The easy-to-use convenience also carries over into the interior design with the quick release fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats. The 60/40-split 3rd row seat can be switched from upright to fold-flat position with the simple pull of one strap (Quest S and SV) or push of a button (Quest SL and LE). The LE model also includes 3rd row power return seatback. A spring assist aids the manual fold and return operation. The 2nd row bucket seats also feature easy-fold/return operation, and there is a standard 2nd row walk-in device for easier access to the 3rd row.

Quest's permanent rear storage well provides a large, flexible space behind the 3rd row seat, offering a hidden, additional cargo area for bulky items. The storage area is independent of the fold flat 3rd row seat - so it's always there when you need it - and is covered by a lightweight but sturdy 60/40-split multi-position removable cover.

Interior comfort and convenience features are also designed for flexibility and functionality. The driver's seat is a 6-way manual adjustment design for S and SV models, and 8-way power-adjustable for SL and LE trim levels. The passenger seat is 4-way adjustable on S, SV, and SL and 4-way power on LE. Rich cloth seat fabric is standard on S and SV, while leather-appointed seats are standard on SL and LE models. Quest LE also features a 2-driver memory and auto entry/exit system.

Unique Quest front seating features include a special "trilaminar" structure, which uses three types of cushions to distribute body pressure more evenly than traditional padding, and the first application of Nissan's new Quick Comfort front seat heaters (SL and LE models). When activated, this sophisticated system immediately begins warming the body parts that are most sensitive to heat, such as the thighs and hips. Then, to maintain a warm, cozy feeling, the heater increases heating on body pressure points.

Quest's theater-style interior layout with raised 2nd and 3rd rows provides occupants with excellent visibility and a good view of the available 11-inch WVGA family entertainment system display monitor. The comfortable 2nd row Captain's Chair style seats include dual armrests, recline, and fore/aft adjustability, while the 3rd row 60/40-split bench includes recline and 3-way adjustable headrests. A total of six cupholders and six bottle holders - two each for all three rows - are standard, along with four coat hangers and two 12-volt DC outlets. The dual-level front center console offers flexible storage, as does the removable 2nd row console. An overhead front console is standard on SL and LE models.

Quest's wide instrument panel includes a 4.3-inch color audio display on SV and SL models, with an 8-inch touch screen display for LE models with the standard Nissan Navigation System. The hard drive-based navigation system includes a user-friendly graphic interface, menu structure and intelligent search capabilities, a 9.3GB Music Box hard drive, XM NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeather (XM subscription required, sold separately) and Zagat Survey Restaurant Guide.

Air Purifier

One of the most innovative and certain to be appreciated new technologies is the Quest LE's standard Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster air purifier, Grape Polyphenol Filter and auto recirculation control. The system works three ways to help reduce allergens and unwanted odors within the Quest cabin. Its automatic intake control utilizes sensors to constantly monitor outside odors and automatically closes the intake port to prevent inflow of exhaust fumes or other unpleasant smells into the interior. It then restores fresh air flow automatically when the offensive odors have passed.

The ACCS also employs a Grape Polyphenol Filter to help reduce the number of harmful allergens in the interior air. Finally, an advanced Plasmacluster purifier, generates ions to "scrub" the interior air of unwanted odors - whether they come from outside or inside the vehicle.

Manual or Automatic Temperature Control

Quest SV, SL and LE models feature a Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control system, while Quest S models include manual temperature control. A range of audio systems is also available, starting with the Quest S model's AM/FM/6CD system with four speakers. A Bose premium audio system with AM/FM/CD/DVD/Flash Memory, 13 speakers (including dual subwoofers) and XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately) is standard on Quest LE and available on Quest SL. A USB port with iPod connectivity is standard on SV models and above.

One other Quest item helps parents make a connection with passengers in the rear seats, the Conversation Mirror. Available on SV, SL and LE models, the wide yet compact mirror folds down from the area about the rearview mirror (replacing the sunglass holder), providing the driver with added visibility and convenient communication with children in the 2nd and 3rd rows, without having to turn their head or constantly adjust the rearview mirror.

A RearView Monitor, which provides a view of objects behind the Quest when the gear selector is in reverse, is standard on SV, SL and LE models.

The Engine

Quest's top-level quality and reliability starts with use of a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 with 253 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, part of Nissan's award-winning VQ engine series.

The engine incorporates a twin Nissan Variable Induction Control System (NICS), microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coated valve lifters, resin intake manifold, forged crankshaft, digital knock control system, high capacity muffler and lightweight aluminum block and cylinder heads. Backing the engine is Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), which provides a responsive driving experience and the smoothness that only a CVT offers.

The Chassis

The new Quest's responsive handling feel is provided by the 4-wheel independent suspension, with independent strut with coil springs and stabilizer bar in front and a multi-link design in rear. Braking is through 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Steering is a vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion design.

Quest S and SV models come with 16-inch wheels (aluminum-alloy on SV) with 225/65 R16 all-season tires, while Quest SL and LE models feature 18-inch machine-finish aluminum-alloy wheels and 235/65 R18 all-season tires.

Quest's standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) includes a segment-first application of Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert. When filling the tires with air, the hazard lamps flash to let you know the system is working. When the correct pressure is reached, Quest will give a friendly beep of the horn. On Quest LE, the tire pressures for each wheel can be viewed on the 8" WVGA Navigation display.

Safety and Security Features

As part of Nissan's "Safety Shield" concept, Quest is designed to incorporate a number of advanced safety systems. Standard on the Quest LE model is the first Nissan application of the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system, which helps alert the driver if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot by illuminating an indicator light in the appropriate outside mirror. If the driver then activates the turn signal, the indicator flashes and an audible warning sounds.

Every 2011 Quest also offers standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS). Also standard are a Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain supplemental side-impact air bags for front-and rear-seat occupant head protection, front-seat Active Head Restraints and child safety rear door locks.

Four Quest Models

The all-new 2011 Nissan Quest is offered in four models: S, SV, SL and LE. Seven exterior colors are available: Twilight Gray, Dark Mahogany, Titanium Beige, Brilliant Silver, Platinum Graphite, Black Amethyst and White Pearl. Two interior colors are offered, Beige and Grey, in a choice of cloth (S and SV) or leather-appointed (SL and LE) seating.

Following is a list of select individual model equipment and features:

• Quest S: 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers; rear roof spoiler; 6-way adjustable front bucket seats; front door map pockets, wood-tone trim (instrument panel, front doors, and sliding door window switch); fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, permanent rear storage well; 1st and 2nd row center consoles; Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition; and AM/FM/6CD audio system with four speakers.
• Quest SV: One-touch power sliding doors; 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; Tri-Zone Auto Temperature Control; power driver's seat lumbar adjustment; six speakers; fog lights; Conversation Mirror; 4.3-inch color audio display; USB port with iPod connectivity; Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System with steering wheel controls; RearView Monitor; and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
• Quest SL: Leather-appointed seating and door trim; 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; power liftgate; 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat; Quick Comfort heated front seats; HomeLink Universal Transceiver; auto-dimming inside mirror with compass; roof rails; auto on/off headlights; leather-wrapped shift knob; Quick Release fold flat 3rd row; and heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals.
• Quest LE: Nissan Navigation System; Bose Audio System with 12 speakers; XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately); memory system for driver's seat and outside mirrors; auto tilt-in-reverse outside mirrors; 2nd and 3rd row manual blinds; 4-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat; 8-inch VGA color display (dash mounted); DVD Entertainment System with two wireless headphones and remote control; rear 11-inch 16:9 aspect ratio display for DVD Entertainment; Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with auto recirculation feature; Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system; and High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights.

Only three option packages are offered: DVD Entertainment System (SL); Dual Opening Glass Moonroofs (SL and LE); and Bose Package (SL).

Nissan Quest: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications