The Nissan Serena e-POWER is a leader in the minivan world. Its innovative electrification technology and comfortable ride have earned it the support of many families. However, there are also voices saying, “I regretted buying it.” In this article, we thoroughly examine the negative opinions about the Serena e-POWER and the truth behind them, providing information to help those considering purchasing one avoid regrets.
Is the reputation of the new Serena e-POWER really “terrible”?
A thorough review of the new Serena e-POWER reviews and ratings

As of June 2024, when searching for the new Serena, the search result “I regret buying the Serena e-POWER” appears to be a popular answer. The reputation of the new Serena e-POWER has been mixed in various places, including social media, automotive media, and review sites.
Nissan Serena Everyone’s Questions Carview
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What is the cause of the negative comments about the Serena e-POWER?
The main negative opinions about the Serena e-POWER are as follows:
- Fuel efficiency: e-POWER is a system that uses the engine only to generate electricity and is driven by the motor. This means that it has excellent fuel efficiency when driving around town, but some people say that fuel efficiency is the same as or worse than that of gasoline vehicles when the engine is running frequently, such as on highways.
- Price: The Serena e-POWER is priced higher than its gasoline-powered counterpart. This is due to the added costs of the e-POWER system and advanced safety technologies, but those on a tight budget may find it difficult to purchase.
- Driving performance: The appeal of e-POWER is the powerful acceleration and quietness that only a motor-driven vehicle can provide, but some users have complained that it lacks power when accelerating or overtaking on the highway.
- Quietness: The e-POWER is said to be very quiet because it makes almost no engine noise. However, some people complain about road noise and wind noise. These noises can be particularly bothersome on highways.
What is the truth behind the negative comments?
First, one of the negative comments about the Serena e-POWER is that it is “disappointing in fuel economy.” Many people purchase it expecting the excellent fuel economy that only a hybrid vehicle can provide, but in actual use, the expected fuel economy may not be achieved. In particular, if you drive mostly in urban areas, there may be a difference between the catalog value and the actual fuel economy. This point needs to be fully understood before purchasing. In particular, it was found that the poor actual fuel economy of the “Serena e-POWER” (C27), which was announced on February 28, 2018 and released on March 1, 2018, is the cause of negative comments.

“Serena e-POWER” (C27)
Next, there is dissatisfaction with quietness. Because the e-POWER system is essentially powered by electricity, it is characterized by low engine noise. However, on the other hand, some people feel that this quietness feels unnatural. Some people are particularly bothered by the sound they hear when the engine starts or during sudden acceleration, so it is important to take a test drive to check it out.
The Serena e-POWER is designed as a family minivan, so it’s not suitable for those looking for high driving performance like a sports car. Some people find the acceleration lacking, especially on the highway. This is another point to consider before purchasing: it’s important to check whether the car suits your driving style.
Another issue that cannot be overlooked is cost-effectiveness. Because the e-POWER system uses the latest technology, vehicle prices are set higher. This means that the initial purchase cost may seem high. Furthermore, battery replacement and maintenance costs may also be higher than with other vehicle models, so you need to consider costs from a long-term perspective.
The negative opinions mentioned above do not necessarily apply to everyone. For example, fuel economy is greatly influenced by driving style and driving environment. Evaluations of driving performance and quietness also vary depending on individual perceptions and desired levels.
The important thing is to understand the characteristics of the Serena e-POWER and determine whether it suits your needs and lifestyle. We recommend taking a test drive or consulting with a dealer to confirm the actual ride comfort and ease of use.
The new Serena e-POWER C28 has received high praise!
The new Serena underwent a full model change (C28 model) on November 28, 2022, and was released on December 22. Unlike the previous model, it is equipped with the next-generation e-POWER system and a 1.4L inline 3-cylinder gasoline engine , which appears to have significantly improved fuel economy. The actual fuel economy is around 17.0km/L, which is close to the WLCT mode fuel economy and is quite good.

“Serena e-POWER LUXION” (C28)
| 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 |
| 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 |
The car is equipped with the second-generation “e-POWER” system, which has evolved to be more powerful, smooth, and quiet by renewing the motor and inverter. The adoption of a 1.4L engine tuned for e-POWER has significantly improved output, and reducing engine revolutions has contributed to fuel efficiency.
The new Serena (C28 model) also has significantly improved safety features.
The 360° Safety Assist system, which offers improved functionality compared to the previous model, is comprised of seven advanced driving 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), Reverse Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Traffic Sign Detection.
| system | 5th generation Serena C27 | 6th generation Serena C28 |
|---|---|---|
| method | Monocular camera + millimeter wave radar |
Monocular camera + millimeter wave radar |
| Intelligent Emergency Braking |
◯ | ◯ |
| Pedal misapplication prevention assist |
◯ | ◯ |
| Intelligent LI/ LDW (Lane Departure Warning) |
◯ | ◯ |
| Adaptive High Beam Assist/ High Beam Assist |
◯ | ◯ |
| RCTA reverse vehicle detection warning |
◯ (optional) |
◯ (optional) |
| Intelligent BSI (Rear Side Collision Prevention Assist System) BSW (Rear Side Vehicle Detection Warning) |
◯ (optional) |
◯ (optional) |
| Sign detection function | ◯ No entry sign detection Maximum speed sign detection Stop sign detection |
◯ No entry sign detection Maximum speed sign detection Stop sign detection |
| Intelligent Rearview Mirror |
◯ (optional) |
◯ (optional) |
| Intelligent Cruise Control |
◯ | ◯ |
| Intelligent Around View Monitor |
◯ (optional) |
◯ (optional) |
| Professional Pilot | ◯ (optional) |
◯ (optional) |
| ProPilot 2.0 | – | ◯ (optional) |
| ProPilot Parking Assist |
– | ◯ (optional) |
On November 10, 2023, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victims’ Aid (NASVA) announced the results of their automobile safety performance evaluation, stating that the Nissan Serena had received the highest rating, the Five-Star Award.

日産セレナe-power初めて乗った!
オート駐車が1番怖い
e-powerモードのアクセルのみの操作もめちゃ怖かった
でも乗り心地は最高👍
#日産セレナ pic.twitter.com/uWpdXR8VfN— YKKI (@nIM9gFRkyUNbtZ3) September 27, 2023
Inline 4-cylinder DOHC 2.0L engine Model Grade Price
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
Passenger capacity |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | Inline 4-cylinder DOHC 2.0L direct injection engine |
CVT | 2WD | 8 people | 2,768,700 yen |
| XV | 3,088,800 yen | ||||
| Highway Star V | 3,269,200 yen | ||||
| AUTECH | 3,733,400 yen | ||||
| X | 4WD | 3,034,900 yen | |||
| XV | 3,355,000 yen | ||||
| Highway Star V | 3,535,400 yen | ||||
| AUTECH | 3,933,600 yen |
e-POWER equipped model Grade Price
| grade | engine | Drive system |
Passenger capacity |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| e-POWER X | Inline 3-cylinder DOHC 1.4L + motor (EM57) |
2WD | 8 people | 3,198,800 yen |
| e-POWER XV | 3,499,100 yen | |||
| e-POWER Highway Star V |
3,686,100 yen | |||
| e-POWER AUTECH | 4,150,300 yen | |||
| e-POWER LUXION | 7 people | 4,798,200 yen |
New Serena e-POWER C28 sales volume
The Serena is a flagship product among Nissan vehicles, and sales are booming!
| year and month | Sales volume | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| January 2024 | 6,428 units | 8th place |
| February 2024 | 6,594 units | 8th place |
| March 2024 | 9,490 units | 6th place |
| April 2024 | 5,694 units | 8th place |
| May 2024 | 5,507 units | 7th place |
Serena registration numbers Source: Japan Automobile Dealers Association
How to avoid regrets when purchasing the Serena e-POWER
To avoid regretting your purchase of the Serena e-POWER, please pay attention to the following points.
- Test drive: Take a test drive and experience the acceleration and quietness of the e-POWER. We also recommend trying it out on the highway.
- Don’t be overconfident about fuel economy: e-POWER offers excellent fuel economy in city driving, but it’s important to understand that fuel economy may worsen on highways and other roads.
- Consider your budget and grade: The Serena e-POWER is available in a variety of grades. Choose the grade that best suits your budget and the equipment you need.
- Consult with the dealer: If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to consult with the dealer. By getting professional advice, you can make a car choice you won’t regret.
Serena e-POWER Q&A
How is the Serena e-POWER different from the regular Serena?
-
The Serena e-POWER uses a system that uses the engine only to generate electricity and is driven by the motor. This allows for quieter, smoother acceleration and better fuel economy than gasoline-powered vehicles. It also comes equipped with features unique to e-POWER, such as the one-pedal drive function “e-Pedal” and the advanced safety technology “ProPilot.”
Why is the Serena e-POWER said to have poor fuel economy?
-
The Serena e-POWER offers excellent fuel economy in city driving, but tends to perform worse on highways. This is due to the nature of the e-POWER system, which uses the engine only to generate electricity and is driven by the motor. When driving at high speeds, the engine operates more frequently, resulting in worse fuel economy.
Is the Serena e-POWER’s engine noise loud when driving on the highway?
-
The Serena e-POWER is said to be very quiet because it barely makes any engine noise. However, some people complain that road noise and wind noise are a concern on highways.
What is the fuel economy of the Serena e-POWER?
-
The fuel economy of the Serena e-POWER is 18.4km/L to 20.6km/L in WLTC mode. This is better than that of gasoline-powered vehicles, but actual fuel economy varies greatly depending on driving conditions and road conditions. Fuel economy tends to worsen, especially on highways where the engine is frequently running.
When should I replace the battery in my Serena e-POWER?
-
The Serena e-POWER comes with two types of batteries: a drive battery and a 12V battery. The drive battery comes with a 5-year or 100,000km battery warranty. With normal use, the lithium-ion battery does not need to be replaced due to deterioration. The 12V battery, like a regular gasoline vehicle, may need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years.
summary
The Serena e-POWER is a minivan that boasts innovative electrification technology and a comfortable ride , but some users have expressed negative opinions about it. When considering a purchase, it’s important to take these opinions into consideration and determine whether it suits your needs and lifestyle.
Understanding the negative comments will help you correctly understand the performance and features of the Serena e-POWER and carefully decide whether it is the right car for you. The Serena e-POWER has many benefits as an environmentally friendly vehicle and is a highly satisfying vehicle. There were also significant differences between the previous model and the new model, so when considering a purchase, it is important to listen to the negative comments and make a comprehensive decision.
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