The new Nissan Elgrand (E53 model), scheduled for release in the summer of 2026, made its world debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. The new Elgrand, the first full model change in about 15 years, has the potential to shake up the dominance of the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire. In this article, we’ll thoroughly compare the current Alphard and Vellfire (40 series) with the new Elgrand and introduce the advantages of each.
[Exterior design] The overwhelming presence of the new Elgrand
Advantages in vehicle class and body size
Elgrand exterior
The new Elgrand has a body that is slightly larger than the Alphard and Vellfire.
Alphard exterior
Body size comparison
- Overall length : 4,995mm (same for both vehicles)
- Overall width : Elgrand 1,895mm / Alphard/Vellfire 1,850mm ( Elgrand is 45mm wider )
- Overall height : Elgrand 1,975mm / Alphard/Vellfire 1,935mm ( Elgrand is 40mm higher )
In particular, the new Elgrand achieves a “top-down view” thanks to its 40mm higher overall height, completely eliminating the impression of “looking small,” which was a weakness of the current E52 model.
The unique design language “Timeless Japanese Futurism”
Elgrand exterior rear
Alphard exterior rear
The new Elgrand features a unique design inspired by traditional Japanese beauty:
- Front grille : Intricate pattern inspired by the traditional Japanese craft of Kumiko
- LED lighting : full-width linear daytime running lights
- Body color : New colors “FUJI DAWN” and “SHIGOKU”
It features elegant and futuristic styling that sets it apart from the aggressive design of the Alphard and Vellfire.
Wide range of body colors available
Advantages of the new Elgrand
The new Elgrand is available in a wide range of colors, including two-tone colors . Of particular note is the innovative two-tone design, which is painted above and below the shoulder line.
- FUJI DAWN : A bronze color inspired by the morning glow of Mount Fuji
- Sigoku : A purple-like black that symbolizes nobility
- Two-tone color setting : A unique style that combines different colors on the top and bottom
On the other hand, the Alphard and Vellfire are mainly available in single colors and do not have two-tone color options. For users who value individuality, the color variations of the new Elgrand will be a big attraction.
[Interior and equipment] Luxurious equipment surpassing that of the Alphard
Elgrand interior
Elgrand interior
Advantages of the new Elgrand
The new Elgrand is equipped with many interior features that surpass those of the Alphard and Vellfire.
The new Elgrand’s excellent features
- Two 14.3-inch large screen displays : Both the meter and navigation system are 14.3 inches (Alphard has a 12.3-inch meter and a 14-inch navigation system)
- BOSE Premium Sound System : 22 speakers, including those built into the headrests
- Passenger seat ottoman : A feature that was discontinued in the Alphard and Vellfire has been revived.
- Rear seat ventilation : Seat heaters and ventilation are standard on second-row captain seats.
- Double moonroof : Openable sunroofs are available for both the first and second row seats.
- Multicolor Ambient Lighting : 64 selectable colors for interior lighting
- Power tilt and telescopic steering wheel with driver’s seat position memory function
- Lumbar support : Lumbar support function is standard on the driver’s seat (not available on the Alphard)
Second-row seat comfort
Features unique to the new Elgrand
- Center-folding seat : A unique mechanism that allows only the upper part of the backrest to rise when reclining
- Power seat : Reclining, ottoman, position memory
- Manual forward/backward slide : Practical design that allows quicker adjustment than electric slides
On the other hand, the Alphard and Vellfire:
40 series early model new Alphard
- Executive lounge grade seats with ottomans available
- Heated and ventilated seats are standard in the second row (high grade)
- Equipped with JBL 15 speaker system
[Driving Performance] The capabilities of the third-generation e-POWER and e-4ORCE
New Elgrand’s advanced powertrain
The new Elgrand is fully equipped with e-POWER and 4WD (e-4ORCE):
Features of the third-generation e-POWER
- 1.5L inline 3-cylinder turbo engine : Optimized for power generation only
- 5-in-1 powertrain unit : motor, generator, inverter, reducer, and gearbox integrated
- Maximum system output : 340ps (estimated)
- Fuel economy : Expected to be around 19km/L (approximately twice that of a 2.5L gasoline vehicle)
e-4ORCE Benefits
- Excellent handling stability thanks to front and rear motor torque distribution
- Pitching control for a comfortable ride that reduces motion sickness
- Safe off-road capability even in snowy regions
Electronically controlled suspension
- Intelligent dynamic suspension
- Variable damping force control for all four wheels
- Choose from 6 driving modes
[Important] Tax Benefits: 1.5L vs 2.5L/2.4L
The economic advantages of the new Elgrand
One of the biggest advantages of the new Elgrand is the tax advantage it enjoys thanks to its small 1.5L engine .
Comparison of automobile tax (annual amount)
- 1.5L (Elgrand) : 30,500 yen
- Over 2.0L to 2.5L (Alphard 2.5L) : 43,500 yen
- Over 2.0L to 2.5L (Alphard 2.4L Turbo) : 43,500 yen
Annual difference : 13,000 yen
Five-year difference : 65,000 yen
Ten-year difference : 130,000 yen
The new Elgrand is actually motor-driven because of the e-POWER system, but the automobile tax classification is determined by the displacement of the generator engine. As a result, the automobile tax is 13,000 yen cheaper each year than the 2.5L and 2.4L Alphard and Vellfire .
Furthermore, the fact that it has a system output equivalent to 340ps yet only pays the tax of a 1.5L makes it extremely economical for a luxury minivan. It also has excellent fuel economy, making the new Elgrand overwhelmingly advantageous in terms of running costs .
Alphard and Vellfire powertrain
2.5L hybrid
- Maximum system output: 250ps
- WLTC mode fuel economy: 16.5-17.7km/L
- Electric 4WD with E-Four
- Automobile tax : 43,500 yen/year
2.4L turbo
- Maximum power output: 272hp
- Torque: 460Nm
- Direct Shift-8AT
- Automobile tax : 43,500 yen/year
2.5L gasoline
- Maximum power output: 182hp
- WLTC mode fuel economy: 10.3-10.6km/L
- Automobile tax : 43,500 yen/year
[Advanced driving assistance] Advantages of ProPilot 2.0
New Elgrand driving assistance system
ProPilot 2.0
- Supports hands-off driving on highways (up to 10km/h above the speed limit)
- Built-in driver monitoring system
The evolved ProPilot 1.0
- Hands-off possible at speeds of 50 km/h or less (in traffic jams)
- Added automatic lane change assistance function
This has the advantage of allowing hands-off driving at speeds 10km/h higher than Toyota’s Advance Drive (limited to speeds of 40km/h or less).
Driving assistance for the Alphard and Vellfire
Toyota Safety Sense (3rd generation)
- Pre-crash safety
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Adaptive High Beam
Advanced Drive (optional)
- Hands-off operation at speeds of 40km/h or less
- Automatic lane change function
[Price Prediction] Will the new Elgrand start from the 5 million yen range?
Expected price range
New Elgrand
- Base grade: 4.8 million to 5.5 million yen (estimated)
- High-end grade: 6.5 million to 7.5 million yen (estimated)
The current E52 Elgrand is priced at 4.08 million to 5.44 million yen, but with the significant expansion of equipment and the inclusion of e-POWER on all models, a significant price increase is expected. However, taking into account the tax benefits of a low engine displacement , the price may be competitive with the Alphard and Vellfire in terms of total cost.
Alphard/Vellfire reference price
- Gasoline vehicle: from 4.72 million yen
- Hybrid car: from 5.44 million yen
- Executive Lounge: From 8.5 million yen
[Concerns] Issues with the new Elgrand
Equipment that needs to be checked
- Head-up display : It is unclear whether it is installed or not.
- 19-inch wheels : 18-inch only possible
- LED rear fog lamps : Equipment availability unknown
- Resale value : May not match that of the Alphard or Vellfire
[Overall rating] Which one should you choose?
Who is the new Elgrand recommended for?
✅ I also value the joy of driving
✅ I’m attracted to the latest powertrains
✅ I like designs that stand out from the crowd
✅ I want to choose a unique color, such as a two-tone color
✅ I live in a snowy region where 4WD is essential
✅ I’m particular about BOSE sound and high-tech equipment
✅ I want to keep running costs (taxes and fuel efficiency) down
Who is the Alphard/Vellfire recommended for?
✅ Prioritize resale value
✅ Want to choose from a variety of grades and powertrains
✅ Prioritize brand power and name recognition
✅ Want peace of mind with a proven vehicle model
✅ Prioritize the extensiveness of the dealer network
Summary: A new option in the luxury minivan market
The new Elgrand is a powerful model that takes on the Alphard and Vellfire head-on. It is particularly ahead in terms of interior quality, advanced equipment, and driving performance, and its concept of a “fun-to-drive minivan” is appealing.
The economic benefits of the new Elgrand are also not to be overlooked. Thanks to its low 1.5L engine displacement, automobile tax is reduced by 13,000 yen per year, resulting in a difference of 130,000 yen over 10 years. Furthermore, its excellent fuel economy also saves on gasoline costs. Even though the initial purchase price is high, the Elgrand is advantageous in terms of long-term running costs .
In addition, the wide range of body colors available, including two-tone colors , meets the needs of users who want to stand out from the crowd.
On the other hand, the Alphard and Vellfire still maintain their advantage with a wide range of grades, track record, and resale value.
The luxury minivan market is expected to become even more active with the release of the new Elgrand in the summer of 2026. If you are considering purchasing one, we recommend that you wait for a test drive and price announcement before carefully comparing options.
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