Nissan Elgrvs 2.5 Highway Star 7-seater (A) vs Toyota Alphard 2.4 (A)
14 May 2014|69,417 views
Widely used to transport tourists, hotel guests, executives, celebrities as well as those inspiring to be one, large Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) or minivans, like the two we have today, are responsible for bringing the whole family out in great comfort.
The Nissan Elgrand and Toyota Alphard have long been rivals. The first generation Elgrand swayed over the large MPV market from 1997 until 2002, when Toyota unveiled the Alphard.
 |  |
12 years on, the third generation Elgrand underwent a facelift, bringing a host of cosmetic changes and improvements, but most importantly, it comes into the market with a seven-seater variant.
In an epic battle of proportions, we find out which of these Japanese is a worthy large MPV.
Exterior
The people at Nissan have quite possibly put a sporty concept into play with the Elgrand's front grille.
The bold-looking front facet of the Elgrand is also complemented by new LED headlamps and heavy use of chrome for a sophisticated and a futuristic look, too.
Altogether, the Elgrand strikes a more majestic appearance than before and would possibly attract eyeballs from other parents when picking the children up from school.
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On the other hand, the Alphard has a subtle and inoffensive look. Providing the visual power is the enlarged chrome grille, a raised front bumper as well as HID headlamps, allowing the front facade to be dynamic yet elegant.
 |  |
At 4,850mm x 1,830mm x 1,905mm (L x W x H), the Alphard may be 75mm shorter in length and 20mm narrower than the Elgrand, but the Alphard's 90mm taller height allows it to have a stronger road presence and also plays a part in helping it to look bigger.
Another innovative feature is the design of the Alphard's rear windscreen wiper, which is hidden in the rear spoiler for a 'cleaner' look.
 |
Interior
Although the Elgrand's centre console comes across as rather cluttered with an array of controls, it boasts solid materials decked out in piano black trim and a special Gradient Black Maple finishing, allowing it to look every bit sophisticated.
And thanks to the diamond quilted leather seats with special stitching, passengers are able to bask in extreme opulence, especially those in the second row with ottoman seats that can be reclined for even more comfort.
Storage compartments are abundant and provide convenience for families heading out on a road trip.
Cargo space at the back is sufficient for a few luggage bags and more space can be achieved by folding the second and third row down.
On the other hand, the Alphard has a simplified centre console with switchgear kept to a minimum although its 'retro' design comes across as a little dated and has more traces of hard plastics.
Nonetheless, the Alphard's rear quarters feel more spacious than the Elgrand's, while the third row is more comfortable for two.
You will also find airline business class-style ottoman seats available on the Alphard's second row as well.
There is no lack of storage compartments in the Alphard too and rear seats can be folded sideways to expand luggage space, although we would have preferred them to fold flat instead.
 |
The Drive
Under the hood of the Elgrand is a 2.5-litre engine. Paired to a Xtronic CVT gearbox with a six-speed manual option, the car does feel a little bit harsh when accelerating. But once you get up to highway speeds, the Elgrand comfortably chugs along.
MPVs are not drivers' cars and they cannot escape the law of physics so you wouldn't really expect the agility and handling of smaller, sportier cars. But that said, the Elgrand remains relatively sturdy around corners, which is rather impressive for a vehicle its size and weight (which is close to two tonnes).
The Elgrand's 2.5-litre (left) provides 168bhp and 245Nm of torque while the Alphard's 2.4-litre (right) has 168bhp and 224Nm of torque
Although the Elgrand sits on bigger 18-inch wheels, its suspension is tweaked towards the comfort factor and serves to provide a cosseting ride for occupants.
In comparison, the Alphard is perkier on the move although it is powered by a smaller 2.4-litre four-cylinder VVTi engine that is mated to a livelier CVT transmission with a seven-speed sequential mode.
The Alphard, just like the Elgrand, feels a bit hard when pushed. But drive it in a relaxed manner and it remains a refined ride. Cabin insulation is also decent, obliterating most external noises at higher speeds.
Under the hood of the Elgrand is a 2.5-litre engine. Paired to a Xtronic CVT gearbox with a six-speed manual option, the car does feel a little bit harsh when accelerating. But once you get up to highway speeds, the Elgrand comfortably chugs along.
MPVs are not drivers' cars and they cannot escape the law of physics so you wouldn't really expect the agility and handling of smaller, sportier cars. But that said, the Elgrand remains relatively sturdy around corners, which is rather impressive for a vehicle its size and weight (which is close to two tonnes).
 |  |
Although the Elgrand sits on bigger 18-inch wheels, its suspension is tweaked towards the comfort factor and serves to provide a cosseting ride for occupants.
In comparison, the Alphard is perkier on the move although it is powered by a smaller 2.4-litre four-cylinder VVTi engine that is mated to a livelier CVT transmission with a seven-speed sequential mode.
The Alphard, just like the Elgrand, feels a bit hard when pushed. But drive it in a relaxed manner and it remains a refined ride. Cabin insulation is also decent, obliterating most external noises at higher speeds.
Round corners, the Alphard feels a little more cumbersome with evident body roll. But it is still reasonably stable and provides a plush ride, thanks to its softer suspension setup that soaks up bumps and ruts with ease.
Both cars features CVT units but it is the Alphard's (right) that is more responsive
Conclusion
The Elgrand returns to the competition with some modern styling as well as a host of improvements that make it more comfortable for its passengers.
For such a big car, the Elgrand returned a decent fuel economy of 8.9km/L despite us driving hard with it. And at $188,800 (as of 8th May 2014), the Elgrand boasts an impressive list of features and equipment, which makes it a worthy buy.
On the other hand, the Alphard's styling may be a little dated but it provides a sheer amount of space that the children would be happy with. It may not handle as well as the Elgrand but it is more fuel efficient at 10km/L.
However, the Alphard's steep pricing of $212,888 (as of 9th May 2014), which is some $24,000 more than the Elgrand, can be a cause for worry.
On that note, our vote goes to the Elgrand but with its host of goodness, the Alphard is certainly not far behind.
 |  |
Conclusion
The Elgrand returns to the competition with some modern styling as well as a host of improvements that make it more comfortable for its passengers.
For such a big car, the Elgrand returned a decent fuel economy of 8.9km/L despite us driving hard with it. And at $188,800 (as of 8th May 2014), the Elgrand boasts an impressive list of features and equipment, which makes it a worthy buy.
On the other hand, the Alphard's styling may be a little dated but it provides a sheer amount of space that the children would be happy with. It may not handle as well as the Elgrand but it is more fuel efficient at 10km/L.
However, the Alphard's steep pricing of $212,888 (as of 9th May 2014), which is some $24,000 more than the Elgrand, can be a cause for worry.
On that note, our vote goes to the Elgrand but with its host of goodness, the Alphard is certainly not far behind.
Widely used to transport tourists, hotel guests, executives, celebrities as well as those inspiring to be one, large Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) or minivans, like the two we have today, are responsible for bringing the whole family out in great comfort.
The Nissan Elgrand and Toyota Alphard have long been rivals. The first generation Elgrand swayed over the large MPV market from 1997 until 2002, when Toyota unveiled the Alphard.
12 years on, the third generation Elgrand underwent a facelift, bringing a host of cosmetic changes and improvements, but most importantly, it comes into the market with a seven-seater variant.
In an epic battle of proportions, we find out which of these Japanese is a worthy large MPV.
Exterior
The people at Nissan have quite possibly put a sporty concept into play with the Elgrand's front grille.
The bold-looking front facet of the Elgrand is also complemented by new LED headlamps and heavy use of chrome for a sophisticated and a futuristic look, too.
Altogether, the Elgrand strikes a more majestic appearance than before and would possibly attract eyeballs from other parents when picking the children up from school.
On the other hand, the Alphard has a subtle and inoffensive look. Providing the visual power is the enlarged chrome grille, a raised front bumper as well as HID headlamps, allowing the front facade to be dynamic yet elegant.
At 4,850mm x 1,830mm x 1,905mm (L x W x H), the Alphard may be 75mm shorter in length and 20mm narrower than the Elgrand, but the Alphard's 90mm taller height allows it to have a stronger road presence and also plays a part in helping it to look bigger.
Another innovative feature is the design of the Alphard's rear windscreen wiper, which is hidden in the rear spoiler for a 'cleaner' look.
Interior
Although the Elgrand's centre console comes across as rather cluttered with an array of controls, it boasts solid materials decked out in piano black trim and a special Gradient Black Maple finishing, allowing it to look every bit sophisticated.
And thanks to the diamond quilted leather seats with special stitching, passengers are able to bask in extreme opulence, especially those in the second row with ottoman seats that can be reclined for even more comfort.
Storage compartments are abundant and provide convenience for families heading out on a road trip.
Cargo space at the back is sufficient for a few luggage bags and more space can be achieved by folding the second and third row down.
Although the Elgrand's centre console comes across as rather cluttered with an array of controls, it boasts solid materials decked out in piano black trim and a special Gradient Black Maple finishing, allowing it to look every bit sophisticated.
And thanks to the diamond quilted leather seats with special stitching, passengers are able to bask in extreme opulence, especially those in the second row with ottoman seats that can be reclined for even more comfort.
Storage compartments are abundant and provide convenience for families heading out on a road trip.
Cargo space at the back is sufficient for a few luggage bags and more space can be achieved by folding the second and third row down.
On the other hand, the Alphard has a simplified centre console with switchgear kept to a minimum although its 'retro' design comes across as a little dated and has more traces of hard plastics.
Nonetheless, the Alphard's rear quarters feel more spacious than the Elgrand's, while the third row is more comfortable for two.
You will also find airline business class-style ottoman seats available on the Alphard's second row as well.
There is no lack of storage compartments in the Alphard too and rear seats can be folded sideways to expand luggage space, although we would have preferred them to fold flat instead.
The Drive
Under the hood of the Elgrand is a 2.5-litre engine. Paired to a Xtronic CVT gearbox with a six-speed manual option, the car does feel a little bit harsh when accelerating. But once you get up to highway speeds, the Elgrand comfortably chugs along.
MPVs are not drivers' cars and they cannot escape the law of physics so you wouldn't really expect the agility and handling of smaller, sportier cars. But that said, the Elgrand remains relatively sturdy around corners, which is rather impressive for a vehicle its size and weight (which is close to two tonnes).
Although the Elgrand sits on bigger 18-inch wheels, its suspension is tweaked towards the comfort factor and serves to provide a cosseting ride for occupants.
In comparison, the Alphard is perkier on the move although it is powered by a smaller 2.4-litre four-cylinder VVTi engine that is mated to a livelier CVT transmission with a seven-speed sequential mode.
The Alphard, just like the Elgrand, feels a bit hard when pushed. But drive it in a relaxed manner and it remains a refined ride. Cabin insulation is also decent, obliterating most external noises at higher speeds.
Under the hood of the Elgrand is a 2.5-litre engine. Paired to a Xtronic CVT gearbox with a six-speed manual option, the car does feel a little bit harsh when accelerating. But once you get up to highway speeds, the Elgrand comfortably chugs along.
MPVs are not drivers' cars and they cannot escape the law of physics so you wouldn't really expect the agility and handling of smaller, sportier cars. But that said, the Elgrand remains relatively sturdy around corners, which is rather impressive for a vehicle its size and weight (which is close to two tonnes).
Although the Elgrand sits on bigger 18-inch wheels, its suspension is tweaked towards the comfort factor and serves to provide a cosseting ride for occupants.
In comparison, the Alphard is perkier on the move although it is powered by a smaller 2.4-litre four-cylinder VVTi engine that is mated to a livelier CVT transmission with a seven-speed sequential mode.
The Alphard, just like the Elgrand, feels a bit hard when pushed. But drive it in a relaxed manner and it remains a refined ride. Cabin insulation is also decent, obliterating most external noises at higher speeds.
Round corners, the Alphard feels a little more cumbersome with evident body roll. But it is still reasonably stable and provides a plush ride, thanks to its softer suspension setup that soaks up bumps and ruts with ease.
Conclusion
The Elgrand returns to the competition with some modern styling as well as a host of improvements that make it more comfortable for its passengers.
For such a big car, the Elgrand returned a decent fuel economy of 8.9km/L despite us driving hard with it. And at $188,800 (as of 8th May 2014), the Elgrand boasts an impressive list of features and equipment, which makes it a worthy buy.
On the other hand, the Alphard's styling may be a little dated but it provides a sheer amount of space that the children would be happy with. It may not handle as well as the Elgrand but it is more fuel efficient at 10km/L.
However, the Alphard's steep pricing of $212,888 (as of 9th May 2014), which is some $24,000 more than the Elgrand, can be a cause for worry.
On that note, our vote goes to the Elgrand but with its host of goodness, the Alphard is certainly not far behind.
Conclusion
The Elgrand returns to the competition with some modern styling as well as a host of improvements that make it more comfortable for its passengers.
For such a big car, the Elgrand returned a decent fuel economy of 8.9km/L despite us driving hard with it. And at $188,800 (as of 8th May 2014), the Elgrand boasts an impressive list of features and equipment, which makes it a worthy buy.
On the other hand, the Alphard's styling may be a little dated but it provides a sheer amount of space that the children would be happy with. It may not handle as well as the Elgrand but it is more fuel efficient at 10km/L.
However, the Alphard's steep pricing of $212,888 (as of 9th May 2014), which is some $24,000 more than the Elgrand, can be a cause for worry.
On that note, our vote goes to the Elgrand but with its host of goodness, the Alphard is certainly not far behind.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Nissan Elgrand 2.5 Highway Star 7-Seater (A)
CAT B|Petrol|11.2km/L
Horsepower
125kW (168 bhp)
Torque
245 Nm
Acceleration
12.6sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Nissan ElgrandToyota Alphard 2.4 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|10.6km/L
Horsepower
125kW (168 bhp)
Torque
224 Nm
Acceleration
11.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Toyota Alphard
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