2022 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star Review

The C-segment MPV market in Malaysia has always been a core choice for family users. Consumers not only need sufficient space to accommodate the whole family but also hope for uncompromised configurations while taking fuel economy into account. The 2022 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star aims precisely at this demand pain point — as the main configuration version of the Serena lineup, its core selling points include hybrid assistance, advanced safety features, and a flexible 7-seat layout. The purpose of this test drive is to verify whether it truly can become a "one-stop" MPV choice for family users.

From an exterior perspective, the Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star adopts a stable yet refined design approach. The overall body dimensions are 4770mm × 1740mm × 1865mm, with a wheelbase of 2860mm. The side lines are straight, ensuring ample headroom and legroom inside. The front features a large V-motion grille, with chrome strips extending from the logo to the LED headlights on both sides, offering good recognition; LED headlights come standard, providing sufficient brightness when lit. The automatic headlight function can switch on its own in tunnels or at dusk, making daily use more convenient. The waistline on the side of the vehicle runs from the fender to the rear, coupled with 15-inch tires (size 195/65 R15), maintaining an overall harmonious proportion. At the rear, horizontal LED tail lights are connected with chrome trim, visually widening the appearance; rear fog lights and parking sensors are standard as well. Together with the 360-degree parking camera, even novice drivers will find it difficult to scratch or bump this large MPV during parking.

Opening the door, the overall interior style leans towards practicality. The center console layout is simple, with a 6.75-inch touchscreen located centrally, supporting basic multimedia functions and Sound Plus audio effects. The operational smoothness is acceptable. Some physical buttons are retained below, making it easier to adjust the air conditioning or volume without having to look down at the screen, allowing for easier blind operations. As for materials, the upper part of the center console is wrapped in soft-touch materials, which doesn't feel cheap; the multifunction steering wheel is leather-covered, offering a comfortable grip. The left-side buttons control cruise control, while the right side manages multimedia and phone functions, making everyday usage convenient. The instrument cluster is fully digital, capable of displaying the hybrid system's operating status, fuel consumption, and vehicle information in real-time, with a clear interface. In terms of features, keyless entry and ignition are standard, allowing doors to be opened or closed and the vehicle started without taking out the key. The front row supports single-zone automatic air conditioning, while the rear row has independent air conditioning vents. The third row also comes with two cup holders, enabling rear passengers to cool down quickly during summer family outings.

Space performance is one of Serena's key strengths. The second-row seats support manual adjustment, complete with retractable armrests and small folding tables. They can also slide over long distances (maximum sliding distance approximately 250mm). When the second-row seats are pushed back, legroom can reach more than two fist widths, enough for a 180cm-tall passenger to sit comfortably with their legs crossed. When unfolded, the small tables can hold tablets or snacks, making them suitable for long trips where rear passengers may use them. The third-row seats have a 50:50 split-folding design and can be flipped upwards. After flipping the seats, the trunk space can expand from a regular 570L to even larger, accommodating strollers or suitcases. Even with the third row occupied, legroom still offers about one fist of space, which is not too cramped and suits passengers under 170cm for short trips. Regarding storage space, the front central armrest compartment can hold two bottles of water, door storage compartments can accommodate large water bottles, and there are storage pockets on both sides of the second-row seats, ensuring there are places to store everyday small items.

Powertrain: The Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine paired with a 3PS electric motor in a mild hybrid system. The engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 150PS (6000rpm) and a maximum torque of 200N·m (4400rpm). The electric motor primarily assists during startup and low-speed driving. It is paired with a CVT gearbox, providing smooth gear transitions without any jarring sensations. During everyday driving, the electric motor provides slight assistance during startup, offering responsive throttle feedback. Acceleration in urban areas or during startup does not feel sluggish. Once the speed exceeds 60km/h, the engine takes over as the primary source of power. Pushing the accelerator hard for overtaking causes the CVT to simulate gear changes, with engine RPM exceeding 4000. The power output is adequate but lacks a strong pushback sensation due to its MPV tuning, which prioritizes smoothness. There are two driving modes: Eco and Normal. The Eco mode softens throttle response, making it suitable for city commutes, while the Normal mode is more responsive, offering greater confidence during highway overtaking.

Handling: The steering wheel is light and easy to turn, making it user-friendly for female drivers. The steering has minimal slack, ensuring flexibility during urban lane-changing or U-turns. The suspension system consists of a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear non-independent suspension (a common layout for MPVs). The suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively filtering out most bumps and reducing the impact when crossing speed bumps or rough roads. However, during high-speed cornering, noticeable body roll occurs due to the high center of gravity—a typical drawback of MPVs, but not a major concern. The braking performance is commendable, with a moderate brake pedal travel distance providing sufficient braking power even at the initial stage. During emergency braking, the body remains stable as well.

Fuel consumption is a key advantage of the mild hybrid system. The official combined fuel consumption is 7.04L/100km. In our test drive, the fuel consumption in urban areas with traffic congestion (speed of 20-30km/h) was approximately 8.5L/100km, while on highways (speed of 90-110km/h), it was around 6.5L/100km. Overall, it averaged at 7.8L/100km, which is excellent for a 7-seater MPV. As for noise control, while driving at low speeds in urban areas, the sound of the electric motor is minimal. When the engine engages, it does so seamlessly. At highway speeds of 110km/h, wind and tire noise are slightly noticeable, but they don't hinder conversations among passengers. Overall, it aligns with the standards expected in this segment. Regarding seat comfort, the front and second-row seats feature soft padding with good support, ensuring fatigue-free long-distance rides. The third-row seats, though thinner in padding, are sufficient for short trips.

Safety features are a highlight of the Serena, with six standard airbags (front dual airbags, side airbags, and front and rear curtain airbags), ABS, vehicle stability control, lane change assist, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. These configurations rank among the most comprehensive in its class, offering families a sense of security. ISOFIX child seat anchors are also standard, which is convenient for families with young children to install child seats.

Overall, the 2022 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star stands out with its core advantages: flexible 7-seater space suitable for family travels, impressive fuel efficiency from the mild hybrid system, comprehensive safety features, and a competitive price of RM149,888, making it a more affordable option with richer features compared to competitors like the Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0V. It caters to a specific audience—families that prioritize practicality, fuel economy, and safety features, especially those with two children or who frequently travel with elderly family members. If you're looking for a reliable and low-maintenance family MPV, the Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star is definitely worth considering.