Introduction
While most carmakers abandoned their minivan efforts years ago, Nissan doubled down and launched a completely redesigned Quest in 2011. For 2013, the family-friendly crossover alternative arrives with minor changes that include expanded availability of a DVD entertainment option and a standard exterior camera monitoring system on the top-of-the-line 2013 Nissan Quest LE.
Exterior Features
Among the exterior features found on the base 2013 Nissan Quest S model are 16-inch steel wheels, power-adjustable outside mirrors, and chrome trim. The Quest SV is dressed up a bit more with 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, power-sliding rear doors, rear privacy glass, and additional chrome accents.
Positioned one step above the SV is the Nissan Quest SL, which is differentiated by 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, power liftgate, roof rails, and heated mirrors. Topping off the lineup is the Quest LE, which Nissan has equipped with HID headlights, reverse tilt-down outside mirrors, and a blind-spot monitoring system.
Interior Features
As the entry-level model, the 2013 Nissan Quest S covers the basics with rear air conditioning controls, push-button start, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, and a 4-speaker sound system with an auxiliary audio input jack. Also featured are second-row folding captain's chairs designed to move easily for direct access to a 60/40 split-folding third-row seat, which can be folded to create a flat load floor behind the front row.
The Quest SV adds a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, universal garage door opener, tri-zone climate control, conversation mirror that helps keep tabs on kids seated in the rear two rows, and an upgraded 6-speaker sound system that includes a 4.3-inch display, USB port, satellite radio service, and steering-wheel-mounted controls.
Those trim levels are followed by the 2013 Nissan Quest SL, which offers standard items such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery and trim, and heated front seats with power 8-way adjustment for the driver. The Quest LE continues from there, availing buyers to rear- and side-view cameras, navigation system with an 8-inch touch-screen display and voice recognition, real-time traffic and weather information, rear sunshades, and an air purifying feature that Nissan claims removes odors and allergens. The LE's list of upgrades goes on to include a 120-volt power outlet, power front-passenger seat with 4-way adjustment, memory settings for the driver, Bluetooth streaming audio, 13-speaker premium audio system, and a rear DVD entertainment system with an 11-inch screen and wireless headphones.
Optional Features
A total of four factory options are available for the entire 2013 Nissan Quest lineup, including a Dual Opening Glass Moonroof package and, for lower trims, a DVD Entertainment System package, Leather package, and an upgraded audio package.
Under the Hood
The 2013 Quest is one of many Nissan models that are equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which, in this application, delivers 260 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is charged with transferring output to the front wheels.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Nissan Quest are 19/25/21 mpg (city/highway/combined).
Safety
The 2013 Nissan Quest features 6 air bags (including side curtain air bags for all three rows), traction control, front active head restraints, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist.
In crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Quest received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for moderate frontal-offset crash protection. As this preview is written, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not rated the crashworthiness of the 2013 Nissan Quest.
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