2014 Nissan Quest LE First Test
Testing Nissan's Comfortable and Quirky People-Mover
Minivans have taken a back seat as three-row SUVs have taken over the scene, offering many of the same amenities and better looks. And although the minivan segment has been on the rise in recent years, the numbers just aren't the same as in its heyday. Before the Nissan Quest's redesign in 2011, it was just another competitor in the segment, with sales numbers far below the two top dogs, the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey.
Now in its fourth generation, the 2014 Nissan Quest stands out from the rest of the minivan pack. Thanks to its redesign, it's immediately noticeable on the road, but whether that's a good thing remains to be seen. Sales numbers have indeed jumped, thanks to the different accessible trim levels. Nissan offers the Quest in four different levels, starting with the $26,220 Quest S. The other three models include the Quest SV, SL, and top-of-the-line LE, which comes with a starting price of $42,870.
We got behind the wheel of the latest Nissan Quest LE during our minivan Big Test (stay tuned for the full story), pitting it against the likes of the Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town & Country, Kia Sedona, and Toyota Sienna. Each model had its pros and cons, and the Quest definitely left an impression, from its uniquely unattractive design to key purchasing factors.
Perhaps the first thing you notice about the Quest is its boxy design and large mirrors that seem better suited to a heavy-duty truck. Although other automakers have tried out the box or toaster design, such as with the Ford Flex and Scion xB, Nissan brought this design to its underwhelming minivan in hopes of breathing some life back into it. And it worked. It became a minivan with a modicum of an unusual design, differentiating it from the others. Its size alone is enough for many to give this minivan a once-over, leaving the impression that it is heavy and lumbering on the road. And although that is partially true, the interior is able to offer a large amount of passenger and cargo room thanks to that largeness.
As soon as you get behind the wheel, you can't help but sigh as the overly cushioned and comfortable seats envelop you. It's clear Nissan was thinking more about the driver and the experience rather than creating just a functional and spacious people-mover. The armrests are in perfect reach for the driver, which is something that can't be said for the majority of the segment. The quality of the materials and execution of design moves the Nissan Quest closer to the likes of the Chrysler Town & Country than its Japanese counterparts.
However, although the interior layout is clean with a simple center stack, the Quest lacks a modern instrument cluster screen. The infotainment system also could have been better in terms of its controls and distance to the driver. Our model came with captain's chairs in the second row that don't fold down like some of its competitors', but they do slide forward to provide plenty of room for passengers needing access to the third row.
