Minivan Nissan Wingroad is one of the most popular compact station wagons in Japan and Asia, valued for its practicality, economy and versatility. When choosing this model, future owners often ask themselves: how many seats are there in the cabin? and how comfortably are they organized? The answer depends on the generation of the car, the market and the configuration.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the interior layout options. Wingroad, including standard and optional seat configurations, passenger space dimensions and transformation nuances. You will learn how the number of seats affects the carrying capacity, what modifications are offered 7-seater layout (yes, they exist!), and what restrictions the legislation of different countries imposes on passenger capacity.
Standard equipment: 5 seats
Most versions Nissan Wingroad, especially intended for the European and Russian markets, are equipped 5-seater saloon. This configuration is considered basic and includes:
- 🚗 Two front seats (driver and passenger)
- 🛋️ Three seats on the second row (separate sofa or three separate chairs)
This option is optimal for families with 1–2 children or for use as a city car. It is important to note that even in the 5-seater version Wingroad retains a decent trunk: 370–450 liters depending on the generation. With the rear seats folded down, the volume increases to 1200–1500 liters.
In Japan, 5-seat modifications are often supplemented with the option "Flexible Seating" is a system that allows you to adjust the position of the rear sofa along the length of the cabin (by 10–15 cm), which increases the legroom for passengers or luggage.
In models with a 5-seater cabin, pay attention to the presence of headrests for the central passenger of the second row - some trim levels do not have them, which may be inconvenient for tall people.
7-seater versions: rare or reality?
Many are surprised to learn that Nissan Wingroad maybe 7-seater. Indeed, such modifications exist, but they are intended exclusively for Japanese domestic market (JDM) and some Asian countries. In Europe and Russia, such versions are not officially available.
The 7-seater layout is realized due to:
- 🪑 Two front seats (standard)
- 🛋️ Two separate seats on the second row (with the possibility of sliding)
- 👶 Two “children’s” seats on the third row (most often without headrests)
However, there are important nuances:
⚠️ Attention: Third row in Wingroad extremely cramped - ceiling height and legroom are limited. Passengers taller than 160 cm will feel uncomfortable, and for adults such seats are only suitable for short trips.
| Generation | 5-seater version | 7-seater version | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Y10 (1996–1999) | ✅ Standard | ❌ No | Only 5 seats |
| Y11 (1999–2005) | ✅ Standard | ✅ Option for JDM | 7 seats only in top trim levels |
| Y12 (2005–2012) | ✅ Standard | ✅ Option for JDM | The third row folds into the floor |
| Y13 (2012–present) | ✅ Standard | ✅ Option for JDM | Improved third row ergonomics |
- 5-seater (for family)
- 5-seater (for cargo)
- 7-seater (maximum passenger capacity)
- I don't know, I want to compare
Interior dimensions and passenger comfort
In order to objectively assess how conveniently the seats are located in Wingroad, consider the key dimensions of passenger space for the latest generation (Y13):
- 📏Interior width:
1420 mm(enough for three adults in the second row) - 📏 Ceiling height:
1250 mm(comfortable for passengers up to 185 cm) - 📏 Legroom (second row):
850–900 mm(depending on the position of the front seats)
For comparison: in 7-seater versions, legroom in the third row is reduced to 500–600 mm, making it only suitable for children or short passengers. At the same time, the trunk in this configuration is practically absent - its volume does not exceed 100–150 liters.
Interesting fact: in Japan there are 7-seaters Wingroad often used as taxi for short city trips, where comfort is not so much important as the ability to carry the maximum number of passengers in one trip.
How is passenger capacity checked in Japan?
In Japan, the number of seats in a car is regulated by the law on "kei cars" (passenger cars). In order for a car to be considered a 7-seater, it is enough to have seat belts and seats, even if they are not intended for long trips. Therefore, many Japanese minivans, including Wingroad, have “conditional” third rows.
Interior transformation: how to increase space?
One of the key advantages Nissan Wingroad is the possibility of transforming the interior. Depending on the configuration, the following options are available:
- 🔄 Folding the second row in proportion
60:40or40:20:40 - 📦 Complete removal of the second row (in cargo versions)
- 🪑 Adjustment of the longitudinal position of the second row (option "Flexible Seating")
- 🛏️ Converting the interior into a sleeper (unofficial modifications)
For example, in the version Wingroad Custom (premium version for Japan) the second row can be moved back by 15 cm, which significantly increases comfort for passengers. In this case, the trunk is reduced to 250 liters, but remains quite functional.
For those who often transport large loads, the function will be useful "Easy Load" - it allows you to fold the front passenger seat, creating a flat loading area up to 2.5 meters.
Fold down the second row of seats|Remove the floor mats from the trunk|Secure cargo with straps|Check the maximum axle load-->
Legal restrictions: what do you need to know?
When choosing Nissan Wingroad With a large number of locations, it is important to consider local regulations. For example:
- 🇷🇺 In Russia 7-seater versions not certified for official import, so they can only be found on the secondary market as “gray” cars.
- 🇯🇵 In Japan, 7-seater modifications are allowed, but require mandatory registration as a “passenger vehicle” (not a utility vehicle), which affects taxes.
- 🇪🇺 All versions in Europe Wingroad are passed as 5-seaters due to strict third-row safety requirements.
It is also worth remembering weight restrictions: in a 7-seat configuration, the gross vehicle weight often exceeds 1.8 tons, which may require category rights B1 or C1 in some countries.
⚠️ Attention: When converting a 5-seater Wingroad in a 7-seater yourself (for example, installing additional seats) you risk losing the warranty and encountering problems when passing inspection. Such changes must be certified.
Comparison with competitors: who offers more seats?
If maximum passenger capacity is fundamentally important to you, it’s worth comparing Wingroad with similar models:
| Model | Max. places | Trunk volume (5 seats) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Wingroad | 5 (7 for JDM) | 370–450 l |
Compact, economical |
| Toyota Sienta | 7 | 230–810 l |
More spacious third row |
| Honda Freed | 7 | 220–750 l |
High ceiling, "theater" seating |
| Suzuki Every | 8 | 150–1000 l |
Minibus, minimal comfort |
As can be seen from the table, Wingroad loses to competitors in terms of the number of seats, but wins in cargo capacity and comfort for passengers in the first two rows. If you need 7–8 places regularly, it's worth taking a closer look at Toyota Sienta or Honda Freed.
Nissan Wingroad is optimal for those who value a balance between passenger capacity and cargo capacity. 7-seater versions are only suitable for rare trips with a large number of people over short distances.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about passenger capacity Nissan Wingroad
Is it possible to officially import a 7-seater Wingroad into Russia?
No, such versions are not officially certified for the Russian market. They can only be imported as a “used car” through parallel import, but this will require additional costs for customs clearance and certification.
How much does the third row of seats weigh in the 7-seater version?
The weight of the third row (including anchors) is approx. 15–20 kg. You can dismantle it yourself, but to do this you will need to remove the trunk trim.
Which engine is better for the 7-seater Wingroad?
Engine recommended for 7-seater version HR15DE (1.5 l, 110 hp) or MR20DD (2.0 l, 140 hp). Junior motor HR12DE (1.2 L) may feel weak when fully loaded.
Can a child seat be installed in the third row?
Technically yes, but only if there are fastenings there ISOFIX (in most 7-seater Wingroad there are none). In addition, the tight space makes the installation unsafe for the child.
How often are 7-seater Wingroads found on the secondary market?
In Russia, such examples are very rare - no more than 1-2% of the total number of offers. Most of them were imported by enthusiasts or companies specializing in Japanese cars.