The Nissan Serena is a popular minivan designed with family use and group travel in mind. The latest model incorporates e-4ORCE, an advanced control technology that improves driving stability and ride comfort. However, the experience of comfort can feel different when driving short distances in the city compared to long journeys on highways. This article explains the Serena’s ride quality, highlighting the differences between short- and long-distance driving.
Technology That Supports Ride Comfort in the Serena
At the core of the Serena’s comfort is e-4ORCE (electric four-wheel integrated control).
This system coordinates dual front and rear motors with four-wheel braking, reducing body sway during acceleration, deceleration, and cornering. The result is smoother, more stable driving across various road conditions.
In addition, improvements in suspension and body rigidity help minimize lateral sway and forward-backward tilt, providing passengers with a more refined ride.
Ride Comfort in Short-Distance Driving: City and Daily Use
When used for short trips, such as commuting or running errands in the city, the Serena’s ride comfort is felt in these aspects:
- Reduced forward and backward sway
e-4ORCE suppresses body movement during start-and-stop driving, creating a smoother feel for passengers. - Minimized lateral sway
Lane changes and intersections feel more controlled, reducing discomfort for children or elderly passengers. - Cabin quietness
Wind and road noise are reduced thanks to sound insulation and body design, adding to comfort in city driving.
On rough roads or over bumps, however, some firmness or jolts may still be noticeable due to suspension limits.
Ride Comfort in Long-Distance Driving: Highways and Extended Trips
During highway or long-distance travel, the Serena demonstrates another side of its ride quality:
- Stable posture and reduced vibrations
The body remains steady even in crosswinds or uneven road surfaces, thanks to e-4ORCE and reinforced rigidity. - Less passenger fatigue
Reduced vibration and cabin noise help passengers stay comfortable for hours, which is particularly beneficial for children or older family members. - Smooth acceleration and cruising performance
Whether merging onto a highway or overtaking, the Serena provides confident acceleration, contributing to stress-free travel.
Nevertheless, crosswinds, road seams, or sharp curves can still introduce some minor discomfort.
Short vs. Long Drives: Comfort Comparison
| Driving Condition | Comfort Benefits | Possible Weak Points |
|---|---|---|
| Short-distance / City | Reduced sway, quieter cabin, smoother acceleration | Firmness on bumps or uneven pavement |
| Long-distance / Highway | Stability, reduced fatigue, smooth cruising | Slight sway in strong winds or on road seams |
Tips to Maximize Comfort in the Serena
- Choose tires designed for quietness and comfort
- Avoid sudden starts and hard braking; drive smoothly
- Use e-4ORCE driving modes (STANDARD / SPORT / SNOW) to suit conditions
- Adjust seat layout and luggage placement to improve passenger comfort, especially in the rear
Conclusion
The Nissan Serena delivers impressive ride comfort through e-4ORCE control technology and carefully designed suspension and body structure. In short-distance driving, its strengths lie in smoother acceleration, reduced sway, and cabin quietness. On long journeys, stability, fatigue reduction, and cruising performance become more apparent. While some conditions like rough roads or strong winds may still affect comfort, careful driving and proper setup can maximize the Serena’s capabilities. For anyone considering the Serena, it is recommended to test drive both in city conditions and on highways to fully experience the difference.
