Nissan’s New Luxury Minivan Makes An Odyssey Look Basic

Japan’s love affair with luxury minivans lives on

Since the Nissan Quest departed America’s shores after 2017, the Japanese company has not had a minivan competitor in this market. In Japan, however, minivans remain a big deal; they’re even positioned as luxury status symbols in that market. For this reason, Nissan has just revealed an all-new Elgrand, a premium minivan with a luxurious interior and an electrified powertrain. Its imposing design is based on the Hyper Tourer Concept showcased by Nissan at the Japan Mobility Show two years ago. Needless to say, it makes local minivans like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna look like they’re not trying hard enough.

High-End Design and Advanced Interior

While some minivans like the Chrysler Pacifica go for a swoopy, curvier look that distances it from utilitarian commercial vans, the new Nissan Elgrand fully commits to the boxy van look. Its tall and slab-sided in classic van fashion, but there are plenty of modern touches, such as the grille motif that blends into the lighting signature. The model seen here is finished in Fuji Dawn, a deep red-purple hue partly inspired by the colors seen at dawn over Mount Fuji.

The rear of the van has an impossibly long tailgate, creating a practical, square-shaped opening to easily load larger, more cumbersome items. When closed, the pixel-like taillight bar gives the van a slightly futuristic air.

But like any other minivan, the best stuff is inside. Nissan aimed to create a comfortable, lounge-like atmosphere, and that starts with the zero-gravity captain’s chairs in leather, making this a perfect chauffeur vehicle. A 64-color ambient lighting system, an available 22-speaker Bose sound system, and woodgrain accents ensure that everyone is comfortable and entertained. Power-operated sliding doors allow for easy access into the expansive interior.

Refined, e-Power Hybrid Powertrain

All Elgrands get Nissan’s third-generation e-Power hybrid powertrain, boosting efficiency. It’s also the first Nissan with the brand’s latest e-4ORCE electric four-wheel-drive system, which includes a rear electric motor; this motor’s torque helps to reduce vehicle pitching during acceleration and braking, especially important in such a large vehicle. Nissan is sorely in need of hybrid models in America. The tech exists, but it hasn’t yet been applied to its range of U.S. models, although a Rogue Hybrid is expected at some stage.

The latest ProPilot system in the Elgrand supports hands-off operation at speeds of under 50 km/h (31 mph), and available ProPilot 2.0 will allow for hands-free highway driving and lane change assistance.

Minivans Are Doing Well In America Right Now

While a luxurious minivan like the Elgrand won’t make it to the United States—it will debut in Japan in the summer of 2026—the minivan market has made a surprising comeback in the USA this year. In the first half of the year, the Toyota Sienna’s sales increased by over 60%, while the Honda Odyssey and Kia Carnival saw significant gains too. The Chrysler Pacifica, the best-selling minivan in the country last year, is also in the mix this year, even though sales have declined.

It’s a segment Nissan should keep its eye on, as reliable Japanese minivans clearly still strike a chord with a family-oriented demographic. It would need to be something simpler and cheaper than the Elgrand to have any hope of success, though.