Nissan Serena inside: analysis of the interior with photos, pros and cons of the interior

Minivan Nissan Serena is one of the most practical family cars on the market, with every centimeter of space thought out to the smallest detail. Unlike crossovers, where the interior is often sacrificed for the sake of “aggressive” design, here priority is given to the comfort of passengers and the driver. But what lies behind the modest appearance of this Japanese minivan? In this article we will analyze the interior in detail Serena latest generations (C27 and C28), compare finishing materials in different trim levels, test ergonomics and reveal the secrets of interior transformation.

We will pay special attention to those aspects that are rarely mentioned in reviews: how comfortable the seats are for long trips, how the climate control behaves in the heat, what “chips” are hidden in the multimedia system and is it worth overpaying for a leather interior. And also - real owner reviews about weak points of the interior that appear only after a year of operation. If you choose between Serena, Toyota Sienta or Honda Stepwgn, this material will help you make an informed choice.

Design and finishing materials: what has changed in new generations

Interior Nissan Serena underwent a serious evolution with the transition from the model C26 (2012–2017) to current ones C27 (2017–2022) and C28 (from 2022). If earlier the interior was criticized for cheap plastic and a “utilitarian” atmosphere, now the designers have tried to add a premium feel. In the top versions appeared:

• 🧵 Stitch on the dashboard (imitation leather trim in style Infiniti)
• 🔲 Soft pads on the front panel and doors (instead of hard plastic)
• 🎨 Two-color schemes (black + beige or gray + blue depending on configuration)
• 💡 Interior lighting with adjustable color (in versions with package Premium)

However, even in the basic configurations there are still “painful” moments. For example, The plastic on the steering wheel in versions without leather braid creaks after 10-15 thousand kilometers., and the climate control buttons feel like budget models Renault. Owners also note that light-colored panels get dirty quickly, especially if there are children in the family.

Let's compare materials in different configurations:

Equipment	Seat material	Dashboard trim	Backlight	Noise insulation
Standard	Fabric	Hard plastic	Missing	Average
Comfort	Fabric + PU leather	Soft plastic + aluminum inserts	White (single color)	Improved
Premium	Genuine leather	Stitch + soft pads	RGB (adjustable)	High (additional floor insulation)
Hybrid	Eco-leather + fabric	Soft plastic + decorative inserts	Blue (branded for hybrids)	High

⚠️ Attention: In versions with leather interiors produced before 2020, the problem of seats “sweating” in the heat is often encountered. The manufacturer recognized the defect and has been using perforated leather in trim levels since 2021 Premium.

Ergonomics of the driver's seat: is it comfortable behind the wheel?

One of the key advantages Serena - this is driver's seat adjustment. Even in the basic configuration there is:

• 🪑 6-step height adjustment
• 🔄 Lumbar support adjustment (manual)
• 🦵 Extended seat cushion (important for tall drivers)

However, there are also controversial points. For example, The steering column is height adjustable only — there is no crash even in top versions. This may create discomfort for drivers with a non-standard seating position. Many also note that multimedia control buttons on the steering wheel are located unintuitively: to switch tracks, you need to press a combination of buttons, and not just one key, as in Toyota.

One more nuance - visibility. Due to the high seating position and large pillars of the front glass in Serena Pedestrians are less visible when turning than in the same Honda Stepwgn. But the huge mirrors (heated and electrically adjustable in the top) compensate for this disadvantage when parking.

Multimedia system: we analyze the “firmware” and hidden functions

B Nissan Serena system is used NissanConnect with a 7-inch or 8-inch touch screen (depending on configuration). Outwardly, it resembles solutions from Renault, but with Japanese “chips”. For example:

• 📱 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - supported since 2019 (in older models only through an update)
• 🎵 Bose audio system (option in Premium) with 8 speakers and subwoofer
• 🚗 Surround camera with transparent hood function (useful when parking)
• 🔌 Wireless charging (only in hybrid versions)

But there are also pitfalls. Firstly, navigation only works with Japanese maps — for Russia you will have to install third-party solutions (for example, Navitel through USB). Secondly, in systems before 2021, Bluetooth is often buggy: the sound is interrupted during calls if navigation is running at the same time. The problem can be solved by updating the firmware (instructions below).

How to update the media firmware:

⚠️ Attention: If you turn off the ignition during the update, the system may become blocked. In this case, a flashing will be required in the service (cost ~15 thousand rubles).

How to reset media settings to factory settings?

Press and hold the button Power (turn on) on the panel for 10 seconds. After the reboot, select "Backup and reset" → "Reset all settings" from the menu. Default password: 1234 or 0000.

Interior transformation: how to fold the seats and increase the trunk

Main advantage Serena - this is flexible interior transformation system. The circuit used here is 2-3-2 (second row - 3 separate chairs, third - 2). Second row seats can be:

• 🪑 Move back and forth (travel 25 cm)
• 🔄 Rotate 180° ("salon-cafe" mode)
• 📦 Fold into a “table” (with cup holders)
• 🚪 Remove completely (weight of one chair ~12 kg)

The third row folds into the floor “in one click” (the lever to the right of the seat), but there is a nuance: When the third row is folded, the trunk does not become perfectly flat — a step remains ~10 cm high. Trunk volume varies from 480 l (all seats up) to 1,480 l (second and third rows folded). For comparison: Toyota Sienta maximum volume - 1,050 l.

Owners often ask: is it possible to sleep in the cabin? When the front passenger seat and second row are folded, a flat platform ~1.9 m long is obtained (enough for a person up to 180 cm tall). But for a comfortable sleep it is better to buy more trunk organizer (article 999T3-VN000), which closes the step.

Climate control and heating: how it works in cold and hot weather

B Nissan Serena used dual-zone climate control (at the top is a three-zone with separate controls for the second row). The system copes with the heating of the interior even when -25°C, but there are important details:

• ❄️ In hybrid versions electric heated seats works only when the engine is turned on (unlike gasoline engines, where it is autonomous).
• 🔥 Heated steering wheel It turns on only together with heated front seats (there is no separate button).
• 💨 Rear deflectors they blow weaker than the front ones - passengers in the third row may feel stuffy.

In summer, the air conditioner cools the interior to a comfortable temperature in 5–7 minutes, but in traffic jams (especially in a hybrid) productivity drops due to the limitations of the electric motor. The owners recommend using the mode ECO Cool, which optimizes energy consumption.

One of the hidden advantages is clean air function (Plasma Cluster in top versions). It ionizes the air and reduces the number of bacteria, which is important for allergy sufferers. However, filters require replacement every 15 thousand km (cost ~3 thousand rubles per set).

Hidden compartments and useful little things that 90% of owners don’t know about

Inside Serena there are many hidden secret compartments and “life hacks”that make life easier:

• 📦 Secret box under the trunk floor (on the left, under the rug) - a laptop or documents can be placed there.
• 🔌 220V socket (optional) hidden under the armrest of the second row (power 150 W).
• 🧴 Bottle holders in the doors are designed for containers up to 1.5 l (instead of the standard 0.5 l).
• 🔦 Flashlight in the trunk turns on automatically when the door is opened (in versions with Premium).

Another little-known feature is "silent start" mode (Quiet Mode). It turns off the horn when you start the engine, which is convenient in the early morning. Activated through the settings menu: Vehicle Settings → Sound → Quiet Start.

Here's what's disappointing: no glove box light even in top versions, and the bag hooks in the trunk are located so that long bags cling to them when the door is closed.

Weak points of the interior: what breaks and how to prevent

Despite the Japanese quality, Serena There are typical “diseases” of the interior that are kept silent about in salons:

1. Plastic creaks - appear after 20–30 thousand km. The joints of the dashboard and center console are especially affected. Solution: treatment with silicone grease or installation of additional clips (item no. 80210-4M000).
2. Wear and tear of climate control buttons — over time, the inscriptions are erased. Solution: stickers from AliExpress or panel replacement (~10 thousand rubles).
3. Fogging of windows in the rain - clogged drainage holes under the windshield are to blame. Solution: Clean with compressed air once a year.
4. Electric seat failure (in versions with position memory). Solution: Do not press the adjustment buttons when the ignition is off.

In hybrid versions, after 50 thousand km, the second-row ventilation control unit often fails. Symptom: Warm air stops blowing into the rear seats. Repairs cost 8–12 thousand rubles.

⚠️ Attention: If there is a burning smell in the cabin, check the fuse immediately F37 (10A) — it is responsible for heating the seats and often burns out if there is a short circuit.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Serena interior

Is it possible to install a third row of seats as standard?

No, the third row is only available in trim levels Comfort and above. However, some owners install seats from Nissan NV200 (requires modification of fastenings).

How to turn off the seat belt sound for the second row?

The sound can be turned off via the on-board computer menu: Settings → Safety → Seat Belt Warning → Rear Off. Some versions require a diagnostic scanner (e.g. Launch X431).

What kind of oil should I put in the power steering?

Manufacturer recommends Nissan PSF-2 (article KE902-99932). Analogues: Motul Dexron III or Idemitsu PSF. Refill volume - 1 l.

Why does the car smell like gasoline?

In 90% of cases the reason is fuel filter leak (located under the rear seat). Less commonly, there is a crack in the gas tank. Contact the service immediately!

Is it possible to paint interior plastic?

Yes, but only with special paints for plastic (for example, Dupli-Color). Before painting, be sure to degrease the surface and use a primer. Service life is 2–3 years.