Nissan Serena Review
2017-2023
The Nissan Serena (C27 and C28 Series) is one of Kenya's premier 8-seater family multi-purpose vehicles. Renowned for its dual back-door opening mechanism, hands-free sliding side doors, versatile seating configurations, and ultra-frugal e-Power hybrid engine, it is widely used for executive family transport and tours.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Cavernous 8-seater versatility: Sliding Smart Multi-Center seat configures walk-through aisle.
- Hands-free dual sliding doors: Foot-sensor activated power doors simplify school drop-offs.
- Sub-2,000 cc KRA tax advantage: 1.2L e-Power and 2.0L S-Hybrid stay under 2.0L threshold.
What’s not so good
- 160 mm ground clearance: Requires cautious driving over steep drainage dips.
- CVT belt care (S-Hybrid): Demands routine NS-3 fluid replacement.
Most popular: Serena Highway Star V / e-Power Highway Star / Rider
5 doorsPetrol, HybridAutomatic, CVT
At a glance
- Model
- Nissan Serena (C27 / C28 Series)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- MPV / Minivan
- Seating capacity
- 7 or 8
- Fuel types
- Petrol Mild-Hybrid (S-Hybrid), e-Power Hybrid
- Engine sizes
- 1,198 cc (e-Power) / 1,997 cc (S-Hybrid)
- Transmission
- Automatic (CVT / Single-Speed e-Power)
- Drivetrain
- FWD or 4WD
- Ground clearance
- 160 mm
- Source market
- Japan (RHD JDM spec)
Fuel consumption
Manufacturer / import-market figures: 26.0 km/L (e-Power) / 15.0 km/L (S-Hybrid). Tank: 55 L (about 1430 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 825 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 946 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 8,729
- Full tank (55 L)
- KES 12,483
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Trims & variants
e-Power XV / e-Power Highway Star V / e-Power LUXION
- Setup
1.2L 3-cylinder generator + electric drive motor (136 hp / 320 Nm), FWD, 26.0 km/L combined.
- Why it gets shipped
Exceptional demand in Nairobi (KSh 1.8M – 3.2M) combining 8 seats with low fuel bills.
Package tiers
Package options for JDM and UK imports.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| XV / X | Base family | Dual power sliding doors, tri-zone climate control, and split tail-gate door. |
| Highway Star V | Sport luxury | Aggressive chrome front grille, 16-inch alloys, ProPILOT driver assist, and hands-free sensors. |
About the Nissan Serena
Kenya enforces an 8-year age restriction from manufacture month and right-hand drive compliance. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 C27 facelift and C28 Serena models sit inside the direct import window.\n\nWith a 1,198 cc e-Power generator engine or 1,997 cc S-Hybrid engine, all variants sit strictly under 2,000 cc to trigger KRA's standard 25% excise duty tax bracket.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
