Nissan will make minor changes to its popular minivan, the Serena, scheduled for March 2026.
The current model (C28) will undergo a full model change in November 2022, and is steadily evolving with the addition of the long-awaited hybrid 4WD model “e-4ORCE” in 2024 and the introduction of the sporty grade “AUTECH Sport Spec.” This minor change is expected to include a major overhaul, particularly in the exterior design, and is expected to further enhance its appeal by improving the quality and incorporating new-generation Nissan design. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the specs, equipment, changes, and other information currently known about the new Serena, providing a full picture.
Summary of new Serena minor change information
- Release date: A minor change model is scheduled to be released in March 2026.
- Main changes:
- The exterior design has been completely revamped (mainly the front mask).
- There are no major changes to the interior design.
- Exterior:
- It adopts Nissan’s latest design language (Ariya-style).
- The front grille has been changed to a flat, seamless design.
- The headlights are thinner and the LED daytime running lights have a new design.
- The aluminum wheel design has been revamped.
- interior:
- The 12.3-inch digital meter and infotainment system, switch-type electronic shift, head-up display, etc. will basically continue to be installed.
- The current convenience features, such as the e-POWER FF model’s eight-seater configuration, sliding third-row seats, ample storage, dual back doors, and hands-free automatic sliding doors, will be maintained.
- Changes to the driver’s foot space and the operability of the switch-type shift may be postponed.
- The unlock-when-approach/auto-lock-when-alighting functions are expected to continue to be used.
- Powertrain:
- The 2.0L gasoline engine (FF/4WD) and 1.4L e-POWER (FF/e-4ORCE) will continue to be available.
- The e-POWER is characterized by its quietness, powerful driving, and excellent fuel economy (FF: 20.6km/L, e-4ORCE: 17.0km/L).
- e-POWER has an AC100V/1500W outlet setting.
- Safety equipment:
- The driving assistance technology “ProPilot (with Navi-Link function)” is standard equipment on all vehicles.
- The top-of-the-line Luxion model comes standard with ProPilot 2.0, which allows hands-off driving on highways.
- Collision Avoidance Steering Assist, ProPilot Parking (with memory function), and ProPilot Remote Parking are also still included (including grade-specific settings).
- Body size grade:
- The base grade is a 5-number size, while the Highway Star/Luxion maintains a 3-number size.
- The grade structure (X, XV, Highway Star V, Luxion, AUTECH, etc.) remains basically unchanged.
- The addition of the LUXION e-4ORCE (4WD) model is expected to be postponed.
- Custom Model:
- The “AUTECH” (with a special grille design change), “Step Type” and “Multi-Bed” models will continue to be available.
- price:
- Due to equipment changes, etc., a small overall price increase (of around 50,000 yen) is expected.
Nissan New Serena Minor Change Exterior Design: A new generation face inherited from the Ariya
The main change in this minor change is the revamped exterior design, which is expected to adopt a new generation design language inspired by Nissan’s electric vehicle, the Ariya.
Nissan Ariya
Nissan Note Aura
Specifically, the front mask will undergo a major change, and it is expected that a large grille with a horizontally-oriented, flat impression will be newly adopted. In addition, the headlights, which were arranged vertically on the current model, will be made thinner, and combined with slim daytime running lights that give a sharp impression, it will evolve into a more advanced and sophisticated image. Newly designed aluminum wheels will be used at the feet, and are expected to have the effect of tightening up the overall styling.
Custom models that highlight individuality are still popular
The new Serena is expected to continue to offer custom models such as “AUTECH,” “Step Type,” and “Multi-Bed” to meet a variety of needs.
The Serena AUTECH is a model that pursues high-quality sportiness. Features such as a special dot pattern front grille, blue signature LEDs, and exclusive parts with a metallic finish create a unique and sophisticated exterior. The interior features soft leatherette seats, rosewood-style instrument finishers, and blue stitching, providing a high-quality space. Another distinctive feature of the e-POWER model is the use of comfortable captain seats in the second row.
“Serena e-POWER” AUTECH (C27)
The Serena Step Type features a long step that can be used simultaneously from both the passenger seat and the passenger side sliding door. The step deploys and retracts in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door, and is also equipped with step illumination, allowing for safe and smooth entry and exit at night or in dark places.
The Serena Multi Bed is a model that removes the third-row seats and is equipped with a foldable bed system. It uses a waterproof bed mat and is spacious enough for two adults to sleep comfortably. Its appeal lies in its versatility, which makes it suitable for a variety of uses, such as outdoor activities and sleeping in the car.
Nissan’s new Serena minor change: Latest equipment remains the same: User-friendly interior space
Nissan Serena interior
Meanwhile, there are no reportedly any major changes to the interior at this time. However, it is quite likely that the adoption of the latest equipment will improve usability. The current model’s popular 12.3-inch full digital meter and 12.3-inch infotainment system dual display will likely continue to be used, supporting the driver with high visibility and a wealth of information displayed. Nissan’s first switch-type electronic shift is also expected to continue to be used, with its clean design and intuitive operation. In addition, the new car will be equipped with a 10.8-inch head-up display, which provides the driver with all the information they need to drive while minimizing eye movement.
The seating layout is based on a three-row layout, and the e-POWER model, which had a seating capacity of seven in the previous model, is expected to maintain its seating capacity, with the FF model now seating eight, the same as the gasoline model. In addition to the sliding mechanism for the second-row seats, a sliding mechanism is also standard on the third-row seats, ensuring a comfortable living space even when fully loaded. Around the driver’s seat, foot space has been expanded, and we can expect minor improvements, such as smoother movement between the driver’s seat and passenger seat. Storage spaces are also located throughout, so high convenience will likely be maintained.
The luggage space is among the largest in its class, and the easy-to-use “dual back door” is expected to continue to be adopted. This makes it easy to load and unload luggage even in places with limited space in the rear. In addition, the “hands-free auto sliding door,” which can be opened and closed with a foot gesture even when both hands are full, is expected to become even easier to use thanks to improved sensor sensitivity.
Nissan New Serena Minor Change Powertrain: Evolving e-POWER and Reliable Gasoline Engine
The new Serena is expected to continue to be equipped with a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine and the evolved “e-POWER” hybrid system. The gasoline model will be equipped with an engine that produces a maximum output of 150ps and a maximum torque of 20.4kgm, mated to a CVT, and will be available in either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
The highlight of the new car is the improved “e-POWER” hybrid system. The engine dedicated to generating electricity has been increased in displacement from the previous 1.2L to 1.4L, which is expected to improve quietness by increasing the amount of electricity generated and shortening the time it takes to generate power. The torque and output of the driving motor have also been improved, which will enable more powerful and smooth acceleration performance. An AC 100V/1500W outlet will also be available, increasing convenience. The “e-4ORCE” 4WD model equipped with a rear motor, which was added in the 2024 improvement, will also remain in the lineup, supporting stable driving on snowy and slippery roads.
Fuel efficiency has also improved, with the WLTC mode fuel economy of the gasoline FF model reaching 13.4km/L, the 4WD model reaching 11.6km/L, the e-POWER FF model reaching 20.6km/L, and the 4WD model reaching 17.0km/L. It is noteworthy that fuel economy has improved not only for the e-POWER model but also for the gasoline model compared to the previous model.
| Specifications | New Serena | New Serena e-POWER |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,690mm to 4,765mm | 4,690mm to 4,765mm |
| Overall width | 1,690mm to 1,715mm | 1,690mm to 1,715mm |
| Overall height | 1,870mm | 1,870mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,870mm | 2,870mm |
| engine | Inline 4-cylinder DOHC 2.0 L | Inline 3-cylinder DOHC 1.4 L + Motor type: EM57 |
| Maximum power | 110kW (150ps) / 6,000rpm |
72kW (98ps) / 5,600rpm |
| Maximum torque | 200Nm (20.4kgm) / 4,400rpm |
123Nm (12.5kgm) / 5,600rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
– | 120kW (163ps) / 4,400-5,000rpm |
| Motor Max Torque |
– | 315Nm (32.1kgm) / 2,400-4,000rpm |
| Drive system | 2WD/4WD | 2WD/4WD |
| Passenger capacity | 8 people | 7 to 8 people |
| WLCT mode fuel economy | 13.0km/L to 13.4km/L |
18.4km/L to 20.6km/L |
No major changes to these powertrains have been announced for this minor change, but there is a possibility that minor improvements will be made, such as refinement of the control system.
Nissan’s new Serena minor change: Car sickness reduction technology thoroughly developed from every angle
The second-generation “e-POWER” and high-rigidity suspension smooth the body’s movements, while the newly developed seats reduce the transmission of body sway and suppress sudden head shaking that can lead to car sickness. The operability of “e-Pedal Step,” which allows you to freely control the vehicle speed using only the accelerator pedal, has also been improved. Furthermore, the adoption of a high-rigidity steering system improves handling stability, and the body structure, which deflects crosswinds, a weakness of minivans, reduces wobble, resulting in stable driving even at high speeds.
Nissan New Serena Minor Change: 360° Safety Assist Driver Assist System
Nissan’s advanced driver assistance systems, “ProPilot 2.0” and “360° Safety Assist,” consist of seven types of advanced driver assistance systems: “Intelligent Emergency Braking,” “Pedal Misapplication Prevention Assist,” “Adaptive High Beam Assist/High Beam Assist,” “Reverse Traffic Alert (RCTA),” “Intelligent Lane Departure Warning (LI/LDW),” “RCTA Reverse Traffic Alert,” and “Sign Detection Function.”
Intelligent Emergency Braking The front camera detects vehicles (approximately 10-80km/h) and pedestrians (approximately 60km/h or less) ahead. It also works when driving at night. If the possibility of a collision increases, a warning is displayed on the meter display and a buzzer sounds to alert the driver and urge them to take evasive action. In the unlikely event that the driver is unable to safely slow down, the system will support collision avoidance operations by braking or reduce damage and injuries in the event of a collision.
When parking in a place where there is a wall or other obstacle in the direction of travel (less than approximately 15 km/h), if you apply the brakes too late or mistake the accelerator pedal for the brake, the system will warn you and control engine output and braking to help prevent excessive acceleration and collisions.
Intelligent LI/LDW (Lane Departure Warning) If the vehicle is about to unintentionally depart from its lane, it alerts you with a visual and audible warning.
Adaptive High Beam Assist/High Beam Assist A forward detection camera detects the headlights of preceding and oncoming vehicles, as well as the brightness of the road surroundings, and automatically switches between high and low beams.
Intelligent BSI (Rear Side Collision Prevention Assist System) When it detects a vehicle traveling behind the vehicle in an adjacent lane, which is prone to being in a blind spot, it notifies the driver with a display. Furthermore, if the driver begins to change lanes, it issues an alarm and generates force to return the vehicle to its original lane, assisting in avoiding contact with the vehicle in the adjacent lane.
Intelligent Rearview Mirror The intelligent rearview mirror projects an image from a camera behind the vehicle onto the mirror surface.
Intelligent Cruise Control: When a vehicle ahead is detected, the system follows the vehicle at a speed between a stop and approximately 100 km/h, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, with the upper limit set by the driver (approximately 30 to 100 km/h).
Intelligent Around View MonitorThe display provides an aerial view of the surrounding area, helping to make parking easier.
ProPilot 2.0 (available on the top-of-the-line LUXION model ) uses seven cameras, five radars, and 12 sonar sensors onboard to detect white lines, signs, and surrounding vehicles. It also uses the navigation system and high-precision 3D map data to understand road conditions, including speed limits. As long as the driver is constantly paying attention to the road ahead and is ready to immediately and reliably steer in response to road, traffic, and vehicle conditions, it allows hands-off driving within the same lane, ensuring safe and smooth driving. It also receives high-precision positioning information from sources such as the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, enabling it to determine the vehicle’s position with even greater precision. The operating status is displayed in real time on the meter display and head-up display, allowing for intuitive understanding of the driving assistance system’s status.
Nissan’s new Serena minor change equipped with ProPilot 2.0: advanced safe driving support system
The new Serena will be equipped with the ProPilot driving assistance technology as standard equipment on all models. The Navilink function, which works in conjunction with the navigation system to automatically slow down before curves, is also expected to continue to be adopted. The top-of-the-line Luxion model will be equipped with ProPilot 2.0, which allows hands-off driving within the same lane on highways, providing even more advanced driving assistance.
ProPilot 2.0 utilizes multiple on-board cameras, radar, sonar, GPS, and highly accurate 3D map data to obtain a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings in real time. Furthermore, a driver monitor camera constantly monitors the driver’s gaze, enabling safe hands-off driving. Once the route begins, the system will assist the driver all the way to the highway exit, including overtaking and branching off the road. The system also features a function that suggests the appropriate timing for lane changes to the driver based on navigation and surrounding sensing information, and assists the driver in making lane changes through driver input.
Other features of the new Serena include Collision Avoidance Steering Assist, which assists the driver with steering to avoid the risk of collision, and ProPilot Parking (standard on the Luxion), which memorizes parking locations and assists with smooth parking. The Luxion also comes equipped with ProPilot Remote Parking, which allows drivers to move in and out of the vehicle remotely, making it easier to get in and out of tight spaces and to load and unload luggage.
Nissan New Serena Minor Change Body Size: Maintaining 5-number and Presence of 3-number
The new Serena’s body size is expected to maintain the 5-number size, with the base model focusing on maneuverability as a mid-class minivan, at 4690mm in length, 1695mm in width, and 1870mm in height. The wheelbase is 2870mm, the vehicle weight is 1670kg for the gasoline model and 1790kg for the e-POWER model, the minimum turning radius is 5.7m, the ground clearance is 135mm, and the tire size is 205/65R16.
On the other hand, the custom model “Highway Star” and the top-of-the-line model “Luxion” have been expanded in length and width to adopt a special design, making them 3-number size. However, the width is slightly smaller than the previous model Highway Star, taking into consideration ease of use in everyday life.
Will prices only rise slightly?
The price of the new Serena is expected to rise slightly due to improvements. The current model’s price range is from approximately 2.7 million yen for the gasoline-powered front-wheel drive vehicle to approximately 4.8 million yen for the top-of-the-line e-POWER model, the Luxion. Considering the improved equipment and design changes that will come with the minor change, it is expected that the price increase will likely be limited to a few tens of thousands of yen.
Nissan’s new “Serena e-POWER” partial improvement 2024 model price and grade
With this full model change, the “G” grade has been discontinued. A new grade, “LUXION,” has been added to the lineup. “LUXION” is equipped with a number of advanced features, including “ProPilot 2.0,” “12.3-inch meter display,” and “12.3-inch Connect Navigation & 6 speakers.”
In 2024, a partial upgrade will add a 4WD (e-4ORCE) model and the price will be revised. The gasoline model will also be reduced in price. We will let you know the AUTECH price as soon as it is available.
Inline 4-cylinder DOHC 2.0L engine Model Grade Price
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
Passenger capacity |
Old price (10%) |
New price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | Inline 4-cylinder DOHC 2.0L direct injection engine |
CVT | 2WD | 8 people | 2,768,700 yen | 2,719,200 yen |
| XV | 3,088,800 yen | 2,988,700 yen | ||||
| Highway Star V | 3,269,200 yen | 3,169,100 yen | ||||
| AUTECH | 3,733,400 yen | 3,633,300 yen | ||||
| X | 4WD | 3,034,900 yen | 2,985,400 yen | |||
| XV | 3,355,000 yen | 3,254,900 yen | ||||
| Highway Star V | 3,535,400 yen | 3,435,300 yen | ||||
| AUTECH | 3,933,600 yen | 3,833,500 yen |
e-POWER equipped model Grade Price
The Serena e-4ORCE model is only available in a seven-seater seating layout. The price is 366,300 yen higher than the 2WD model.
| grade | engine | Drive system |
Passenger capacity |
Old price (10%) |
New price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| e-POWER X | Inline 3-cylinder DOHC 1.4L + motor (EM57) |
2WD | 8 people | 3,198,800 yen | 3,248,300 yen |
| 4WD | 7 people | – | 3,614,600 yen | ||
| e-POWER XV | 2WD | 8 people | 3,499,100 yen | 3,548,600 yen | |
| 4WD | 7 people | – | 3,914,900 yen | ||
| e-POWER Highway Star V | 2WD | 8 people | 3,686,100 yen | 3,735,600 yen | |
| 4WD | 7 people | – | 4,088,700 yen | ||
| e-POWER AUTECH | 2WD | 8 people | 4,150,300 yen | 4,199,800 yen | |
| 4WD | 7 people | – | 4,486,900 yen | ||
| e-POWER LUXION | 2WD | 7 people | 4,798,200 yen | 4,847,700 yen | |
| AUTECH SPORTS SPEC | 2WD | 7 people | – | 4,386,800 yen |
The official price after the minor change will be announced closer to the release. Considering the design renewal and minor improvements, a slight price increase may be unavoidable, but we hope that the increased appeal will be worth the price.
Nissan’s new Serena minor change concerns: What’s being done to address the dead battery issue?
Some owners of the current C28 Serena, particularly the e-POWER model, have reported frequent battery (auxiliary battery) failures. Some have reported experiencing multiple battery failures in a short period of time, and it has been pointed out that the top-of-the-line LUXION model, in particular, is equipped with many electronic control systems, including ProPilot 2.0, which may result in high levels of dark current (standby power) or problems with battery capacity or charging control. When the battery dies, the e-POWER system may not start up properly, and even a jump starter may be difficult to use, requiring a dealer to restore the system.
Serena ePower battery is dead too often
— Totopapa @E13 (Nago Branch: Acrylic & Design) (@RYUKYU_E13) March 14, 2025
My Serena e-POWER engine wouldn’t start, so I took it to the dealer and they said the battery was dead. I drive it every week, but it doesn’t seem to work even if I just go shopping in the neighborhood. pic.twitter.com/zdeY3qp0gc
— Tatsuji Yamaki (@s_hachimaki) January 21, 2023
I’m Kiki the Witch. This is a Serena e-power with a dead battery that has become a paperweight. pic.twitter.com/6DSWwgkAvF
— Yusoku (28) (@of_high) July 14, 2024
With this minor change, many users and potential buyers are very interested in whether some kind of measure will be taken to address the dead battery issue. If a measure is taken, attention will be focused on the specifics and cause of the problem, as well as whether there will be any improvement measures such as recalls or service campaigns for vehicles that have already been delivered. At this time, there has been no official announcement regarding this issue, nor any clear information on whether a measure will be taken in the minor change. We await future information to be released.
A word from the editorial department
The new Nissan Serena, a minor change version, is scheduled for release in March 2026. With this minor change, Nissan will further enhance the appeal of its flagship minivan, the Serena, and make it appeal to a wider range of users. The new generation design, evolved powertrain and safety equipment, and the availability of custom models to meet a variety of needs are expected to strengthen the competitiveness of the new Serena. Attention will be focused on the release of further detailed information in the future.
