22 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling competitions, but for the 2015 Nissan Quest 3.5L V6, it’s a reasonable balance between passenger space, comfort, and the realities of hauling a family. This isn’t a minivan designed for weekend racers; it’s built for soccer practice, grocery runs, and the occasional long road trip. The person buying this isn’t prioritizing fuel efficiency above all else, but they certainly appreciate not spending all their money at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2015 Nissan Quest achieves 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving typical of suburban environments, where minivans spend a significant portion of their lives. The 27 MPG highway rating shows the efficiency of the Quest’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) at maintaining optimal engine speeds during steady cruising. That CVT improves fuel economy, although some drivers find its performance to be a bit unusual. It prioritizes smooth acceleration and efficiency over outright power, which aligns with the Quest’s mission as a comfortable family hauler. Remember that these figures are based on standardized testing and can vary depending on driving style, load, and environmental conditions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Nissan Quest 3.5L V6 at $2,000. This figure comes from the combined MPG rating of 22, assuming 15,000 miles of driving per year, and factoring in the national average fuel price. Keep in mind that this is an estimate; your actual fuel costs may be higher or lower depending on your specific driving habits and the price of gasoline in your area. For example, someone who primarily drives in stop-and-go city traffic will likely exceed this annual estimate, while someone who primarily drives on the highway during off-peak hours may spend less.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy often varies. Quest owners report seeing figures close to the EPA estimates, with some exceeding the highway rating during long trips at consistent speeds. However, expect a noticeable drop in efficiency when the minivan is heavily loaded with passengers and cargo, especially during trips through mountainous terrain or when towing. Aggressive driving habits, such as frequent hard acceleration and braking, will also negatively impact fuel economy. Consistent maintenance, including proper tire inflation and regular oil changes, is critical for maintaining optimal fuel efficiency over time.

How it compares

In the competitive minivan segment, the 2015 Nissan Quest’s fuel economy is fairly typical. The 2015 Honda Odyssey, for instance, achieves an EPA-estimated 19 MPG city and 28 MPG highway, giving it a slight edge on the highway compared to the Quest. The Chrysler Town & Country, another popular choice, delivers 17 MPG city and 25 MPG highway, making it less efficient overall. Even among newer minivans, the differences are often subtle. For example, the 2018 Toyota Sienna achieves around 19 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, while the Kia Sedona posts comparable numbers. The Quest’s fuel economy is, therefore, one factor among many for minivan shoppers; interior space, features, and reliability are important considerations. See QUEST MPG across all years for additional generations to compare.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Quest’s CVT is designed for efficiency, so avoid pressing hard on the accelerator from a standstill. Gentle acceleration allows the transmission to quickly find the best gear ratio for fuel economy. The more often you accelerate quickly, the more you will work the engine.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Remove any items from the Quest that you don’t need. Extra cargo adds weight, which requires more energy to move. That roof rack you never use but looks cool anyway? That’s costing you less gas on the highway.

Plan routes strategically, especially for city driving. Minimize stop-and-go traffic by choosing routes with fewer intersections and traffic lights. If possible, avoid driving during peak hours when congestion is at its worst.

Consider investing in an aftermarket fuel monitoring device. Modern units can give you instantaneous fuel usage data, which enables you to modify your driving style in real-time for better MPG. Even the car’s included average MPG display helps you understand trends and identify fuel-wasting habits.

For additional information, see all Nissan fuel economy data for the brand’s full efficiency ratings.