The 2017 Nissan Quest 3.5L V6 gets 22 MPG combined, which is average for the minivan class. This vehicle isn’t bought for great fuel consumption. It’s purchased for its large interior, comfortable ride, and family-hauling capabilities. Quest owners accept sacrificing fuel economy for the practicality of a minivan.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Nissan Quest gets 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect how the minivan performed in testing. The city MPG shows performance in stop-and-go traffic, capturing the impact of frequent acceleration and idling. The highway estimate indicates what to expect on long trips at a steady speed. The Quest’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) delivers smooth power, prioritizing that over maximum fuel savings, which may explain why the difference between city and highway numbers isn’t greater.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Nissan Quest is $2,000. This number is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs might be different depending on how much you drive, where you drive, and local fuel prices. However, the $2,000 benchmark provides a standard point of comparison against other vehicles. It’s a useful tool for budgeting and understanding the long-term costs of owning a Quest.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a good baseline, real-world MPG can vary. Driving style, traffic, and even tire pressure affect fuel economy. Quest drivers often carrying passengers and cargo might see figures closer to the city estimate, especially during frequent short trips. However, those who mostly use the Quest for longer highway journeys might achieve or exceed the 27 MPG highway rating. Achieving the window sticker numbers requires effort and careful driving.

How it compares

The 2017 Honda Odyssey, a major competitor, gets 19 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. The Chrysler Pacifica, another option, gets 18 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway in its standard gasoline version; the hybrid version gets significantly higher fuel economy. The Quest’s combined MPG is similar to the Honda Odyssey, but slightly lower than the Pacifica, especially the hybrid. These differences can add up over time, affecting overall running costs. Buyers in this segment should weigh these differences against factors like passenger comfort, features, and reliability when deciding. Remember to check QUEST MPG across all years for a better understanding of this model’s fuel efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid fast acceleration. The Quest’s V6 engine provides enough power, but pressing hard on the gas pedal wastes fuel. Gradual acceleration allows the CVT to operate more efficiently, keeping the engine in its optimal RPM range. Plan ahead and predict traffic flow to keep momentum, minimizing hard braking and then accelerating.

Keep proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, hurting fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Properly inflated tires improve MPG, tire life and handling.

Reduce weight. Minivans often accumulate extra weight from sports equipment, toys, and other items. Remove unnecessary cargo to reduce the energy required to move the vehicle. Every pound counts, so a cleaner Quest uses less gas.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel without going anywhere. If you expect to stop for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, saving fuel compared to idling for a long time, especially in heavy traffic where Quest drivers often are.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control on long highway trips can help maintain steady fuel consumption by keeping a consistent speed. Set your desired speed and let the system control the throttle, which helps fuel efficiency. Finally, review all Nissan fuel economy data to see how the Quest compares to other Nissan models.