2016 Nissan Quest 3.5 S

2016 Nissan Quest: A Spacious and Versatile Family Hauler

The 2016 Nissan Quest continues its legacy as a comfortable and feature-rich minivan designed to accommodate growing families and their diverse needs. With its distinctive styling and a focus on practicality, the Quest aims to provide a smooth and enjoyable ownership experience.

Highlights

• Engine: Powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, the 2016 Quest delivers a healthy 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. This potent powertrain, paired with a smooth-shifting Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), offers ample acceleration for merging onto highways and confident passing maneuvers. The CVT is tuned for efficiency and a refined driving experience, minimizing gear changes and keeping the engine in its optimal power band.

• Safety Features: Nissan equipped the 2016 Quest with a suite of advanced safety technologies designed to protect occupants:

  • Antilock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
  • Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD): Optimizes braking force between the front and rear wheels based on load conditions, enhancing braking stability.
  • Brake Assist (BA): Detects a panic braking situation and applies maximum braking force, shortening stopping distances.
  • Traction Control System (TCS): Helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration, especially on slippery surfaces.
  • Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC): Monitors steering and braking inputs and can intervene by reducing engine power or applying individual brakes to help correct oversteer or understeer, maintaining stability.
  • Blind Spot Warning (BSW): Alerts the driver when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, typically with an audible and visual warning.
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): Warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space or driveway.
  • Around View Monitor (AVM): Utilizes multiple cameras to create a virtual 360-degree bird's-eye view of the vehicle's surroundings, significantly aiding in parking and low-speed maneuvers.

• Trim Summary: The 2016 Nissan Quest was offered in several well-defined trim levels, catering to different levels of luxury and technology:

  • S: The foundational trim, offering essential comfort and convenience features.
  • SV: Enhances the S with a more robust infotainment system, including a color display and additional audio features.
  • SL: Steps up with a premium audio system, leather-appointed seating, and heated front seats for added comfort.
  • Platinum: The top-tier trim, boasting a panoramic sunroof, a DVD entertainment system, and advanced navigation for a truly upscale experience.

• Other Notable Aspects:

  • Distinctive Styling: The 2016 Quest stands out from many other minivans with its unique "floating roof" design, achieved through blacked-out pillars. This gives it a more modern and less boxy appearance.
  • Comfortable Ride: The Quest is known for its smooth and compliant ride, absorbing road imperfections well, making it ideal for long journeys.
  • Spacious Interior: With seating for up to seven passengers, the Quest offers generous legroom and headroom in all three rows. The second-row captain's chairs are particularly comfortable, and the third row is surprisingly usable for adults on shorter trips.
  • Flexible Seating: While not offering the " Stow 'n Go" type of fold-flat seating found in some rivals, the Quest's second and third-row seats can be removed or folded to create a large, versatile cargo area.

What to Expect

Owning a 2016 Nissan Quest generally translates to a dependable and comfortable family transport experience. The V6 engine provides ample power for daily driving and weekend getaways, and the CVT contributes to a smooth and quiet ride. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks, will be similar to other vehicles in its class. Nissan vehicles are typically known for reasonable maintenance costs, and parts are generally readily available.

Insurance premiums for the 2016 Quest are likely to be competitive within the minivan segment, but will vary based on your driving record, location, and chosen coverage. It's always advisable to get quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best rate.

Potential Considerations

While the 2016 Nissan Quest excels in many areas, there are a few points potential buyers should be aware of:

• Cargo Flexibility: Unlike some competitors that offer second-row seats that fold flat into the floor, the Quest's second-row captain's chairs must be removed to maximize cargo space. While this offers a large, unobstructed area, it can be somewhat cumbersome for owners who frequently need to reconfigure their seating.
• Third-Row Accessibility: While the third row is usable, access can be a bit tight for adults, especially if the second-row seats are occupied. This is a common characteristic of minivans, but worth noting.
• Infotainment System Responsiveness: While functional, some reviewers have noted that the infotainment system's interface and responsiveness might not be as cutting-edge or intuitive as some more recently updated systems in the segment.

Overall Summary

The 2016 Nissan Quest is a solid choice for families seeking a spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped minivan. Its powerful V6 engine, smooth ride, and comprehensive safety features make it a capable daily driver and a reliable road trip companion. While its cargo flexibility might not be as seamless as some rivals, its distinctive styling and comfortable interior make it a compelling option in the competitive minivan market. The Quest delivers a refined and practical ownership experience, making it a worthy contender for those prioritizing comfort and passenger well-being.