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Nissan Elgrand returns after 16 years to challenge Alphard
Nissan’s Elgrand returns after 16 years with a 500 N·m e-Power hybrid, luxury cabin and a direct challenge to Toyota’s Alphard.
Image: ITzine
Nissan has brought back the Elgrand after a 16-year run for its previous generation, positioning the new minivan directly against Toyota’s dominant Alphard in Japan. The company is also targeting buyers who want something closer to a business-class vehicle than a conventional family van.
The styling is closer to a show car than a conservative minivan. Nissan calls the design language Timeless Japanese Futurism, with clear echoes of the Hyper Tourer concept shown in 2023. A large grille, narrow LED lighting and a tall body give the Elgrand a strong visual presence alongside the Alphard.
Power comes from Nissan’s third-generation e-Power hybrid system. Its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine acts as a generator rather than driving the wheels directly, while e-4orce provides all-wheel drive. Nissan has not released full specifications, but it has confirmed torque of more than 500 N·m.
Image: Nissan
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Nissan Elgrand interior and comfort features
The Elgrand uses an Intelligent Dynamic Suspension system that monitors the road surface and adjusts the dampers while driving. Second-row passengers get Zero Gravity seats with ottomans, separate backrest controls and large displays. A Bose sound system with 22 speakers is also available.
Nissan has increased cabin space, widened the sliding-door windows and revised the three-row layout. Up front are two 14.3-inch displays, while ambient lighting offers 64 colors. Wider side steps, a partial-opening mode for the sliding doors and a redesigned luggage area are also included. Even with all seven seats in use, the boot can hold seven suitcases.
Image: Nissan
Pricing and sales in Japan
The launch is strategically important for Nissan, since Toyota has long dominated Japan’s premium-minivan market. In fiscal 2025, Nissan sold just 1,163 Elgrands domestically, compared with 81,357 Alphards sold by Toyota.
Early demand is stronger: Nissan has collected more than 6,000 pre-orders since late May, including over 5,000 from private buyers. Japanese sales have already begun, with the base version priced at 6.87 million yen, or approximately $42,300. Nissan plans to offer the Elgrand in other markets, but has not announced timing.
Frontier Editor
Dan is our resident futurist, covering electric mobility, space exploration, and the smart home. He's interested in atoms just as much as bits. Whether it's a new battery chemistry, a reusable rocket, or a protocol that finally makes IoT devices talk to each other, Dan breaks down the engineering that pushes humanity forward.
via ITzine
