Top 5 best family minivans in the Philippines in 2021

Car buyers have different preferences when it comes to which type of vehicle best suits a family car. But despite the diversity in opinions, we can’t deny that minivans are one of the contenders in the market. A minivan comes with a large interior space that can usually be configured depending on the size your family needs.

One of the most setbacks in owning a minivan is that it usually comes with a relatively high price tag. For the price, you can already own at least three subcompact crossovers which are ideal for starting families. So considering a minivan should take a lot of thinking when getting one.

With that being said, we have listed down five minivans you can consider getting in the Philippines. Each model comes with its pricing and features so you can carefully weigh down your option before heading out to a dealership.

>>> Also check out:

• Top 10 seven-seat vehicles for Filipino families
• Top 5 best 7-seat SUVs on the market today

1. Kia Grand Carnival (Php 1,995,000 – Php 2,395,000)

The Kia Grand Carnival is one of the most popular minivans not only in the Philippines, but also around the world. It was first introduced in 1998 and is being offered in several markets including the United States, Australia, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and more.

Reliability is assured in this minivan

Kia Philippines offers the Grand Carnival with two seating options, namely an 11-seating and a 7-seating configuration. The 11-seater version is available in the LX and EX variants, while the 7-seater option is offered in the flagship variant only priced at Php 2,395,000.

Powering the PH-spec version of the minivan is a 2.2-liter Common Rail Direct Injection diesel engine that can make 197 hp and 441 Nm of torque, powerful enough to pull this vehicle even if the whole family is seated. Both the model’s base LX and top-of-the-line EX variants use an 8-speed automatic transmission.

One of the most ideal family minivans in the local market

As of this writing, the Korean car brand is still offering the third-generation version of the Grand Carnival, while some markets have the new fourth-gen already. Kia Philippines has no announcement just yet whether it will add the newest version in its lineup. If it happens, it could potentially be an early candidate as the best minivan in the Philippines.

2. Maxus G10 (Php 1,790,000 – Php 2,189,800)

Maxus is a Chinese car brand that offers the local market with large vehicles only. One of which includes the Maxus G10 minivan. This model entered the country last 2019 alongside its larger van sibling, the Maxus V80, with a starting price of Php 1,190,000 for the Flex variant.

A family-friendly minivan

What sets this minivan apart from its rivals is its swivel seat that can be used by persons with disabilities (PWDs) which comes with remote control functions. This helps your family get into the cabin easier and effortlessly. Take note that this feature is only available on the model’s top-spec G10 Assist variant.

The Chinese car brand only offers Maxus G10 with a 9-seating configuration for both the G10 and G10 Assist variants. It comes with a total of four captain seats so the second and third-row passengers can configure the seating position that they are most comfortable in.

Available only on the Assist variant

Under the hood, the minivan uses a 1.9-liter turbo diesel common rail direct injection engine that can generate a maximum power output of 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The power is sent to the rear wheels through its 6-speed automatic transmission.

3. BAIC MZ45 (Php 598,000)

Most minivans in the market are relatively expensive considering the sheer size they offer to car buyers. But if you are in the market for this type of vehicle that comes with affordable pricing, the BAIC MZ45 could potentially be your next family minivan.

Affordability is its middle name

Chinese car brand BAIC also offers a shorter version of the said minivan called the BAIC MZ40. It is 465 mm shorter in length and 220 mm shorter in terms of the wheelbase. The BAIC MZ45 can only come with an 11-seating configuration, while the MZ40 is offered with a 2-seating, 8-seating, and 7-seating configuration.

In terms of powertrain, the minivan is powered by a 1.2-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine that is capable of generating 86 hp and 108 Nm of torque. The engine is coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. Considering its size and performance numbers, the minivan might have a hard time rolling if it carries full passengers and heavy loads especially when driving uphill.

You have more than enough room

But for the affordable pricing of Php 598,000 for the model’s sole Transporter variant, you should get your money’s worth. Determining whether this should be a candidate as one of the best minivans in the Philippines is subjective.

>>> Read more: Sedan or SUV: Which is better for your family?

4. Toyota Alphard (Php 3,910,000)

Now on to the more premium side of the minivan market. Japanese car brand Toyota has an entry in this market with the Alphard. This minivan comes with aggressive character lines and a bold and larger front fascia that create the model’s distinctive look.

One of the most expensive models in Toyota's PH lineup

Inside, the brand has designed the minivan with luxurious details such as captain seats and a 16-hue ceiling illumination to provide a 5-star cabin experience for drivers and passengers. The seats are upholstered in natural leather and can accommodate up to seven passengers.

Powering this vehicle is a 3.5-liter DOHC with Dual VVT-i gasoline engine that can make 296 hp and 361 Nm of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission which can help owners comfortably drive the minivan whether in the city or going on trips with the family.

Offers a luxurious interior

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), the official business unit of Toyota in the country, is offering the Alphard with a price of Php 3,910,000 for the Steel Blonde Metallic and Black body paint options. An additional Php 15,000 is included if you opt for the Luxury White Pearl body paint option. If you are on the market for a family vehicle, Toyota Alphard 2017 is still a solid minivan even today. 

5. Honda Odyssey (Php 2,298,000 – Php 2,698,000)

Another popular minivan in the global market on this list is the Honda Odyssey. This minivan has been used by families since 1994 and is currently on its fifth-generation model. It was first introduced in the local market in 2012, and was followed by the introduction of the fifth-generation model of the Odyssey in 2015.

It is arguably the epitome of a family minivan

The Honda Odyssey can be regarded as one of the best minivans in the Philippines considering its features and convenience it gives to Filipino families. Captain cradle seats with Ottoman and high-quality leather-like seats are installed inside the minivan which provides comfort on the go.

Under the hood, this minivan is powered by a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC gasoline engine with Earth Dreams Technology that makes 173 hp and 226 Nm of torque. Only a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available for the model which helps send power to the front wheels.

A complete minivan

As for pricing, the base EX variant starts at Php 2,298,000 and goes up to Php 2,698,000 for the flagship EX-V Navi variant. The Honda Odyssey recently won the Luxury Van/MPV of the year award at the 2020-2021 Auto Focus Choice Awards which further solidifies its reputed name in the market.

Visit Philkotse.com for more of the latest in the automotive industry.