The MPV category has been long dominated by one name, but with the influx of new brands, some are aiming their crosshairs at this genre. Two of these newcomers recently released new offerings in this segment—GAC with their GN6 and Maxus with its G50. Both are under P1.5 million and are looking to take a piece of the pie from the ever-popular Toyota Innova.
For this comparison, we’re taking the GN6’s sole GE variant against the G50’s top-of-the-line Premium trim and see how they fare against the just refreshed Innova E AT, Toyota’s variant in the same price range.
Exterior
Things are similar between the three in terms of stance and shape, with styling dependent on your preference. Things get more varied in size since the Maxus G50 is the longest at 4,825mm, the GAC GN6 is widest at 1,860mm, while the Innova is the tallest at 1,795mm.
The Maxus gets away with an early win, though, thanks to its loaded features. It has automatic LED headlights, power folding side mirrors, powered tailgate, and a panoramic sunroof; easily eclipsing the other two.
Interior
The Innova remains lackluster in this area with its usual seat configuration and fabric upholstery. The other two both have leather but the G50 has power adjustment for the front seats while the GN6 ups the ante with captain chairs for the second row.
Airflow is good between the three with all of them offering separate control for the rear and air vents up to the third row. The Maxus just edges out a bit by having automatic control for its temp.
GN6 takes this round, though, because having captain seats for the second row is a huge comfort advantage for the passengers.
Tech & Safety
Being the middle variant in its lineup, the Innova E only comes with few toys like 6.75-inch screen with Apple and Android capability, six speakers, front airbags with knee airbag for the driver, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Stability Control, and Hill Start Assist.
The GN6 takes it up a notch with a digital info screen, a seven-inch touchscreen, six speakers, Push Start, Smart Keyless entry, cruise control, four airbags, ABS with EBD, Stability Program with traction control, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, parking sensors and a reverse camera.
Maxus takes this one again for the G50. It has a bigger touchscreen at 12 inches, though it lacks Apple and Android connectivity. There are six speakers, Push Start button, Smart Keyless entry, cruise control, and a wireless phone charger. It has basically the same safety features as the GN6 except the Hill Descent and Traction Control, but the Maxus G50 gets a 360-camera system and tire pressure monitoring.
Engine
In the powertrain department, the GN6 has a 1.5L turbo gas engine that puts out 170hp and 260Nm of torque, coupled to a six-speed automatic. The Maxus G50 has the same-sized engine, also turbocharged, but comes up short at 167hp and 250Nm of torque, paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The Innova gets the 2.8L turbo diesel with 172hp and 360Nm of torque, attached to a six-speed automatic. Clearly, the Innova takes this one.
Conclusion
The Maxus G50 Premium won two rounds, while the GAC GN6 and Toyota Innova E took one each. Ironically, the G50 is the cheapest of the bunch with a price tag of P1,288,000. The Innova E was second at P1,355,000 while the GN6 is at P1,480,000.
That’s not to say the Maxus G50 is the runaway winner in this comparo as it only shines if you want more benefits for you as a driver. For passenger luxury, the captain seats of the GN6 is a great thing to have especially at its price point. The Innova, meanwhile, is for those who always encounter steep roads and need more power—plus, of course, that intangible yet undeniable bulletproof Toyota reliability.
The Innova might be the most recognizable in this segment, but these two newcomers are proving that they are worthy of being given a chance in your garage.
