Nissan has unveiled a new version of its Serena minivan, which offers a spacious and affordable way for families to travel. While the segment has expanded with new entrants like the Kia Carnival, only four minivans are available in the US market, and none of them live up to the "mini" part of their respective names. The Serena puts the mini back in minivan, with a length ranging from 184.6 to 187.6 inches, making it significantly shorter and about 10 inches narrower than US market vans. The vehicle's unique LED headlights and V-Motion grille are undeniably cool, even if it's not the prettiest vehicle Nissan produces.

A minivan's interior is more important than its exterior, and the Serena can accommodate seven or eight passengers with a multi-function second-row seat. The driver and front passenger are treated to a large central touchscreen, a digital gauge cluster, and a flat floor. Several clever storage areas are located throughout the cabin, including smartphone/wallet pockets on every seat, a tissue box area, and rear tray tables. Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, with an e-Power hybrid version also available.

While the Serena would be a great addition to the US market, Nissan currently has no plans to bring it stateside. Nonetheless, the Serena demonstrates that minivans can be cool and practical, especially with such an affordable price tag. Despite several excellent minivans being revealed this year, such as the stylish Hyundai Stargazer and pocket-sized Toyota Sienta, the Serena puts the mini back in minivan, offering a unique option for those seeking a spacious and affordable vehicle for their families.

Nissan has unveiled a new version of its Serena minivan in Japan, offering an affordable and spacious vehicle for families. The Serena is smaller in size than US market minivans, ranging from 184.6 to 187.6 inches in length, and about 10 inches narrower. However, it can still carry seven or eight passengers and features clever storage areas throughout the cabin. The Serena is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 148 horsepower and can be equipped with Nissan's ProPILOT Assist 2.0 on the top Luxion grade. Pricing starts at 2,768,700 yen (approximately $19,992.78) for the non-hybrid and tops out at 4,798,200 ($34,647.80) for the e-Power Luxion model.

While the Serena may be less powerful than V6-powered North American market minivans, it is likely to be far more efficient due to its smaller size. An e-Power hybrid version is also available with a 1.3-liter three-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, offering a combined power output of 161 hp and 232 lb-ft. The Serena is not available in the US market, and Nissan has not announced any plans to bring it stateside.

The minivan segment has recently expanded with new entrants like the Kia Carnival, but only four minivans are currently available in the US market, and none are as small as the Serena. Nissan's ProPILOT Assist is included as standard on all other trims apart from the top Luxion grade. The Serena's pricing is affordable, with even the most expensive model cheaper than the base Honda Odyssey. The minivan market is proving that family vehicles can be cool, and the Serena is a great example of this. It would be great to see Nissan offer such an affordable family vehicle in the US market.