
Yes. In the fourth-generation Quest, both rear rows fold forward to create a flatter cargo area. A permanent deep storage well remains behind the third row for bags and other family gear.
What is the Nissan Quest known for?
The Quest is known for a quiet, comfort-focused cabin, roomy seating, a strong V6, and flexible fold-flat rear seats. It emphasizes a relaxed, lounge-like feel more than eight-passenger capacity or newer safety technology.
Who is the Nissan Quest a good fit for?
The Quest suits families who want comfortable seating for seven, easy access through sliding doors, and useful cargo flexibility. It is less suited to shoppers who need eight seats, all-wheel drive, or the newest driver-assistance features.
Is the Nissan Quest still made?
No. Nissan ended the Quest in the United States after the 2017 model year. The final generation ran from 2011 through 2017 after the Quest skipped 2010 between generations.
Nissan Quest Reviews
What owners are saying about the Nissan Quest.
4.0
Nissan Quest
(114 reviews)
“needs a compass on vehicles without a navigation system. The cup holders will not allow use of cup with a handle More 12 volt plugs are needed. The one by tailgate is useless without a long extension. lots of wasted space in front center console. The small drawer is almost useless. Bad engineering here!!”
“The newly designed Quest has tremendous versatility inside and superior storage. It is very roomy and provides a comfortable ride.”
“I always said I would never get a minivan but this doesn't even look like a van. It's comfy with plenty of space for up to 6 adults comfortably. I love my Quest.”
“I have put less than 800 miles on my Quest. So far I am only dissatisfied with the ground clearance (lack thereof) and the possibility that I could be shortening the life of my engine by using ethanol-containing fuel. Fuel that does not contain ethanol is virtually impossible to find (AND over-priced).”
“Great family car!!! Awesome for road trips and vacations. VERY comfortable, even at it's base model. Great handling and power for a van & you can't beat the fuel economy at 27mpg either!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!”