Looking for a family car that won’t cost a fortune to run? Meet the Nissan Serena, a people mover that’s big on space, low on fuel costs, and packed with handy features to make life easier.
The 5th-generation Nissan Serena (C27), introduced in 2016, takes everything that made the older models great and dials it up a notch. More comfort, better fuel economy, and smarter tech—without the oversized price tag of a massive SUV.
In this Nissan Serena review, we’ll run through its specs and performance and explain why it’s a solid pick for Kiwi drivers who need a practical, no-fuss people mover. And if you’re already sold, Portage Cars has a range of Nissan Serenas for sale!
| Specification | Details |
| Engine | 2.0L MR20DD petrol / 1.2L HR12DE e-POWER hybrid |
| Transmission | Xtronic CVT (petrol) / e-POWER hybrid system |
| Fuel Efficiency | 5.0L – 7.8L/100km (varies by model) |
| Power Output | 150 hp (110 kW) @ 6000 rpm (petrol) / 134 hp (100 kW) (e-POWER) |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 4400 rpm (petrol) / 320 Nm (e-POWER) |
| Drive Type | Front-wheel drive (FWD) or All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 passengers |
| Sliding Doors | Power-assisted (automatic on higher trims) |
| Boot Space | 280L (with seats up) / 1300L (with seats folded) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,690 mm x 1,695 mm x 1,865 mm |
| Turning Radius | 5.7m |
| Safety Features | ABS, Traction Control, Stability Control, Multiple Airbags, Nissan ProPILOT (driver assist) |
| Infotainment | Touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (higher trims) |
| Wheel Size | 15–16 inches (depending on trim level) |
| Kerb Weight | 1,600–1,800 kg (varies by model) |
*Specs are for the 5th-gen Nissan Serena (C27) from 2016–2022.
Smooth, Easy Driving (Without the Drama)
Let’s be honest: you’re probably not buying a Serena for its 0–100 km/h time. But what it does offer is effortless, stress-free driving, which is exactly what you want from a family car.
- The 2.0L petrol engine (150hp, 200Nm torque) is smooth and reliable, great for city driving and long-distance cruising.
- If you want better fuel savings, the e-POWER hybrid uses a 1.2L petrol engine to charge the battery, giving you instant torque and a quieter ride.
- Xtronic CVT transmission makes acceleration seamless, with no clunky gear shifts, just smooth sailing.
- The tight 5.7m turning radius means it’s surprisingly easy to park and manoeuvre, even for a big vehicle.
It’s a no-fuss, no-stress kind of ride, perfect for school runs, weekend roadies, or long-haul drives with the family.
Spacious and Practical – A Family Dream Car
If there’s one thing the Serena does well, it’s space. Whether you’re carting around the kids, the dog, or half the rugby team, this MPV makes life easy. It’s roomy, comfortable, and built for real-world use.
Huge boot space: With the third row up, you get 280L of storage (enough for the weekly shop). Fold the back seats down, and you’ll have a whopping 1,300L, plenty for camping trips, bikes, or all those Bunnings impulse buys.
Seats for 7 or 8: Depending on the model, you’ll get either captain’s chairs or a full-width bench in the second row. Either way, there’s plenty of legroom.
Easy sliding doors: No more door battles in tight parking spaces; just press a button, and the doors glide open.
The Nissan Serena is the Swiss army knife of vehicles; it is versatile, easy to use, and always ready for action.
Fuel Economy – More KMs, Fewer Petrol Stops
People movers have a reputation for being gas guzzlers, but the Serena flips that on its head. Whether you go for the standard petrol model or the hybrid, you’ll get solid fuel efficiency for a vehicle this size.
- Petrol version: Around 7.5L/100km, which is rather reasonable for a big MPV.
- e-POWER hybrid: Just 5.0L/100km, making it one of the most fuel-efficient 7–8 seaters you can get.
- Regenerative braking & Eco Mode: This helps stretch out your fuel savings, so you’re not filling up as often.
Basically, you get all the benefits of a big car without the pain of massive fuel bills, which isa win-win in our books.
Packed with Features – Because Family Cars Shouldn’t Be Boring
A good family car isn’t just about space; it’s about keeping everyone comfortable, connected, and safe. Luckily, the Serena’s got plenty of handy features to make driving more enjoyable.
- Infotainment: Touchscreen with Bluetooth, USB, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on higher trims.
- Climate control: Dual-zone air con keeps front and back passengers happy.
- Nissan ProPILOT (select models): A semi-autonomous driving system that helps with highway cruising (great for long trips).
- Safety: ABS, traction control, lane departure warning, multiple airbags. The Serena doesn’t mess around when it comes to keeping your family safe.
Whether you’re on a short trip or a cross-country adventure, the Serena keeps things comfy, connected, and secure.
Final Verdict – Is the Nissan Serena Right for You?
The Nissan Serena is a practical, spacious, and fuel-efficient people mover that’s built for real Kiwi families. It’s not flashy, but it’s comfortable, reliable, and loaded with useful features.
| Great for: Families who need a 7–8 seater with heaps of space.Road trips and daily driving without spending a fortune on fuel.Anyone who wants an easy-to-drive MPV with modern features. | Might not be for you if: You’re after a fast or sporty drive.You don’t need extra seats or cargo space. |
If you need a versatile, affordable, and easy-to-live-with family car, the Nissan Serena is hard to beat. And if you’re keen to check one out, Portage Cars has a range of Nissan Serenas and other family vans for sale, so why not take one for a spin?
