Introduction
The Nissan Elgrand has gained a reputation as one of the most comfortable and premium Japanese minivans in the market. It’s often compared to the Toyota Alphard as they are both spacious, comfortable, and offer a high-end driving experience. The major difference is that a used Nissan Elgrand is often much more affordable, which makes it an appealing option if you want luxury on a lower budget.
Since its launch in 1997, the Nissan Elgrand MPV is now in its fourth generation (in this article, we focus on the first three): the E50, E51, and E52. The E50 has a more traditional, rugged feel with endurance. The E51 became larger, more powerful, and much more luxurious inside. Then the E52 shifted toward a smoother, more refined driving experience with better efficiency and modern technology.
In this Nissan Elgrand review, we’ll break down what each generation does best, compare the available engines, and help you figure out exactly which version fits your needs best.
Best Suited For
You’ll appreciate the Nissan Elgrand more once you are exposed to it and spend time traveling with multiple people. It’s designed for situations where comfort matters just as much as space. Whether it’s a weekend trip with friends, grandparents, cousins, or a full family group, the cabin feels much less stressful than squeezing everyone into a regular SUV.
It is also naturally ideal for executive-style use. Most people prefer the Nissan Elgrand for private transport because it has a tranquil, upscale feel without looking overly flashy. Passengers get ample room to relax, and the smooth ride makes every minute spent in the car enjoyable.
For car hire businesses or airport shuttle services, it works really well too. The large sliding doors help passengers get in and out easily, especially in crowded areas, and the interior gives off a more premium impression than most people expect from a minivan.
Overall, the Elgrand suits people who prioritize comfort, spacious passenger space, and a relaxed driving experience.
Nissan Elgrand Key Specs
| Feature | E50 (1997–2002) | E51 (2002–2010) | E52 (2010–present) |
| Engine | 3.3L VG33E V6 / 3.5L VQ35DE V6 / 3.2L QD32ETi Diesel | 2.5L VQ25DE V6 / 3.5L VQ35DE V6 | 2.5L QR25DE I4 / 3.5L VQ35DE V6 |
| Power (Top engine) | ~220 HP (VQ35DE) | ~241 HP (VQ35DE) | ~280 HP (VQ35DE) |
| Fuel Economy (Petrol) | 8–11 km/L (18–22 mpg) | 8–10 km/L (18–23 mpg) | 9–12 km/L (21–28 mpg, 2.5L FWD best) |
| Transmission | 4-speed AT | 5-speed AT (Tiptronic) | 7-speed Xtronic CVT |
| Body Style | 3-door hardtop/soft top | 3-door hardtop/soft top | 3/5-door hardtop |
Three Generations,The Elgrand Story
E50
F51
F52
The Nissan Elgrand has changed quite a bit over the years, with each generation having its own personality. That’s important because the right choice really depends on what you value most: price, durability, luxury, performance, or efficiency.
The Nissan Elgrand E50 was the original model and has a more old-school feel compared to newer versions. It’s simple, durable, and still popular with buyers who want a spacious minivan at a lower price point. The ride feels more traditional, but that simplicity can actually be a plus for long-term ownership.
Then came the Nissan Elgrand E51, the generation that many people still consider the sweet spot. It became larger, more luxurious, and much more powerful, especially the model with the V6 engine. Its interior feels far more premium, and its styling gives it a stronger road presence compared to earlier Nissan Elgrand models.
The Nissan Elgrand E52 took a different direction. It became more refined, quieter, and easier to drive daily. Fuel efficiency improved, the cabin became more modern, and the overall driving experience feels smoother. It’s the most practical choice if comfort and modern features matter most to you.
The Nissan Elgrand E53 is expected in 2026, bringing a fresh new direction for the Elgrand. It’s expected to feel more modern, more efficient, and even more focused on passenger comfort. If early previews are anything to go by, Nissan is clearly aiming to push the Elgrand further into premium territory.
Engine & Fuel Consumption
The Nissan Elgrand was built with a focus on comfort, smooth driving, and transporting passengers effortlessly. To attain this, engines must be capable, and that can have a toll on fuel efficiency, which is also hard to attain for such a large MPV. With that said, consumption figures differ by generation and engine.
The E50 is powered by large diesel and V6 engines that feel strong and durable, especially when carrying passengers or luggage. The trade-off is fuel economy. Depending on the setup, you’re generally looking at around 5–8 km/L in real driving. It’s the most traditional-feeling generation of the three.
The E51 brought more refinement and stronger performance. Nissan offered both 2.5L and 3.5L V6 engines, and you can really feel the difference on highways and long trips. The 2.5L versions usually return around 8–10 km/L, while the larger 3.5L models tend to sit closer to 6–8 km/L, depending on traffic and driving style.
The E52 is where things improved. Nissan focused more on efficiency and smoother daily driving, which is why the Nissan Elgrand’s engine QR25-DE became such an important option. This 2.5L engine provides a good balance between power and economy, usually averaging around 9–11 km/L depending on driving conditions. If fuel costs matter, this is generally the smarter choice.
Interior/Exterior
The Nissan Elgrand has always leaned more toward comfort and style than sporty driving. By exterior looks, each generation has its own character. The E50 is more boxy and traditional, almost like a luxury van from the late ’90s. The E51 evolved and became bolder and more aggressive, with a lower stance and a much stronger road presence. Then the E52 softened things up with smoother lines and a more modern, upscale look.
Behind the wheel, the Elgrand feels surprisingly relaxed for something this large. The suspension is soft, the cabin is quiet on longer drives, and higher trims genuinely feel close to a luxury lounge on wheels. Passenger comfort is clearly the priority.
That said, there are a few honest drawbacks. The Nissan Elgrand interior in the E50 and E51 now feels dated compared to modern MPVs, especially the infotainment and dashboard design. Another common issue is the original JDM navigation systems. In the UK and the US, the factory navigation is basically unusable because the menus and maps are designed for Japan only. Many owners end up replacing the head unit altogether.
Writer’s Perspective
In general, all iterations of the Elgrand are good buys, but if I had to choose, I’d personally go for the E52. And the reason is this: of the three generations, the E52 feels like the most balanced version of the Nissan Elgrand, more refined to drive, easier on fuel, and much closer to what you’d want from a modern daily driver. The older E50 and E51 models have character, no doubt, but they also come with that dated interior feel and heavier fuel consumption that you really notice over time.
I think the Elgrand makes the most sense for people who prioritize comfort first. If you regularly travel with family or in groups and prioritize space and relaxation over sharp handling, it easily holds its own against rivals. It’s not trying to be sporty or minimal; it’s about making every trip feel easier and more comfortable.
Final Verdict
The Nissan Elgrand has earned its reputation for comfort, passenger space, and a smooth driving experience. Across the E50, E51, and E52 generations, the formula stayed the same, but each version appeals to a different kind of buyer.
If your priority is affordability and simple long-distance family transport, the E50 still gets the job done. The E51 is the choice for buyers who want a stronger sense of luxury and more powerful engines, especially for executive-style use or hire services. For most people, though, the E52 makes the most sense. It’s more refined, more efficient, and easier to live with every day.
Engine-wise, the 2.5L QR25DE is probably the smartest all-around option. It provides a better balance of fuel economy, comfort, and running costs without losing the relaxed character that makes the Elgrand appealing.
I am a Telecom & ICT specialist with a career spanning over 15 years in the demanding Tanzanian telecom industry.
I am also an avid DIYer with a good knack for everything technical and a wealth of vocational skills, with automotive being the top, and here I am writing about cars.
In 2017 a guy created a WhatsApp group called MyCar for the sole purpose of members helping each other with all matters regarding cars. I joined this group in 2018, and with my enormous wealth of knowledge regarding cars, and my readiness to share the knowledge with others, I became a top contributor, and that didn’t go unnoticed, as one member thought I was a potential writer and had contacts with Be Forward Japan who were looking for writers then. Fast forward to January 2020, I began writing for the Be Forward blog with 2024 being my fourth year.
As far as I can remember, I love cars, and growing up in the farming and tourist city of Arusha Tanzania in the ’80s and ’90s, I ended up being drawn to the Ranger Rover Classic for leisure and Land Cruiser 70 pickup as a workhorse. These were tough cars then, cars that could take you anywhere any time no matter the weather.