1998 Nissan Prairie (M12) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Nissan Prairie (M12) falls between 1490 kg to 1590 kg (approximately 3285 to 3505 lbs). This weight range is typical for compact to mid-sized minivans of its era, balancing sturdiness and agility. The relatively moderate weight helps deliver stable handling and a comfortable ride, especially considering its intended role as a family transport vehicle. A lower curb weight contributes to better fuel efficiency and less strain on the engine and suspension, making the Prairie practical for daily driving as well as longer trips.

Compared to its predecessor, the Nissan Prairie (M10), the M12 generation generally features an increase in both length and height, offering improved interior space and comfort. The M12's length of up to 4650 mm (183.1 inches) is longer than the earlier models, providing more passenger room and cargo capacity. Width remains fairly consistent but with a more modern and aerodynamic design. The height variability in the M12 allows for better headroom or optional raised-roof configurations, an improvement over the generally lower height of the prior generation. Overall, the M12's size improvements result in enhanced passenger comfort and versatility.

Yes, the Nissan Prairie (M12) typically fits comfortably in a standard residential garage. With its maximum length of 4650 mm (approximately 15.3 feet) and width around 1695 mm (about 5.56 feet), it is shorter and narrower than many modern SUVs and larger minivans. Standard garages generally have dimensions of about 6 meters by 3 meters (roughly 20 x 10 feet), so the Prairie's size allows for adequate clearance around the vehicle for opening doors and maneuvering. The height, ranging up to 1630 mm (5.4 feet), is well within typical garage door height limits, ensuring it will not face clearance issues in most homes.

The Nissan Prairie (M12) typically comes fitted with tire sizes 185/65 R15 or 195/65 R15. The 185/65 R15 tires offer a balance between ride comfort and fuel efficiency, while the slightly wider 195/65 R15 tires provide improved grip and handling due to the increased contact patch. Both tire sizes are conventional for minivans and provide a smooth ride with good shock absorption on urban and highway roads. The 15-inch wheel diameter also helps maintain ride comfort through absorbing road imperfections, suitable for family and daily driving needs.

The Nissan Prairie (M12) shows a significant height variation from 1400 mm (55.1 inches) to 1630 mm (64.2 inches), which corresponds to differences in trim levels or roof configurations. The lower height variant offers a sportier profile and possibly better aerodynamics, while the higher roof models provide increased headroom, improving overall passenger comfort, especially in the rear seats. The tall variants are particularly useful for families or users who need spaciousness and ease of movement inside the vehicle. This height flexibility also enhances usability for loading bulky cargo and improves the feel of openness inside the cabin.

With a width between 1690 mm and 1695 mm (66.5 to 66.7 inches), the Nissan Prairie (M12) is narrower than many contemporary minivans and SUVs, which often exceed 1.8 meters in width. This narrower width facilitates easier maneuvering through tight urban spaces, narrow parking lots, and narrow lanes. Drivers benefit from improved ease of parking in constrained spaces, reduced risk of door dings, and greater comfort driving in crowded city environments. Despite its compact width, the vehicle still provides a spacious enough interior for occupants, making it a practical balance between size and usability.

Compared to other minivans from the late 1990s to early 2000s, such as the Honda Stepwgn or Toyota Corolla Spacio, the Nissan Prairie (M12) tends to be slightly more compact but equally practical. With length spanning roughly 4545 mm to 4650 mm (178.7 to 183.1 inches), the Prairie occupies a niche that balances urban-friendly dimensions with interior space usability. Its narrower width provides an advantage in tight parking scenarios. Height versatility with up to 1630 mm (64.2 inches) roof height allows it to compete well in terms of passenger comfort. Overall, it focuses on maximizing usable interior space within a relatively compact external footprint, making it adaptable for families in cities and suburbs alike.

The Nissan Prairie (M12) from 1998 to 2004 is recognized as a versatile minivan, designed to provide spacious, comfortable seating and flexible interior configurations suitable for families. It features a simple, aerodynamic exterior with sliding doors typical for ease of access in tight parking spots. The M12 put emphasis on maximizing passenger comfort with adjustable seating and ample headroom, especially in higher roof models. Engine options generally leaned towards efficiency and reliability rather than outright performance. In essence, the Prairie M12 blends compact external dimensions with practical family-focused interior space, consistent with Nissan's goal to deliver a functional urban people carrier.

The Nissan Prairie (M12) has a curb weight ranging from approximately 1490 kg to 1590 kg (3285 to 3505 lbs), which strikes a balance between being lightweight enough for fuel efficiency yet heavy enough to provide stable road manners. This moderate weight helps the vehicle achieve reasonable fuel economy figures for its class, as engines do not have to work excessively hard to move the car. Additionally, a curb weight in this range helps in maintaining predictable handling and comfort, minimizing the typical trade-offs between agility and ride quality common in larger minivans. Thus, the Prairie's weight enhances daily usability and cost-effectiveness without sacrificing comfort.