Parent's Choice

LIST: Best Family Cars in the Philippines 2023

by Kevyn Gohu
August 15, 2023

With families getting bigger and more open to travel, here are some family car models to consider.

Going around the metro with our families can be difficult without a car. Especially with newborns slowly being exposed to the outside world with incomplete vaccinations, it can be nerve-wracking to travel via public transport. Although there are multiple public transport providers, the hardship of waiting for a passing bus, taxi, or jeep can be stressful for a new family. So, to get around, here are some of the top family cars that are worth owning in the Philippines this 2023.

1. Toyota Innova

It’s no surprise that the Toyota Innova made it to the top, boasting a 7-seater capacity and spacious legroom. Especially if we have a yaya coming along or multiple kids, the Toyota Innova’s smooth drive makes any trip enjoyable. Considered one of the most economical Diesel engines for the last two years, the Toyota Innova runs at 9 to 10 kilomer per liter (if with traffic) but 15 kilometer per liter if without traffic and long stretches. Additionally, it’s a short car — making it easy to bring and park in condominiums.

Besides, as a Toyota, the parts are almost too easy to procure in Quezon City’s Banawe street. Most third-party car mechanics within the metro have already memorized the car’s inner workings inside out, making it easy to find someone who can easily fix the car.

For a brand new Toyota Innova, the going price for the 2023 model is around PHP 1.8M based on their website.

2. Hyundai Grand Starex

The large, hulking Hyundai Grand Starex boasts its spacious 10-person seating capacity, capable of being customized with bucket seats and detachable chairs to add more space for passengers. It also features centralized-locking systems and child-proof locking, assuring that no one can get in or out without the driver’s knowledge. Despite its large size, its flat snout allows the car to clip the tightest of turns. While some dads like keeping them plain and with no fancy additions), others like customizing them with ducktail spoilers and all-terrain tires to increase the car’s adaptability for long road trips, especially when they’re planning a trip to Baguio.

Also, despite being a Diesel Engine, it’s not as noisy as older engines, making it a less conspicuous car. Many drivers complain of the loud “growling or roaring” sound the typical Diesel engine makes because of the spark plugs violently burning the larger diesel molecules. And for families living in the more posh subdivision with noise pollution policies, the Hyundai Grand Starex also looks like a classier vehicle.

A brand new 2023 model ranges from PHP 1.4M to PHP 2.2M.

3. Suzuki Ertiga

Unlike the first three family cars, the Suzuki Ertiga boasts both the Unleaded Engine and Diesel variants, allowing families more flexibility with the ever-fluctuating gas prices. The Suzuki Ertiga’s charm comes from its ability to debunk the 18%-rule (“A car burns 18% more fuel while in traffic”) in fuel consumption during traffic. According to other car websites, even at crawling speed, the car still achieves 9 to 10 kilometers per liter, which is a big saving for many families living in the city.

Some even say that the Suzuki Ertiga is also a good “beginner’s car,” offering a stumpy learning curve because of its Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki or SHVS system, lessening the burden on the brakes since it doesn’t use them to recharge the car battery.

Currently, the minimum for a 2023 Suzuki Ertiga is P1,153,000.00.

4. Ford Everest

While most parents would complain about the older Fords’ lack of legroom and thirst for gasoline, the Ford Everest seems to have broken that stereotype. Although being from an American brand of cars makes their parts a little difficult to procure and their mechanics sparse, the Ford Everest’s appeal as a family car is because it stays faithful to the old Ford’s stability as a truck while adapting more contemporary elements to temper its rugged appearance and appear more urban-friendly.

According to several car websites, the Ford Everest is also quite forgiving in its handling despite its muscular look. Its new SYNC 4A alerts drivers during their parking, making sure they actually park in between the white lines. The 2023 model’s drivetrain also gives drivers options to adjust to six kinds of terrains (Normal, Eco, Tow Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand), adjusting the power and torque needed to maximize the amount of power and minimize the amount of gas spent. This is pretty useful, considering the Philippine road terrain demands drivers to adjust their style to minimize wear and tear with all the potholes that can misalign tires and push the car’s shock absorbers to the limit.

As of now, the 2023 Ford Everest goes for around PHP 1.79 M. Fuel efficiency-wise, it may be a little lower with its 3.2-liter engine running at 7 to 8 kilometers per liter in cities but 10 to 12 kilometers per liter on highways. Their 2.2-liter engine is more efficient, boasting the usual average of 10 to 11 kilometers per liter in the city but 15 to 16 kilometers per liter on the highway.

5. Nissan Urvan

Nissan’s made itself popular over the years with both its sedans and trucks like the Sentra, the X-Trail, the Navara, and most of all — the Godzilla of cars himself, the Nissan Skyline GTR. But they have family-friendly cars, too — like the latest Nissan Urvan. As a Japanese car, the Nissan Urvan focuses on minimizing the stress of city driving, while offering a lot of leg space. Besides comfort, it’s also quite forgiving in handling with its Hill Start Assist technology, locking the car in position for a few seconds as the driver shifts from brakes to gas.

Available in Diesel engine, the Nissan Urvan boasts an average of 13 kilometers per liter. Currently, the 2021 model goes up to P1,966,000.

6. Toyota Fortuner

Meant for families who want a car that can go off-road but still look sleek for city travel, the Toyota Fortuner meets those requirements as a 7-seater diesel engine family car. Classified as an SUV, the Toyota Fortuner’s 4-cylinder engine makes it more efficient in consuming fuel to manage the car’s climbing capacity and long drive runs. Besides its power, it also has advanced technology that alerts the driver both passively and actively as they drive. However, some users have found the car quite pricy compared to the aforementioned family cars, costing a minimum of P1,736,000.00.

Currently, the 2021 model boasts 11.5 kilometers per liter.

7. Isuzu MU-X

When the Isuzu stopped their production of the ever-reliable Crosswind line due to emission issues, they replaced it first with the Alterra before finally releasing the 7-seater Isuzu MU-X. Earning their charm as “workhorse” cars, Isuzu entered the family car market by making the MU-X appear less “boxy” and “clunky.” It has hexagonal features, making it look a little more graceful than its predecessors, less aggressive than the others, and also fuel efficient while running against and with the wind during long runs. Built with the Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) that’s also found in the Isuzu D-Max, the MU-X can alert us about our blind spots as we drive.

Currently, the 2023 model of this family car is a bit pricier at P2,110,000.

8. Nissan Terra

The charm of the Nissan Terra as a family car comes from its inability to “fishtail” — or swing our families side-to-side or tip over as if they’re in a food processor. Originally launched in 2018, the 2021 Nissan Terra received a glow-up by changing a lot of the hard plastic in its interior and curving its rough edges.

With its two variants — the 4×4 and the 4×2, the Nissan Terra may appear a little thirsty for diesel. The 4×4 does 7 to 8 kilometers per liter in heavy traffic but does 14 kilometers per liter in the highway. But as a 4×2, those ratios can go up by 0.5 kilometers per liter to 1 kilometer per liter respectively.

Currently, the Nissan Terra 2023 costs around P2,354,000.

Different family Cars for various needs!

When we buy cars for our family in the Philippines, we always consider how easy it is to get the parts, if there are people who know how to fix it, and if it’s easy to sell and replace after. But there are other things to consider — such as legroom, how well it can brave floods, and if we’re willing to spend on getting the electronics fixed (such is the bane of getting the more recent models). While these cars may not inspire and charm like luxury or vintage sports cars, we can rest assured these existing car models can keep our families safe on the road.