Whether some young parents want to believe it or not, the day of reckoning will come. That’s the day when they can no longer deny the many benefits that can be found by driving a minivan.
Kids just collect too much stuff to fit into two-door coupes and even some four-door sedans. It starts with one infant seat, a portable crib and bulky diaper bags. Then it evolves into another infant seat and booster seats for two or three, toys, sports equipment, band instruments perhaps, and then, as time rolls on, groups of giggly, gangly friends.
Before you know it, those minivans — with their power sliding doors and lift gates, three rows of seats and tons of legroom — are looking just too good. Functionality wins.
The 2013 Nissan Quest is a family’s minivan to beat all minivans. There are four models: the S, SV, SL and LE. Even the entry-level S is well equipped, but the farther you move up the model chain, the more features are added as standard. By the time you’ve made it to the LE, you’ll find nearly everything on board that harried parents could crave.
(Above): Exterior view of the 2013 Nissan Quest 3.5 LE.
Those one-touch power sliding doors and lift gate are so handy to have when your arms are of full of squirmy babies, diaper bags and purses. The three rows of seats keep squabbling kids apart and later, when their legs grow faster than grass, they still have enough room to stretch out. Also, having Tri-Zone Auto Temperature Control means even those delegated to riding in the way-back will be comfortable, and in control of their own temperature variations.
But, for 2013 Quests, Nissan sweetens the pot even more. Now there are fold-flat second and third rows of seats, so you can carry large items home from the lumberyard or off to college. To make it even more convenient, power folding seats in second and third rows are available. With a touch of your finger, the seats fold down — and up — in a number of configurations — 60/40 in the second row, or completely flat in either the second or third rows — to customize your load- and people-carrying needs. These seats are also “theater-style,” which means they are elevated a bit for improved visibility. There is a good amount of storage space behind that third row, as well.
(Above): Interior view of the 2013 Nissan Quest 3.5 LE.
Other family-friendly features include a removable second row console, second row power windows, dual opening glass moonroofs, lots of cup holders placed here and there, and full surround glass, which really helps bring the outside in.
Safety features include all the usual air bags, including side impact and side curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes and Vehicle Dynamics Control, Electronic Brake Force Distribution. The Blind Spot Monitoring System is great because it alerts you when you’re about to move into a lane already occupied by another car, and the Rear View Monitor helps you spot any collision obstacles as you put the car in reverse.
On the road, the 2013 Nissan Quest is a solid car that rides both well and quietly. It has a very good turning radius for a large vehicle. Visibility for all passengers is terrific.
(Above): Cargo view of the 2013 Nissan Quest 3.5 LE.
About the only complaint I could muster was that the radio volume control was located right next to and behind the dashboard-mounted shift knob, so my hand kept hitting the shifter every time I went to change the volume.
If your family is in the hunt for a minivan, the 2013 Nissan Quest packs all the essentials on board a very nicely appointed ride.
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