1988 Nissan Prairie (M11) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Nissan Prairie (M11) measures 1690 mm in width, which is about 66.5 inches. This width places it in the compact minivan category, allowing for comfortable seating arrangements inside while maintaining a relatively narrow footprint on the road. A narrower width aids in easier urban driving and parking in tight spots, though it may mean slightly less shoulder room inside compared to wider minivans. The width is optimized to balance comfort, aerodynamics, and usability in typical driving and parking conditions.

The height of the Nissan Prairie (M11) varies between 1625 mm and 1660 mm (approximately 64 to 65.4 inches). This moderate height ensures good headroom for passengers throughout the cabin, contributing to a comfortable interior space. Additionally, the height balance supports the vehicle’s aerodynamics and provides a relatively low center of gravity compared to taller minivans, enhancing driving stability and handling.

The curb weight of the Nissan Prairie (M11) ranges from 1180 kg to 1435 kg (2601 to 3163 pounds), depending on its configuration, trim, and model year within the production period from 1988 to 1998. The maximum weight capacity, which includes passengers, cargo, and the vehicle itself, ranges between 1870 kg and 1985 kg (4123 to 4375 pounds). These weights suggest the Prairie is a relatively lightweight vehicle in the minivan segment, which can improve fuel efficiency and agility while still being capable of carrying a full load safely.

The Nissan Prairie (M11) offers a luggage capacity of 370 liters (roughly 13.1 cubic feet) when all rear seats are upright, suitable for everyday family errands and shopping. When the rear seats are folded down, this capacity significantly expands to 1500 liters (about 53 cubic feet), providing ample space for transporting larger items, luggage for trips, or bulk goods. This flexible cargo space is a key feature for families and individuals needing versatility in how they use their vehicle’s interior.

The Nissan Prairie (M11) is typically equipped with 14-inch rims paired with tire sizes of 195/70 R14 or 195/65 R14. These tire specifications reflect a balance between comfort, road grip, and fuel efficiency. The 195 mm width offers reasonable traction and stability, while the sidewall height (70 or 65 series) contributes to ride comfort and cushioning over bumps and uneven road surfaces. This combination is typical for compact to midsize minivans of this era.

Considering its dimensions—about 4360 mm (171.7 inches) in length, 1690 mm (66.5 inches) in width, and around 1660 mm (65.4 inches) in height—the Nissan Prairie (M11) generally fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Most standard garages in residential homes are designed to accommodate vehicles up to approximately 5 meters (16.4 feet) in length and 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in width, which means the Prairie's compact size provides ample clearance. However, for garages with low ceilings or unusually tight spaces, verifying specific garage dimensions is recommended.

The Nissan Prairie (M11), produced from 1988 to 1998, was an evolution of the earlier first-generation Prairie (M10). The M11 retained the compact minivan layout but generally offered slightly improved interior space and updated exterior dimensions to enhance comfort and utility. While exact dimension differences vary, the M11's design focused on better aerodynamics, passenger comfort, and cargo flexibility compared to the preceding generation. This resulted in a more modern and practical vehicle without significantly increasing its overall footprint, maintaining excellent urban usability.

Compared to other compact minivans of the late 1980s and 1990s, such as the Honda Shuttle or Toyota TownAce, the Nissan Prairie (M11) stood out with its innovative design and versatile interior layout. While its dimensions—approximately 4.35 meters in length and 1.69 meters in width—were competitive, its flexible seating arrangements and relatively lightweight construction offered a good balance of efficiency and practicality. The Prairie's relatively narrow width made it particularly adept in urban settings where parking and maneuverability are critical. It combined a reasonable cargo capacity of up to 1500 liters with a compact footprint, aligning well against its competitors in terms of usability and comfort.

The Nissan Prairie (M11) is designed as a compact minivan that caters well to small families and urban users. Its moderate length and narrow width make it easy to drive and park in city environments, while offering enough interior space and headroom to comfortably accommodate passengers. The flexible cargo space, with 370 liters of storage normally and up to 1500 liters with the rear seats folded, supports a variety of lifestyle needs from grocery trips to weekend getaways. Weight efficiency and manageable tire sizes contribute to better fuel economy and ride comfort, making it an ideal choice for those needing a practical, versatile vehicle that handles both everyday commuting and family duties efficiently.