Nissan Elgrand e‑POWER praised vs Alphard

Nissan’s next-generation Elgrand is being praised online against Toyota’s Alphard before it reaches showrooms, with debate centering on whether Nissan’s new hybrid system will make the large minivan better to drive. A May 19 post on X argued that the Elgrand’s e‑POWER setup gives it an edge in cornering and throttle response, echoing Nissan’s own emphasis on electric-drive refinement and rear-motor control. The comparison has spread because Nissan has now disclosed the key hardware for the new Elgrand, while Toyota’s Alphard is already on sale in Japan in gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms. That leaves buyers comparing a confirmed current benchmark with a not-yet-launched challenger. ### What exactly has Nissan said about the new Elgrand’s drivetrain? Nissan said on October 29, 2025 that the all-new Elgrand, due in Japan in summer 2026, will use third-generation e‑POWER. The company said the system combines a newly designed engine dedicated to power generation with a “5-in-1” e‑POWER powertrain unit integrating the motor, generator, inverter and gears. (global.nissannews.com) Nissan also said the new Elgrand will get an evolved version of e‑4ORCE, its electrically controlled all-wheel-drive system. In its release, Nissan said the system will actively use rear-motor torque during cornering to deliver “more pleasant cornering,” while also reducing body movement during starts, acceleration and deceleration. ### Why are social users focusing on handling in a luxury minivan? (global.nissannews.com) The X discussion highlighted drivability rather than rear-seat luxury, which is unusual in a segment where the Alphard is often judged on comfort and status. That focus tracks with Nissan’s product messaging: the company said the Elgrand will add intelligent dynamic suspension, six drive modes, a new platform and a high-rigidity body structure aimed at improving ride comfort and vehicle behavior. (global.nissannews.com) Toyota, by contrast, has described the Alphard around “comfortable mobility,” quietness and ride quality. In its June 21, 2023 launch release and its December 20, 2024 update on PHEV models, Toyota said the Alphard’s platform overhaul was intended to improve basic performance, comfort and quietness for both drivers and rear passengers. ### Is this a clean apples-to-apples comparison yet? (global.nissannews.com) The answer is no, because Nissan has not yet published retail pricing or full market specs for the new Elgrand. Nissan’s current Elgrand in Japan is still the outgoing model, with listed prices starting at 4,082,100 yen and extending above 5.6 million yen for some grades, according to Nissan’s Japan site. Toyota’s Alphard is the current on-sale product. (global.toyota) Toyota’s Japan site lists the Alphard from 5.1 million yen for the X hybrid grade, 5.55 million yen for the Z gasoline grade, 6.35 million yen for the Z hybrid grade, 8.6 million yen for the Executive Lounge hybrid, and 10.65 million yen for the Executive Lounge PHEV. ### What does e‑POWER change in the argument against Alphard? Nissan’s e‑POWER system matters because it is an electric-drive hybrid: the wheels are driven by motors, while the engine primarily generates electricity. (www3.nissan.co.jp) That architecture can produce smoother initial response than a conventional gasoline drivetrain, and Nissan is explicitly pairing it in the Elgrand with e‑4ORCE torque control and dynamic suspension. This is an inference from Nissan’s published system description, not an independent road test result. (toyota.jp) Toyota’s current Alphard already offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, but Toyota’s public materials emphasize quietness, comfort and rear-seat experience more than corner-entry behavior or throttle sharpness. That difference in manufacturer messaging helps explain why online comparisons are framing the Elgrand as the more driver-focused alternative before launch. (global.nissannews.com) ### What can buyers verify now, and what still has to wait? Toyota buyers can verify prices, grades and powertrains now because the Alphard is already on sale in Japan. Nissan buyers can verify the Elgrand’s announced launch window, the use of third-generation e‑POWER, upgraded e‑4ORCE, ProPILOT features, a 14.3-inch integrated display and a Bose 22-speaker audio system, but not yet final pricing or comparative test data. (global.toyota) Summer 2026 is the next concrete date in the comparison. Nissan has said that is when the new Elgrand will launch in Japan, which is when buyers will be able to test whether the online claims about handling and response hold up against Toyota’s Alphard in dealer drives and market pricing. (global.nissannews.com)