Choice 8-seater car - this is not an easy task, especially when it comes to reliability, comfort and practicality. Nissan offers several models with this layout, but each of them is aimed at different needs: from family travel to commercial transportation. In this article we will analyze all the current options - from the legendary Elgrand to a workhorse NV350 Urvan, - we will compare them according to key parameters and give specific recommendations for choice.
We will pay special attention unique features of Japanese minivans Nissan: their cabins are often designed to accommodate tall passengers (up to 190cm), something rarely seen in European competitors. We will also look at the pitfalls when buying a used car from Japan, current prices for 2026 and alternative options if standard models are not suitable.
What 8-seater Nissan models are there: complete list
Presented on the Russian and world markets 5 main models with a configuration for 8 seats. They all differ in class, price and purpose:
- 🚐 Nissan Elgrand — premium minivan with all-wheel drive, flagship of the line
- 🚗 Nissan Serena — compact family minivan (in some modifications)
- 🏔️ Nissan X-Trail (7+1) — crossover with an optional 3rd row (not full 8 seats)
- 🚚 Nissan NV350 Urvan – commercial van with passenger modifications
- 🌍 Nissan Patrol (for the Middle East) — SUV with an 8-seater interior (not officially supplied to Russia)
It is important to understand that only Elgrand And Urvan originally designed as 8-seater. The remaining models require modifications or have restrictions on comfort for third-row passengers. For example, in X-Trail The third row is only suitable for children or short trips.
- Family minivan
- Commercial van
- Off-road SUV
- Compact crossover
Nissan Elgrand: why is it the best choice for a large family?
Nissan Elgrand is the only premium minivan in the line that combines spacious interior, all-wheel drive and Japanese build quality. The model has been produced since 1997 (E50 generation) and still remains in demand on the secondary market. The latest version (E52) rolled off the production line in 2020, but its relevance has not diminished.
Key Benefits Elgrand:
- 🛋️ Salon 2+3+3 with separate seats in the second row (captain chairs option)
- 🔄 All-wheel drive system
ATTESA E-TS(in 4WD versions) - 🎛️ Rich equipment: climate control, electric door drive, 360° camera
- 🛡️ Reliable engine
VQ35DE(3.5 l, 280 hp) with a resource of 400+ thousand km
However, there are also disadvantages. Firstly, price: even used copies from 2015 cost from 3.5 million rubles. Secondly, fuel consumption — in the city up to 16 l/100 km. Thirdly, dimensions: 4.9 m length may cause parking problems.
What modifications of Elgrand are there?
The model was produced in 4 main modifications:
- Highway Star (luxury version with leather interior and multimedia)
- Rider (sport version with rigid suspension)
- Autech (tuned version from sister brand Nissan)
- 2WD/4WD (rear or all wheel drive).
| Parameter | Nissan Elgrand E52 (2010–2020) | Nissan Serena C27 (2016–present) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | VQ35DE 3.5 l, 280 hp |
MR20DD 2.0 l, 144 hp |
| Consumption (city) | 14–16 l/100 km | 9–11 l/100 km |
| Drive | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD/4WD (optional) |
| Used price (2018) | 3.5–5 million ₽ | 1.8–2.5 million RUR |
Nissan Serena: a budget alternative to the Elgrand
If Elgrand seems too expensive, please note Nissan Serena. This is a compact minivan (length 4.6 m), which in some modifications is equipped with a third row of seats. However, there is a nuance here: there are no full 8 seats — the third row is designed for 2 people, and the second row can be either a sofa for 3 seats or two separate armchairs.
Benefits Serena:
- 💰 The price is 2 times lower than Elgrand (from 1.5 million ₽ for a used one in 2018)
- 🛢️ Economical engine
MR20DD(2.0 l, consumption 9–11 l/100 km) - 🔧 Simple design and low maintenance
- 🅿️ Compact dimensions for the city
The main disadvantage is cramped third row. Passengers taller than 170 cm will find it uncomfortable over long distances. Also Serena inferior Elgrand in sound insulation and quality of interior materials.
When buying used Serena check the condition of the variator Jatco JF016E — its service life rarely exceeds 150 thousand km with aggressive driving.
Nissan NV350 Urvan: commercial van with passenger version
Nissan NV350 Urvan — This is more of a workhorse than a family car. In the passenger version it offers 8–12 seats (depending on the layout), but comfort is secondary here. The model is popular in Asia and Latin America, and is supplied to Russia mainly through parallel imports.
Pros Urvan:
- 💪 Load capacity up to 1.5 tons (in cargo version)
- 🔧 Diesel engine
YD25DDTi(2.5 l, 140 hp) with a resource of 500+ thousand km - 🛠️ Simple and repairable design
- 🚪 High ceiling (up to 1.9 m in the cabin)
The disadvantages are obvious: spartan interior, high noise level, hard suspension. For family trips Urvan Suitable only if the priority is load capacity and reliability, not comfort. Prices for used copies start from 2 million rubles (2018–2020).
NV350 Urvan — the only 8-seater Nissan, which is officially certified as passenger minibus (category D). This allows it to be used for commercial transport.
Nissan X-Trail and Patrol: can they be made into 8-seaters?
Many people believe that crossovers Nissan X-Trail or SUV Patrol can become an alternative to minivans. However, this is not entirely true:
X-Trail (T32, 2014–present) in top trim levels offers 7 seats (2+3+2). The third row is extremely cramped - only suitable for children or short trips. It is impossible to install a full-fledged 8-seater cabin without serious modifications that will void the warranty.
Nissan Patrol (Y62, 2010–present) for the Middle East is indeed available with an 8-seater interior (2+3+3). However, such versions are not officially supplied to Russia. When importing through parallel imports, problems arise with certification and guarantee, and the price reaches 8–10 million rubles.
⚠️ Attention: Refurbishment X-Trail or Patrol for 8 seats requires changes to the PTS. Without this, the car will not pass inspection, and the insurance company may refuse to pay in case of an accident.
How to choose a used 8-seater Nissan: checklist before purchasing
Buying a used car is always risky, especially when it comes to Japanese minivans. Here key points, which you need to pay attention to:
Study history by VIN (accidents, mileage, number of owners)
Check the condition of the variator (for Elgrand And Serena)
Inspect the body for rust (especially arches and sills)
Test the electric door and sunroof drive (if equipped)
Make sure the climate control and multimedia are working -->
Pay special attention mileage and maintenance:
- 🔧 For Elgrand with engine
VQ35DEcritical regular maintenance every 10 thousand km. Skipping an oil change leads to problems with the timing chain. - 🔄 CVT
Jatcoin Serena requires oil changes every 60 thousand km. If the previous owner did not do this, prepare for repairs. - 🔋 B Urvan check the condition of the turbine (if diesel) and fuel equipment.
It will also not be superfluous check the car for customs history (especially if it was imported from Japan). Some dealers underestimate actual mileage or hide the fact of accidents.
Prices for 8-seater Nissans in 2026: which is cheaper - new or used?
Cost of 8-seater models Nissan varies greatly depending on the year of manufacture, configuration and condition. Below are the current prices for June 2026 (according to Auto.ru And Drom.ru):
| Model | Year of manufacture | Mileage | Price (₽) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elgrand E52 (4WD, Highway Star) | 2018 | 80–100 thousand km | 4 200 000 – 4 800 000 |
| Serena C27 (2WD, 2.0) | 2019 | 60–80 thousand km | 1 800 000 – 2 200 000 |
| NV350 Urvan (diesel, 8 seats) | 2020 | 50–70 thousand km | 2 500 000 – 3 000 000 |
| X-Trail T32 (7 seats, 2.5) | 2021 | 30–50 thousand km | 2 800 000 – 3 300 000 |
New 8-seaters Nissan are not officially sold in Russia (except Urvan via parallel import). If you need a new car, consider the alternatives:
- 🚐 Toyota Alphard/Vellfire (from 6 million ₽)
- 🚗 Kia Carnival (from 4.5 million ₽)
- 🏔️ Hyundai Santa Fe (7 seats, from 3.8 million ₽)
⚠️ Attention: When buying used Nissan from Japan please take into account difference in standards. For example, Japanese Elgrand are often equipped with narrow headlights that do not comply with GOST. They will have to be replaced to pass inspection.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about 8-seater Nissans
Is it possible in Nissan Elgrand install 9 seats?
Technically yes, but it would require re-equipment with changes to the PTS. Standard layout Elgrand — 8 places (2+3+3). Adding a ninth seat requires sacrificing luggage space or passenger comfort.
What is the resource of the engine? VQ35DE in Elgrand?
With proper maintenance (oil change every 10 thousand km, timing chain monitoring), the service life is 400–500 thousand km. The main problems arise due to overheating or the use of low-quality oil.
Than Nissan Serena worse Toyota Noah?
Serena loses Noah in CVT reliability and sound insulation. However, Nissan there are advantages: more modern multimedia (in new versions) and a lower price on the secondary market.
Is it possible to translate Nissan NV350 Urvan for gas?
Yes, but this is only suitable for diesel versions. Gasoline modifications (QR25DE) after installation, HBO loses its dynamics and may have problems with the injection system.
What's the alternative? Elgrand cheaper, but with all-wheel drive?
Consider Mitsubishi Delica D:5 (from 3 million ₽) or Toyota Estima Hybrid (from 3.5 million ₽). Both models offer 8 seats and all-wheel drive, but are inferior Elgrand in comfort.