Though handsome, well-equipped, and driver-friendly, Nissan’s 2016 Quest still lacks the utilitarian aspects that characterize most of its rivals. For example, this 5-door midsize minivan only seats 7 passengers in 3 rows, and, partially because the rear seats don’t fold quite as flat as they ought to, cargo space is still an unimpressive 108 cubic feet. Virtually all reviewers feel that the rear passenger doors are a bit too narrow for easy entry and exit. And the Quest has an unimpressive safety rating as well, problematic for a family-oriented minivan. But if you feel that creature comforts and surprising performance and agility trump practicality and safety scores, the Quest should fit your expectations quite nicely.

Again for 2016, the Quest comes in 4 trims: the S, SV, SL, and Platinum. All trims are only offered with front-wheel drive (FWD), but do come with a standard fuel-efficent continuously variable transmission (CVT). No significant changes seem planned for the 2016 Quest, but keep in mind that the 2015 model year saw improved mileage ratings, an upgraded infotainment display, and the inclusion of Nissan’s Moving Object Detection around-view camera as standard equipment aboard the top-shelf Platinum trim.

Standard appearance features for the 2016 Quest lineup include 16-inch and 18-inch steel or alloy wheels, dual power-sliding rear doors, a roof rack, reverse-tilt power-adjustable mirrors, and, on higher trims, a power liftgate and chrome trim pieces. Inside, the 2016 Quest offers standard cloth or leather-trimmed upholstery, second-row captain’s chairs, full power accessories, cruise control, and telescoping tilt-wheel steering. Higher trims add tri-zone automatic climate control, a remote garage door opener, a rear-view camera (around-view monitor with the Platinum), heated power-adjustable front seats, a power-return third-row seat, and memory for driver settings.

Technology includes a standard CD/MP3 player and 4 speakers in the base Quest S trim, while the SV and SL each add a 6-speaker stereo with a 5.0-inch monitor, satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free calling, and an auxiliary audio input. The Platinum, meanwhile, boasts a standard Bose premium audio system with 13 speakers, a DVD monitor, standard rear-seat DVD entertainment, and GPS navigation, all of which are integrated with an 8.0-inch touchscreen.

A power moonroof is one of the only notable standalone options, and it's only available on the SL and Platinum. You can, however, accessorize your Nissan minivan with such dealer-installed extras as splash guards, roof-rail crossbars, a Class II trailer towing package, and various cargo management tools.

Powering the 2016 Quest is a VQ-Series 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with the above-noted CVT. Look for 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque from the V6, with mileage again estimated at 20 mpg city/27 highway/22 combined. The available towing package gives a max towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

Standard safety features in the 2016 Quest lineup include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, 3-row side curtain airbags, and a remote antitheft alarm. All trims other than the S offer standard front fog/driving lights, the SL and Platinum trims include standard automatic headlights and turn-signal-integrated mirrors, and the Platinum adds standard blind-spot warning and Nissan’s recently introduced Moving Object Detection (MOD) system.

Unfortunately, all this extra safety technology doesn’t help improve the Quest’s crashworthiness: the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives this Nissan mini its worst score of Poor in the front-offset small-overlap segment, and roof strength is rated at a second-best Acceptable.

Look for the 2016 Quest to challenge the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Kia Sedona for minivan supremacy.