Nissan has never been afraid to try new things with its minivan, the Quest. Now in its fourth generation, the Quest is tall minivan with angular styling. Although the Quest is nearly identical to the class-leading Odyssey in wheelbase and track, the taller Quest should have more room inside. A 3.5l V6 engine powers all models. Rated at 253-bhp, the Quest is competitive with other minivans. Like other their other models, Nissan has equipped the Quest with a CVT rather than the conventional automatic found in competitors. One area that sets the Quest apart from the competition is the design of their seating. Most minivans have a third row seat the folds flat in to the floor, creating a large storage well when the seats are in use. Chrysler vans also offer this feature on the second row. Second row seats are generally removed for larger hauling tasks. The Quest is more like a SUV. The second and third row seats fold forward creating a flat load floor on their solid backs. This allows the Quest to preserve its covered storage well even when the third row is stowed. The Quest offers all the modern minivan conveniences like power sliding rear doors, conversation mirrors and optional entertainment systems. One novel feature is the optional climate filtration system that can purify the air with the touch of a button. The Quest is offered in a range of trim levels from the basic S to the loaded LE model with prices ranging from $28,000 to over $42,000.

What Changed:

The fourth generation Quest bows for 2011. No longer built in America, the new Quest switches platforms. The new model is shorter in length and wheelbase, but the upright styling has improved the interior volume. Power is provided by a 3.5l V6 and output has increased by 13-horspower to 253-bhp. A CVT transmission becomes standard. The new styling is more angular and erect. The profile features a wraparound c-pillar and vertical tailgate. Inside, the Quest offers three rows of seating with the second and third rows folding flat to the floor.