5 tough-looking MPVs dressed up as SUVs

Updated Oct 07, 2021

Get an SUV-looking vehicle at a more affordable price.

Introduction

One can say that SUVs are some of the best-looking vehicles in the market thanks to their large proportions and added exterior flairs that look tough. The only downside of this type of vehicle is its relatively expensive price tag that is typically twice of value-packed sedans or crossovers.

Mitsubishi Xpander Cross front view

Some MPVs might be regarded as an SUV

Fortunately, there’s this type of vehicle in the auto market called multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that offers the same 7-seating configuration found on SUVs. Some of the MPVs available in the Philippines even come with an SUV-like exterior appearance that most people appeal to. With this, you don’t need to dish out a huge amount of cash for an SUV just to own a tough-looking vehicle in the form of an MPV.

To help you come up with a shortlist, we have compiled five tough-looking MPVs that look a lot like an SUV.

1. Toyota Rush

The vehicle type of the Toyota Rush still confuses many considering its SUV design. In fact, this MPV is considered as Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP)’s entry-level SUV in the local lineup. But if we look at the size and the now-standard 7-seating configuration, we can say that it is a worthy addition to this list of tough-looking MPVs with an SUV appearance.

Toyota Rush front view

An MPV with an SUV-like capabilities

Apart from the design, another factor as to why the Toyota Rush is considered as an SUV is its use of a ladder-frame chassis and its relatively high ground clearance. The ladder frame chassis improves the off-road capabilities of the MPV, while the ground clearance is rated at 220 mm.

Know more about Toyota Rush 2024

Toyota Rush

The Rush 2023 is Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP)’s entry to the local competitive multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment. Considering its relatively large size and affordable pricing, the MPV is regarded by some as an entry-level SUV to the Japanese car brand. Toyota Rush Price in the Philippines ranges from PHP 983,000 to PHP 1,176,000 with 3 different variants. Under the hood, it is powered by a 1.5-liter 2NR-VE inline-4 DOHC gasoline engine that makes 102 hp and 134 Nm of torque. This engine can be connected to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Dimensions-wise, the Rush spans 4,435 mm in length, 1,695 mm in width, and 1,705 mm in height. In the local market, this vehicle from Toyota Philippines competes against the likes of the Mitsubishi Xpander and Honda BR-V.

There are many SUV-like features that the Toyota Rush offers such as a relatively high ground clearance rated at 220 mm and its new seating configuration that makes seven as standard across all variants. It is considered as one of the best value for money especially for those who wish for a relatively affordable family car. In other markets, the Toyota Rush is called the Daihatsu Terios due to the Japanese automaker's partnership with Daihatsu Motor.

₱ 1,012,000 - ₱ 1,176,000

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2. Honda BR-V

You might be thinking how the Honda BR-V managed to be included on this list when it flaunts an unmistakable MPV design. Well, we’re not referring to the first-gen model currently offered by Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI). We’re talking about the all-new second-generation Honda BR-V that made its debut in September 2021.

2022 Honda BR-V front view

The 2022 Honda BR-V now comes with a proper SUV design that looks ready to conquer off-roads. Changes in the interior have been integrated as well which improves the model’s MPV characteristics. As of this writing, it is still unclear when will HCPI introduce its newly-designed BR-V to the local lineup.

Know more about Honda BR-V 2024

Honda BR-V

The 2023 Honda BR-V is a seven-seater compact MPV. It is now in its 2nd-gen version, and it has four different variants in the local market. There’s the top-spec VX honda Sensing priced at 1,390,000, V CVT priced at Php 1,300,000, the S CVT which has a price tag of Php 1,190,000, and the entry-level S MT priced at Php 1,100,000. 

Under the hood of the Honda BR-V is a 1.5-liter gasoline inline-4 engine that’s capable of making up to 119 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. Sending power to its front wheels is a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

Size-wise, the all-new BR-V is 4,490mm long, 1,780mm wide, and 1,685mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,700mm, and a ground clearance of 207mm.                  

In the local market, the Honda BR-V competes against the Toyota Avanza, Hyundai Staria, Nissan Livina, Mitsubishi Xpander, among others.  

₱ 1,058,000 - ₱ 1,390,000

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3. Suzuki XL7

Third on the list is one of Suzuki Philippines’ latest addition to the local lineup, the XL7. The Japanese MPV’s Philippine debut is followed by the launching of the Suzuki S-Presso. Both of the said Suzuki models manage to showcase a tough SUV look despite their sizes depending on their respective classes.

Suzuki XL7 front view

The Japanese compact car distributor offers one tough-looking MPV

The Suzuki XL7 is installed with blacked-out claddings on its front skirt, side sills, wheel arches, and rear skirt. This type of design element is a common go-to exterior layout found in SUVs. Other SUV design details include silver skid plates at the front and rear, side protection moldings, and roof rails.

Know more about Suzuki XL7 2024

Suzuki XL7

The Suzuki XL7 is an MPV that features a design that looks like a crossover-inspired version of the Suzuki Ertiga. The XL7's only available variant is priced at Php 1,181,000. Under the hood, this MPV is powered by a 1.5-liter K15B 4-cylinder gasoline engine that is capable of generating 103 hp and 138 Nm of torque. Only a 4-speed automatic transmission is the available gearbox for the PH-spec model.

Dimensions-wise, the XL7 is 4,450 mm in length, 1,775 mm in width, and 1,710 mm in height. Also, it gets a wheelbase and ground clearance rated at 2,740 mm and 200 mm, respectively. In the Philippines, this MPV goes up against the likes of the Mitsubishi Xpander, Toyota Avanza, and Maxus G50.

₱ 1,181,000

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4. Geely Okavango

Next up is Geely Philippines’ largest offering in the local market, the Geely Okavango. In consideration of its relatively large SUV-like appearance, there’s an ongoing debate as to what should this model be categorized – an SUV or an MPV. Regardless of the answer, the Geely Okavango is unmistakably a family car, making it fair to be called an MPV.

Geely Okavango front view

A tech-loaded MPV

The large proportions of the Geely Okavango are highlighted by its Cosmos grille at the front. Moving to the side, the Chinese MPV sits on either 17- or 18-inch wheels which are relatively larger as compared to rivals such as the Toyota Innova. Lastly, it is finished with a bulky-looking rear-end paired with a silver skid plate.

Know more about Geely Okavango 2024

Geely Okavango

The Geely Okavango 2023 is the first seven-seater from Geely Philippines for the Philippine market, which also makes it the biggest model in the lineup so far. Its quirky name was taken from the Okavango Delta, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and the 1,000th World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. Despite its unibody platform, Geely’s third model for Filipino customers is actually longer and wider than mainstream contenders in the truck-based midsize SUV category, measuring 4,835mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,785mm high. Ground clearance, however, is at a rather low 194mm.   

The Geely Okavango’s price Philippines ranges from Php 1,523,000 for the base Comfort variant to Php 1,765,000 for the range-topping Urban Plus. Rivals in its segment include the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Nissan Terra, Isuzu D-Max, and Ford Ranger
 

₱ 1,523,000 - ₱ 1,765,000

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5. Mitsubishi Xpander Cross

Last but certainly not least, the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross. Looking at its body, this model might look still look like an MPV which is more noticeable in the standard Mitsubishi Xpander. But if we consider its variant-exclusive exterior additions, then no one can deny that the Xpander Cross deserves to be on this list.

Mitsubishi Xpander Cross front view

It succeeded the Adventure in Mitsubishi's Philippine lineup

The exterior features that make the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross look more like an SUV include its blacked-out grille, fender arches, side body moldings, roof rails, and rear garnish. It also offers larger 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels as compared to the standard Xpander that uses 15- to 16-inch of alloy wheels.

Check out more of our listicle articles to see the different car options in the local market.

Know more about Mitsubishi Xpander Cross 2024

Mitsubishi Xpander Cross

The 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is an SUV-styled, seven-seater MPV. For the Philippine market, its sole variant is price at Php 1,328,000. 

Under the hood of the Xpander Cross is a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that can produce up to 103 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. Powere is then sent to its front wheels via a continously variable gearbox. 

Size-wise, it is 4,595mm long, 1,790mm wide, and 1,750mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,775mm, and a ground clearance of 225mm. 

Locally, the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross competes against the Toyota Veloz, Toyota Avanza, Nissan Livina, Hyundai Stargazer, Suzuki Ertiga, Suzuki XL7, among others.  

₱ 1,328,000

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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rexsanchez09

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