The Serena (C28 model), Nissan’s flagship mid-class minivan , is scheduled to undergo a major minor change around March 2026. The current Serena has undergone a full model change in November 2022, about three years ago, and is finally about to undergo a major evolution.
Changes brought about by the Nissan Serena minor change in March 2026
This minor change is not just a small improvement, but is planned to be so extensive that some are calling it a ” major improvement comparable to a full model change ,” and will be an important factor in the decision-making process for those considering purchasing a Serena.
Major changes to the new Serena (2026 model)
Nissan Note Aura
Major revamp of exterior design
Revolutionary changes to the front face
The 2020 model Serena will have a completely new front design. The most notable feature is the adoption of a new inverted L-shaped headlight design . This is a complete departure from the previous vertical arrangement, giving the car a more refined look.
- Adoption of triple projector headlights
- Block-shaped LED daytime running lights
- Change to a type with built-in turn signals
- Enlarged front grille
- Fine block lines are placed on the horizontal lines to harmonize with the lights.
These changes introduce the latest design language used in electrified vehicles such as the Nissan Ariya, giving the car a more futuristic and sophisticated look.
Fine-tuning body size and improving livability
Nissan current Serena exterior
Lengthening of overall length and wheelbase
- Overall length : Current 4,690mm → 4,695mm (+5mm)
- Wheelbase : Current 2,870mm → 2,880mm (+10mm)
This change will improve the occupancy of the third row seats in particular, creating a more comfortable riding environment. However, the scale of this change is unusually large for a regular minor change, and it can be said to be an improvement that is essentially close to a full model change.
Major upgrades to interior equipment
Nissan current Serena interior
Standardization of advanced equipment
The new Serena will feature standard features that were previously only available on higher grade models:
- A 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster is standard on all vehicles.
- A 10.8-inch head-up display is standard on all vehicles.
- Updated 12.3-inch navigation system
- Improved quality of interior trim
Featured Powertrain: The Evolution of e-POWER
e-POWER System Features
The e-POWER system currently installed in the Serena has the following features:
Engine specifications
- 1.4L inline 3-cylinder gasoline engine (power generation only)
- Maximum output: 98ps/12.5kgm
Motor Specifications
- Front motor: 163ps/32.1kgm
- Rear motor (e-4ORCE vehicle): 82ps/19.9kgm
fuel efficiency
- FF car: 20.6km/L
- e-4ORCE (4WD): 17.0km/L
Gasoline engine model
The conventional mild hybrid has been discontinued and a simple 2.0L inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine has been adopted:
- Maximum output: 150ps/20.4kgm
- Fuel efficiency: FF 13.4km/L, 4WD 11.6km/L
Significantly improved safety features: ProPilot 2.0 standard on all vehicles
ProPilot 2.0
Revolutionary change: ProPilot 2.0 now standard
One of the biggest changes for the 2020 model year is the standard installation of ProPilot 2.0 on all vehicles . This advanced driver assistance system, previously only available on the top-of-the-line “Luxion” grade, is now available on all grades.
Main features of ProPilot 2.0
- Hands-off function (same lane on highways)
- Navigation-linked route driving
- Automatic lane change function
- Overtaking assistance function
- Branching and merging support
Other safety equipment
- Collision-avoidance steering assist (standard on all vehicles)
- ProPilot Parking
- ProPilot Remote Parking (higher grade)
- 360-degree safety confirmation system
Pricing and purchase timing considerations
Expected price range
The price increase due to the minor change is expected to be around 50,000 to 100,000 yen :
Gasoline model expected price
- X: Approximately 2.72 million yen → Approximately 2.77 million yen
- XV: Approximately 2.99 million yen → Approximately 3.04 million yen
- Highway Star V: Approximately 3.17 million yen → Approximately 3.22 million yen
Estimated price of e-POWER model
- e-POWER X: Approximately 3.25 million yen → Approximately 3.3 million yen
- e-POWER XV: Approximately 3.55 million yen → Approximately 3.6 million yen
- e-POWER Highway Star V: Approximately 3.74 million yen → Approximately 3.79 million yen
Should I wait or buy now?
Reasons to wait
- ProPilot 2.0 is standard equipment on all vehicles
- Freshness from a major design overhaul
- Improved livability (larger body size)
- Standardization of advanced equipment
Why you should consider buying now
- Avoiding price increases
- Shortened delivery times (orders for the new model are expected to be concentrated)
- Maturity of the current model (high level of completion)
Comparison with competing models
Toyota Noah/Voxy
- Price range : 3,246,100 yen to 4,219,600 yen
- Hybrid fuel economy : 23.0km/L
- Features : Toyota Safety Sense standard equipment
Honda Step WGN
- Price range : 3,348,400 yen to 4,406,600 yen
- Hybrid fuel economy : 20.0km/L
- Features : Exciting Gate, Honda SENSING standard equipment
Expert’s perspective: The scale of minor changes
Some industry insiders have pointed out that this minor change to the Serena goes beyond the scope of a typical minor change . It is an exceptional improvement in the following areas:
- Extending the wheelbase (usually at the level of a full model change)
- ProPilot 2.0 is standard equipment on all vehicles (factor in increasing costs)
- Completely renewed front design
These changes may result in actual price increases that are greater than expected.
The evolution of custom models
AUTECH
The sports grade AUTECH will also be updated in the same way:
- Exclusive exterior design
- Sports Suspension
- Exclusive interior
- AUTECH SPORTS SPEC continuous setting
Step-type multi-bed
Welfare vehicles and camping specifications are also expected to continue to be available.
Release date and sales strategy
Release Schedule
- Pre-orders start : Around February 2026
- Official release : March 2026
- Delivery begins : April 2026
Sales Strategy
Nissan is aiming to regain its share in the minivan market with the new Serena. In particular, the company is aiming to differentiate itself from its competitors by making ProPilot 2.0 standard equipment.
Summary: Is the new Serena worth waiting for?
Conclusion: For many, it’s worth the wait
The 2026 facelift will likely be worth the wait for many people for the following reasons:
Main reasons to wait
- ProPilot 2.0’s standard features are a great value
- Improved product appeal through major design overhaul
- Improved cost performance through standardization of advanced equipment
- Improved livability
However, the current model is worth considering in the following cases:
- If price is a priority
- If you want early delivery
- If you prefer the current design
Advice for potential buyers
People who should wait for the new model
- Those who value the latest technology
- Those looking for new designs
- Those who are attracted to ProPilot 2.0
- Those who can tolerate price increases
Who should consider the current model?
- Those who want to keep prices down
- Those who wish to receive their car early
- Those who prefer mature products
The 2026 facelift of the new Serena is likely to be a major improvement that shows Nissan’s seriousness. If you are considering purchasing one, we recommend that you carefully consider your needs and budget and think about the best time to purchase.
