Minivans aren’t the most attractive cars out there, but no other body model can match the level of practicality offered by upright, boxy vehicles. In a world obsessed with SUVs, Nissan insists there is still a place for the honest family hauler, namely the sixth-generation Serena. The nameplate introduced in the early 1990s continued for more sophisticated minivans with the latest technology and a more spacious cabin that seats eight people.
Shaped brick on wheels to maximize interior space, the 2023 Serena has a modern front fascia with headlamps that merge into the large grille. Nissan says it has installed the widest windshield in the segment to improve outward visibility, further enhanced by a spacious greenhouse with large side windows. The sliding door on the passenger side has hands-free operation, opens automatically while all the lights use LEDs.
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Drivers get 120 millimeters (4.7 inches) of extra legroom compared to the old minivan inside the overhauled cab that debuted with a new switch-type shifter. Parents of multiple children will be pleased to hear waterproof seat upholstery is included, as will a plethora of USB and Wi-Fi ports to complement portable media devices to keep them busy during long trips. All passengers have their own air conditioning controls, along with an air conditioning pre-cooling function.
Depending on trim level, the Nissan Serena measures 4,690 mm (184.6 in) or 4,765 mm (187.5 in) long and 1,695 mm (66.7 in) or 1,715 mm (67.5 in) wide. The height also depends on the variant as some are 1870 mm (73.6 inches) high while others are 1885 mm (74.2 inches) or 1895 mm (74.6 inches). As far as the wheelbase is concerned, it could be 3135 mm (123.4 in) or 3145 mm (123.8 in). Depending on specifications, weight varies from 2,110 to 2,235 kilograms (4,652 to 4,927 pounds).
The petrol version uses a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine with 150 horsepower (110 kilowatts) and 200 Newton-meters (148 pound-feet) of torque offered with or without all-wheel drive and a CVT. There is also an e-Power hybrid model (2WD only) with a new and quieter 1.4-liter engine that develops 98 hp (72 kW) and 123 Nm (91 lb-ft) of torque. Combined with the electric motor, total system output is 163 hp (120 kW) and 315 Nm (232 lb-ft).
A notable feature is ProPilot 2.0 which enables hands-free driving in one lane on the highway at speeds of 40 km/h (25 mph) and higher for the Luxion trim level which peaks with e-Power. The flagship also gets ProPilot Park, which registers and recognizes parking space lines for the first time on a Nissan model. Use hybrid and optional power sources to equip electrical equipment in the same way that EVs offer two-way charging.
Prices start at 2,768,700 yen (about $20,000) for the base gas model and go up to 4,798,200 yen ($34,700) for the e-Power Luxion. The first to go on sale will be the conventionally powered Serena this winter, with a hybrid following in spring 2023.
