22 MPG combined doesn’t sound like a lot in 2016, but for a minivan, it’s a figure many families accepted for the space and utility the Nissan Quest offered. This isn’t a hybrid that prioritizes every last tenth of a mile per gallon. It’s a purpose-built family hauler designed to transport kids, cargo, and everything in between with reasonable comfort and reliability. The Quest’s fuel economy, when you consider this, becomes a more justifiable tradeoff.

City and highway performance

The 2016 Nissan Quest, equipped with a 3.5L 6-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission with variable gear ratios, achieves an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. City driving, with its constant stop-and-go nature, noticeably impacts the Quest’s fuel economy. The vehicle’s weight and inherent resistance to frequent acceleration and deceleration prevent it from achieving higher city numbers. Out on the open road, the Quest truly shines.

Its aerodynamic design allows for more efficient cruising at higher speeds, making highway trips more economical and stretching out the range between fill-ups. With careful driving techniques, some owners report exceeding the EPA’s highway estimate, especially on flat, steady-speed routes.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2016 Nissan Quest is $2,000. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using fuel prices that represent a national average. Remember that this is an estimate; your actual fuel costs might differ considerably depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the specific conditions in which you operate the vehicle. Short trips around town in congested areas will likely increase your annual expense, while mostly highway miles might bring it down. If the $2,000 annual fuel cost is a critical factor, consider monitoring your own fuel consumption closely and adjusting your driving style accordingly.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized test, real-world MPG for the 2016 Nissan Quest varies. Expect a range within a few MPG of the EPA estimates. Factors like driving style, cargo weight, tire pressure, and even weather conditions can all impact fuel economy. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and carrying heavy loads will decrease fuel efficiency. Maintaining proper tire inflation and performing regular maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements, can help the Quest achieve its optimal MPG.

Keep in mind that using the air conditioning, especially in hot climates, will also place an additional load on the engine, reducing fuel economy, so keep this in mind during warmer months.

How it compares

The 2016 Nissan Quest was in a competitive minivan segment. Its 22 MPG combined rating needs context. The Honda Odyssey, for example, also posted 19 city / 28 highway MPG, making its combined MPG only slightly better. The Toyota Sienna, with its 3.5L V6, reached similar numbers. The Chrysler Town & Country, while offering a comfortable ride, often fell short of the Quest’s EPA estimates in real-world driving. The Dodge Grand Caravan was often perceived as less refined and rarely beat out the Quest for overall fuel economy. These comparisons are critical for minivan buyers who need to balance fuel efficiency with the practical attributes of this vehicle class. For those searching for all Nissan fuel economy data, a trip to the Nissan page is a handy alternative.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic flow to minimize unnecessary braking and acceleration, as these actions consume more fuel than maintaining a steady speed. The Quest’s engine is responsive, but avoid aggressive driving, which is a common MPG killer. Try to maintain a smooth and consistent speed, especially on the highway, to maximize fuel efficiency.

Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, improving fuel economy and extending tire life. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended levels, which can be found on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual. Tire pressure changes with temperature, so adjust accordingly, particularly during seasonal transitions.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle. The heavier the load, the more fuel the Quest will consume. Remove any items you don’t need, such as sports equipment or tools, to lighten the load and improve fuel economy. Consider removing the rear seats if you frequently haul cargo and don’t need the extra passenger space.

Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures the engine is running efficiently. A clean air filter allows for optimal airflow, while fresh oil reduces friction and helps the engine operate smoothly. Failing to maintain the vehicle can negatively impact fuel economy, as well as overall performance and reliability. Be sure to follow all recommended service intervals listed in the owner’s manual.

Use cruise control on the highway whenever possible to maintain a constant speed and avoid unintentional acceleration. Cruise control can help optimize fuel economy, especially on long trips with minimal traffic. However, be mindful of road conditions and disengage cruise control when necessary for safety. Interested in QUEST MPG across all years? Feel free to have a look.