MPV Revolution: New Toyota Alphard And Nissan Elgrand In The Works?
L-R: Nissan Elgrand, Toyota Alphard
Though crossover SUVs may be the dominating car trend now, it seems the mighty MPV – or ‘minivan’, if you prefer American automotive terms – still holds a strong draw amongst certain quarters. One need not look past the stellar reception of the latest generation Kia Carnival as an example.
This also applies to things like the Toyota Alphard and Nissan Elgrand. Both stand as ‘Kings’ of the luxury MPV market space, and not just in Japan – both saw plenty of success when exported and sold in and around the Asian market region, especially the Toyota.
Speculate renders of the next-gen Nissan Elgrand (left) and TNGA-based Toyota Alphard (right) by BestCarWeb.
However, despite multiple facelifts and updates, both the Alphard and Elgrand have reached advanced stages in terms of age. The Elgrand perhaps stands as the oldest as the current third-gen (chassis code: E52) iteration of which has been in production since 2010. The current third-gen Alphard (chassis code: AH30), on the other hand, stands ‘newer’ given that it has bene in production since 2015.
Well, based on recent reports plus rumours and speculations that are making their rounds on the web recently, we may see an ‘MPV Revolution’ led by all-new iterations of both models soon. Here’s what we know so far…
Speculative render of the upcoming TNGA-based Toyota Alphard by BestCarWeb.
New TNGA-based Alphard Confirmed
We’ll start with the Toyota first as details for which based on this leaked preview presentation video below appears solid. The biggest news here is that the next-gen Alphard will underpin the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) chassis platform.
Besides heightened drivability and safety, the new platform will spur a full exterior and interior redesign. We can expect more luxury and tech, though it’s certain that the dual sliding doors plus three-row seating layout with second-row ‘Captain Seats’ will remain – staple traits of the Alphard.
The biggest gain with the switch to TNGA of course lies in safety, and the next-gen Alphard will benefit from the platform’s ability to seamlessly integrate Toyota’s active or advanced driver assist tech (ADAS) pack called the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS).
The switch in platform also entails the possibility of Toyota fielding all new powertrains across the range, and it’s speculated that a hybrid petrol-electric option will be included too. We’ve already seen Toyota apply a similar setup in the latest and also TNGA-based Toyota Innova MPV recently.
Apart from that, sources online also indicate that the new generation Alphard could debut as early as next month (May) before production and sales kick off in the second half.
Current-gen Nissan Elgrand (Japan-spec version).
New Elgrand Also In The Works?
With a new generation Alphard more or less confirmed, its Elgrand rival made by Nissan could also undergo a ‘rebirth’ based on speculative reports coming out of Japan’s BestCarWeb portal. Said portal has even prepared a speculative digital render of a new generation Elgrand which does look very enticing.
The portal goes on to speculate, based on Nissan’s current development trend, that the next-gen Elgrand could adopt a new turbocharged ‘e-Power’ petrol-electric series hybrid powertrain that isn’t too dissimilar from what Nissan primes in the new fourth-gen (T33) Nissan X-Trail crossover SUV.
Speculative render of the next-gen Nissan Elgrand by BestCarWerb.
On that note, BestCarWeb even goes to the extent of speculating that the next-gen Elgrand could ride off the same CMF-CD platform architecture as said fourth-gen X-Train crossover, and perhaps adopt its e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup too.
As for design, the portal’s vision of how the next-gen Elgrand should look like sees it taking plenty of cues and inspiration from the Nissan Sakura EV. However, as this is speculative at best, we’ll advise you to soak things up with a pinch of salt at the very least.
Like the Alphard, expect Nissan to retain both the dual-sliding doors and three-row seating layouts. Whilst the rivalling Alphard benefits with a full swing of active driver assist (ADAS) features supplied by the TNGA platform, the next-gen Elgrand could match that by adopting Nissan’s similar ProPilot 2.0 suite.
Speculations aside, we’re certain that when either models debut, it will spark an ‘MPV Revolution’ of sorts, especially in market spaces where flagship luxury MPVs like the Alphard and Elgrand are highly prized. Which of the two would entice you the most then? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…
Gallery


















Written By
Thoriq Azmi
Former DJ turned driver, rider and story-teller. I drive, I ride, and I string words together about it all. [#FuelledByThoriq] IG: https://www.instagram.com/fuelledbythoriq/
JPJ Running Numbers
KUALA LUMPUR
VPS2423
SELANGOR
BSH7411
JOHOR
JYG6330
PULAU PINANG
PRT9853
PERAK
APB2054
PAHANG
CFD4679
KEDAH
KGC2708
NEGERI SEMBILAN
NEH1085
KOTA KINABALU
SJM5852
KUCHING
QAB1588M
Last updated 16 Sep, 2025
Fuel Price
Petrol
RON 95
RM 2.05
RON 97
RM 3.18
+0.02
RON 100
RM 5.00
VPR
RM 6.23
Diesel
EURO 5 B10
RM 2.90
+0.02
EURO 5 B7
RM 3.10
+0.02
Last updated 11 Sep, 2025
Related News
GAC M8 PHEV Spotted in Malaysia: Potential Rival to Toyota Alphard
GAC M8 PHEV spotted undergoing real-world road test, CKD plan a must for a fighting chance.
12-10-2024
Leaders Of Alleged Religious Sect Travelled In Luxury Cars, SUVs
Leaders of alleged religious sect under investigation by police also allegedly possess fleet of luxury cars and SUVs.
18-09-2024
Gone In 30 Seconds – PDRM Johor Seizes 81 Stolen Vehicles
Johor Police confirmed that 81 vehicles and 30 vehicle components were stolen in the last six months.
26-07-2024
Hertz Malaysia Extends BMW iX Premium EV Rental Promo For Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Hertz Malaysia (SDRAC) extends BMW iX premium EV rental promotion in light of Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
09-04-2024
Launched: 2023 Toyota Alphard & Vellfire – From RM438K
The all-new 2023 Toyota Alphard & Vellfire luxury MPVs officially arrived in Malaysia under UMWT, priced from RM438,000
23-10-2023
New Generation Lexus LM Bows With Even More Tech And Luxuries
The ultra-luxurious new generation Lexus LM debuts with more tech and luxuries, previews next-gen Toyota-badged Alphard/Vellfire.
19-04-2023
The Toyota Alphard Has Officially Entered Gran Turismo 7
The Toyota Alphard is now a playable car in Gran Turismo 7 thanks to the latest Update 1.31 patch for March 2023.
30-03-2023
The Toyota Alphard Is Coming To Gran Turismo 7
The Toyota Alphard will soon be a playable car on Gran Turismo 7 via an upcoming update.
27-03-2023
Latest News
US Raid on Hyundai Plant Branded Economic ‘Back-Stabbing’
US raid delays Hyundai factory opening, with 22 other Korean-backed projects nearly halted and foreign investment now in doubt.
15-09-2025
TGR Unveils GR Yaris Aero Performance Package
The GR Yaris Aero Performance Package brings motorsport-derived upgrades that sharpens aero and handling.
12-09-2025
Toyota Land Cruiser GR Sport Gains Ultra-Limited ‘Rally Raid’ Special
Toyota Land Cruiser GR Sport gains ultra-limited ‘Rally Raid’ special edition in Japan with just 12 units made plus 12 ‘conversion kits’.
12-09-2025
BMW Has Silently Updated Its Emblem on the New iX3 EV
BMW has silently updated its iconic roundel emblem, as seen on the newly-launched BMW iX3 Neue Klasse EV SUV.
12-09-2025
Facelifted Toyota Corolla Spotted in China with New Prius-Like Front Face
The facelifted Toyota Corolla sedan has been spotted in China, featuring a new, Prius-like hammerhead front face.
11-09-2025
TGR Will Reproduce AE86 Engine Parts Under Heritage Project
Toyota Gazoo Racing will reissue cylinder head and block sub-assemblies for the 4A-GE engine for both the Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno (AE86).
10-09-2025
New Ferrari 849 Testarossa Debuts As SF90’s Successor With 1,035 HP
New Ferrari 849 Testarossa bows in coupe and open-top ‘Spider’ forms to succeed SF90 with 1,035 HP V8 super-PHEV heart.
10-09-2025
Next-Gen Lexus IS Revealed with Bolder Looks & Updated Tech
Revised 2026 Lexus IS sports saloon premiered with sharpened dynamics, bolder styling and more sophisticated tech on board.
10-09-2025
Show More
trending_flat