When it comes to Japanese minivans, two names clash at the top. In one corner, the Nissan Elgrand. In the other corner, the Toyota Alphard. Both flagship models have been duking it out since the early 2000s, with the latter often coming out on top of people’s choices.
But now, Nissan is aiming to turn the tables around, according to the latest post by Best Car. Nissan has already given hints of what will become the next-generation Elgrand, but the Japanese publication added that the model is scheduled for release in spring 2026, that is, around March to May of next year.
The teaser image suggests that the next Elgrand will have a more subdued styling, as opposed to the flashy vibe of its predecessor. The front end has intricate square patterns that Best Car says are based on Nissan’s latest design language. The fascia also has sleek position lamps that give it a broader appearance. For context, below is the image of the current-generation Nissan Elgrand.
The profile features a prominent chrome molding that stretches from the A-pillar to the tailgate. While simple, this touch does add elegance and a smoother visual flow. In back, it appears that Nissan went for the minimalist path, cleaning out most of the rear elements in favor of a sleeker styling, headlined by a light bar that incorporates both the taillight and the brake light.
The styling of the next Elgrand may appear “grown up,” but that’s just surface level. According to the report, Nissan has confirmed the next Elgrand to be a hybrid electric vehicle or HEV that aligns with Nissan’s e-POWER lineup. It will have a 1.5-liter turbo engine that will only act as a power generator to run an electric drive motor.
Additionally, this powerplant features Nissan’s “5-in-1” powertrain technology. This combines the electric motor, inverter, reduction gear, the 1.5-liter turbo engine generator, and a speed-increasing device into one compact unit.
The confirmed news of the next Elgrand having Nissan’s e-POWER technology is something to look forward to. But did you know that Toyota has beaten Nissan again in this hybridization era? Yes, the Toyota Alphard hybrid is Japan’s first hybrid minivan.
Toyota launched the hybrid version of the Alphard in Japan in late 2024. Already being sold since January this year, it sports a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor and a CVT. Toyota says that the Alphard hybrid is capable of delivering 306 hp, a fuel economy of 16.7 Km/L, and a driving range of 73 km on a full charge.
With this in mind, could Nissan be timing the early 2026 launch of the next-generation Elgrand to compete with the Alphard hybrid while it’s still fresh? This is turning out to be an interesting minivan rivalry that’s worth keeping an eye out for.
Locally, Nissan Philippines has never officially sold the Elgrand. With electrification fast becoming a normal thing in the local auto industry, plus the thriving minivan segment where the Toyota Alphard, GAC M8, and the Kia Carnival are battling it out, will Nissan Philippines be able to stir the competition and enter the Elgrand?
