With launches happening online almost every week, it’s hard to keep track on what cars can fit your needs and budget. If you’re looking for something that can accommodate the whole family but is relatively more attainable, you’re on the right track. Sure, the pandemic is still ongoing, but so do the promos for many vehicles including the ones listed below. That’s why today, we round up seven-seater vehicles that are all under P1.5 million.
SUZUKI XL7 (P1.068 MILLION)
Building up on the success of the Ertiga, Suzuki decided to make a seven-seater with more space for the family and their belongings. The XL7 is more SUV in its aesthetic and form but combines that with the practicality of an MPV, resulting in a versatile vheilce. It also has a button for easy access to the third row so passengers there won’t feel like they’re neglected. There’s only one variant for the XL7, powered by a 1.5L engine and a four-speed automatic, and has a few tech amenities like push start, automatic aircon, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Not bad for the price.
MITSUBISHI XPANDER CROSS (P1.255 MILLION)
If you want something that’s more ready to take on unpaved roads outside the city—of course after this pandemic is over—the Xpander Cross might be up your alley. It’s aggressive styling and 225mm ground clearance are more than ready to take you out on unpaved roads. It also has a slew of pockets for the family’s accessories, power outlets up to the third row for their gadgets, and leather interior for a premium feel every time you go out. The second-row seats also tumble forward so access to the third row is very easy.
TOYOTA RUSH 1.5 G (P1.1 MILLION)
Dubbed as the “Baby Fortuner” even before its launch, the Toyota Rush is a sleek MPV that made waves when it was launched back in 2018. LED headlights and taillights complement its aesthetic, while practicality was the focus inside. There’s a push start button, automatic climate control, smart entry, and 13 bottle holders aside from the usual cubbyholes. The Rush is also one of the safest to be in with airbags all over the cabin. Do note though that the seven-seater is only for the G variant, while the E A/T and E M/T trims are only five-seaters.
HONDA BR-V (STARTS AT P 1.035 MILLION)
The one that started it all, the Honda BR-V is the original affordable seven-seater in the country when it was launched in 2016. Even as its competition piled up, this Honda remains competitive with its CVT as its secret weapon that leads to smoother driving and better fuel efficiency. Its top trim also has paddle shifters for that added control in either overtakes or engine braking during downhill driving. Its seating position is a bit lower than the others in its class, but it’s just as spacious and also has a tumble-down button for easy access to the third row.
CHERY TIGGO 8 (STARTS AT P 1.28 MILLION)
The midsize Tiggo 8 is a relative newcomer that’s full of confidence, being the biggest in this bunch of subcompact crossovers (and second biggest after the Isuzu mu-X midsize SUV). Its 1.5L turbo engine puts out 145 horsepower and is paired to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission which puts it on the upper tier of the other seven-seaters in this price range. Despite having two variants, it’s easy to choose what you prefer since their only differences are the 360 Panoramic camera, and key-sensing auto tailgate for the more expensive variant. The rest are virtually the same, employing LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, leather interior, and six-way driver’s seat, among others. The Tiggo 8 even comes with a unique smartwatch/fitness band that monitors your health, syncs with your phone, and can control several of the car’s functions like engine start, power windows, and door lock/unlock.
ISUZU mu-X (STARTS AT P 1.35 MILLION)
Some people just like the torque of a turbodiesel engine and the ruggedness of a separate ladder frame chassis, and I can’t blame them, it really makes a lot of few things easier to do. Good for them that Isuzu made the mu-X more accessible with this LS AT model that already has their RZ4E engine, putting out 150ps and 350Nm of torque, while being fuel-efficient. It’s more basic in terms of amenities compared to its high-end variants but if you need a straightforward seven-seater that can handle all the challenges on the road inside and outside the city, it’s more than enough.
