Minivan Nissan Serena The 2018 model year is the perfect combination of family comfort and Japanese reliability. A car presented on the market as a successor to a successful line C26, received an updated design, improved technical parameters and an expanded list of options. In Russia, this model was especially popular due to its spacious interior, economical engines and suspension adapted to local conditions.

In 2018 Serena offered in several trim levels - from basic Comfort to top Luxury, which made it possible to choose an option for any budget. The manufacturer paid special attention to safety: the car was equipped with a system Nissan Safety Shield, which includes 360-degree cameras, blind spot sensors and parking assist. However, like any model, Serena There are some nuances that you should know about before purchasing.

Engines and transmission: what's under the hood of the 2018 Nissan Serena?

In 2018 Nissan Serena was equipped with two types of power units, both of which belonged to the line MR20DD. These were gasoline engines with a volume of 2.0 liters, but with varying degrees of forcing:

  • 🔧 MR20DD (150 hp) — basic version with distributed injection, optimized for efficiency. Average fuel consumption in the combined cycle was 7.8–8.5 l/100 km - one of the best indicators in the class.
  • 💨 MR20DD (163 hp) — modification with the system Direct Injection, which provided more dynamic acceleration (up to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds) due to increased torque at low speeds.

Both engines were combined exclusively with continuously variable transmission Xtronic, which is paired with the system D-Step Logic simulated gear shifting for a more familiar driving experience. The variator was criticized for its “rubbery” response to the gas pedal, but its reliability when used correctly has been confirmed by years of service. Important: Serena The 2018 model was not offered with a manual transmission or a classic automatic transmission.

📊 Which engine would you prefer for the 2018 Serena?
  • 150 hp (economical)
  • 163 hp (dynamic)
  • It doesn’t matter, the main thing is reliability
  • Another option

The transmission had two operating modes:

  • 🚗 D - standard mode for everyday driving.
  • 🏁 S — sport mode with more aggressive CVT settings and increased engine speeds.
⚠️ Attention: When operating the variator Xtronic It is strictly not recommended to tow a car over long distances (more than 50 km) without hanging the drive wheels. This can lead to overheating and failure of the oil pump.

Dimensions and Capacity: How spacious is the Serena?

Nissan Serena 2018 belongs to the class compact minivans, but still offers impressive interior space. Dimensions of the car:

Parameter Meaning
Length 4,880 mm
Width 1,695 mm
Height 1,845 mm
Wheelbase 2 750 mm
Clearance 150 mm

Thanks to the high roof (1,845 mm) and wide doorways, entry into the cabin is comfortable even for tall passengers. The luggage compartment in the standard configuration (5 seats) has a volume 480 liters, but when folding the third row of seats this figure increases to 830 liters. The fully transformable interior allows you to transport large cargo up to 2 400 mm.

Salon features:

  • 🪑 The second row seats can be moved along the cabin by 240 mm, which allows you to optimize the legroom of third-row passengers.
  • 🚪 Electric doors (in top trim levels) open to an angle of up to 80°, making landing easier.
  • 🌡️ Climate control with separate settings for the driver, front passenger and rear zone.
💡

If you plan to frequently transport children, pay attention to configurations with the system Nissan Child Seat Anchor — it allows you to quickly and securely secure child seats without using seat belts.

Suspension and handling: how does the Serena perform on the road?

Suspension Nissan Serena The 2018 model is designed with family use in mind: it is soft, smoothes out bumps well, but still has a sporty touch. The front has an independent suspension type MacPherson, rear - semi-independent torsion beam with trailing arms. This scheme provides:

  • 🛣️ Comfort on broken roads (especially relevant for Russian realities).
  • 🚗 Minimal roll in corners thanks to anti-roll bars.
  • ⚙️ Simplicity and low cost of maintenance (replacing shock absorber struts or bushings does not require complex equipment).

The steering is equipped with an electric booster EPS with variable force, which makes maneuvering easy in parking lots and informative at high speeds. The turning radius is 5.3 m — one of the best indicators among minivans. However, it is worth considering that when fully loaded (7 passengers + luggage), the rear axle may “sag,” which slightly impairs handling.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing shock absorbers with non-original ones (for example, Kayaba or Monroe) it is possible that extraneous noise may appear in the suspension due to a mismatch in stiffness. It is recommended to use parts with article numbers 56210-4M000 (before) and 56500-4M000 (back).

Options and equipment: what did Nissan offer in 2018?

In 2018 Nissan Serena on the Russian market it was officially offered in three main trim levels:

  1. Comfort — basic version with a minimum set of options: air conditioning, 2 airbags, audio system with CD/MP3, electrical package.
  2. Elegance — the middle level, which adds climate control, a rear view camera, parking sensors and a leather steering wheel.
  3. Luxury — top-end equipment with a complete package Safety Shield, leather seats, panoramic roof and system Around View Monitor (4 cameras).

Separately, it is worth noting the optional packages:

  • 🎵 Bose Audio Package — premium sound system with 8 speakers and a subwoofer.
  • 🔋 Hybrid Assist — a hybrid system (only for the Japanese market), which is extremely rare in Russia.
  • 🌟 Premium Interior — wooden inserts on the panels, heated all seats and ventilated front ones.
How to distinguish Luxury from Elegance?

The Luxury package includes chrome moldings on the doors, LED headlights (instead of halogen), and an engine start button. Intelligent Key with contactless access.

Prices for new cars in 2018 started from 1.8 million rubles for the basic version and reached 2.5 million rubles for the top Luxury with a full package of options. On the secondary market today (2026), the cost is maintained at 1.2–1.8 million rubles depending on mileage and condition.

Fuel consumption and real efficiency indicators

Official fuel consumption data for Nissan Serena 2018 looks optimistic, but actual figures may differ by 10–15%. The manufacturer stated the following figures:

Engine City (l/100 km) Route (l/100 km) Combined cycle (l/100 km)
2.0 (150 hp) 9.8 6.5 7.8
2.0 (163 hp) 10.2 6.7 8.1

According to owners' reviews, real consumption in the urban cycle in winter can reach 11–12 l/100 km, especially with frequent short trips and warm-up periods. In summer, the figures are closer to the stated ones - 9–10 l/100 km. On the highway at speed 90–110 km/h consumption remains stable within the limits 6.5–7.5 l/100 km.

Fuel saving secrets:

  • ⛽ Use the mode Eco Mode — it limits engine output and optimizes the operation of the variator.
  • 🛠️ Monitor your tire pressure (recommended: 2.2 bar front and 2.0 bar rear).
  • 🔄 Regularly (every 40,000 km) change the air filter - a clogged filter increases consumption by 5–7%.
💡

Fuel use AI-95 instead of AI-92 does not provide an increase in power, but can reduce consumption by 2–3% due to a better octane number.

Typical problems and weaknesses of the model

Despite the reliability Nissan Serena 2018 has several “diseases” that are worth knowing about:

  1. CVT Xtronic - with mileage over 100,000 km There may be jerks or delays when switching. Solution: changing the oil in the variator (original NS-3) every 60,000 km.
  2. Wheel bearings - on cars with mileage over 80,000 km often start to buzz. Replacement will cost 8–12 thousand rubles for one side.
  3. Electronics — in cold weather (-20°C and below), the touch screen of the multimedia system may malfunction. Reflashing or replacing the unit helps AV Control Unit.

The owners also note:

  • 🔊 Plastic squeaks in the interior (especially in the dashboard area) are eliminated by treating with silicone grease.
  • 💡 Frequent burnout of low beam lamps (halogen H11) - it is recommended to install LED analogues with temperature 5000K.
  • 🚿 Fogging of headlights - the problem can be solved by cleaning the drainage holes in the bumper.

☑️ What to check when buying a used Serena 2018?

Done: 0 / 5

With proper maintenance Serena passes easily 200,000 km without serious investments. The main thing is not to skimp on consumables and follow the maintenance regulations (every 15,000 km or 1 year).

Comparison with competitors: why is Serena better (or worse)?

In the compact minivan class Nissan Serena 2018 has several direct competitors. Let's compare the key parameters:

Parameter Nissan Serena Toyota Noah Honda Stepwgn Kia Carnival
Trunk volume (5 seats), l 480 450 410 586
Power, hp 150–163 147–179 150–182 190–245
Consumption in the city, l/100 km 9.8–10.2 10.0–10.5 9.5–10.0 12.0–14.0
Used price (2026), million rubles. 1.2–1.8 1.5–2.1 1.6–2.3 1.8–2.5

Benefits Serena before competitors:

  • ✅ More affordable price on the secondary market.
  • ✅ Spacious interior with flexible seat transformation.
  • ✅ Less fuel consumption compared to Kia Carnival.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Less powerful engine compared to Honda Stepwgn.
  • ❌ Lack of all-wheel drive (unlike Toyota Noah AWD).
  • ❌ Less prestigious image compared to Korean brands.

If you need practical family car with low cost of ownership, Serena - an excellent choice. For lovers of dynamic driving or off-roading, it is better to consider alternatives.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the 2018 Nissan Serena

Which engine is more reliable: 150 or 163 hp?

Both engines MR20DD built on the same base and differ only in the injection system. 150 hp the option is easier to maintain (there is no direct injection, which is sensitive to fuel quality), but 163 hp more dynamic and modern. When used correctly, both motors run smoothly 300,000+ km.

Is it possible to install gas equipment on Serena?

Technically yes, but there are some nuances:

  • 🔧 CVT Xtronic does not like sudden changes in load, so HBO should be 4th generation with adjustment of ignition angles.
  • ⚠️ The manufacturer does not recommend LPG due to the risk of catalyst overheating (article no. 205A0-6CA0A).
  • 💰 Installation cost with registration with the traffic police - from 60,000 rubles.
What kind of oil should I put in the variator?

Use only original oil Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (article KLE52-00004). Analogs (for example, Idemitsu CVTF or Mobil CVT) may cause the belt to slip. Volume for a complete replacement - 7.8 liters.

How to enable Snow Mode?

Mode Snow Mode activated by a button next to the variator selector. In this mode:

  • ❄️ The car starts from the second “gear” (less slipping).
  • ⚡ Engine speed is limited to 3,000 rpm.
  • 🚗 Recommended for use at temperatures below -10°C or on slippery surfaces.
Where is the cigarette lighter fuse located?

Cigarette lighter fuse (value 15A) is located in the fuse box under the steering wheel. To get to it:

  1. Open the unit cover (press the latch at the bottom).
  2. Find the fuse F37 (indicated in the diagram on the back of the cover).
  3. Replace with a similar one (article Nissan 28510-31U01).

If the fuse burns repeatedly, check the wiring for a short circuit.