These are the family cars you need to save up for

A question that we get a lot from many of our viewers and readers is: What is your top priority when it comes to searching for a family car? Is it space? Features? Safety? Or Price?

We understand that there are many options to choose from in the car market and it can make it tricky for anyone to decide what to buy. If it makes things a little easier for you to choose, here is a list of cars and some reasons why you should consider getting that as they may suit your life’s priorities.

Maybe you are working on a tight budget and it is a major factor for you when buying a new vehicle. For this category, note that we have included what we think is the most affordable vehicle at the moment, as well as the vehicles that give you the most value for your hard-earned money.

MG 5

The MG 5 is one of the most affordable sedans you can get in the market today that also comes with a great amount of interior space. This makes it the ideal candidate to get if you are working on a tight budget. Yes, we could have easily said the Toyota Vios or the Honda City are the ones to save up for but the MG 5 isn’t one to be overlooked. 

For its starting price tag of P658,888, customers would already have all the basic needs in most entry-level subcompact sedans such as dual front airbags, a decent 8-inch infotainment system with USB ports, manual air conditioning. Aside from this the MG 5 also comes with a host of other features such as ABS with EBD, Cornering Brake control, brake assist, electric air conditioning, reverse sensors, and a reverse camera all as standard even for the entry-level model.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport

For those looking to get something a little bit bigger such as a midsize SUV, a good option to get is the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Not only does it offer spacious room inside, but it also has the safety features, onboard entertainment, power, and ride height to haul the family through various road conditions. With a starting price of P1,568,000, this makes the Montero Sport the most affordable diesel-fed 7-seater SUV you can get on the market today.

While this variant of the Mitsubishi SUV isn’t as well kitted out as its other models it still packs the same 2.4-liter found across its entire lineup. It produces a healthy 179 hp and 430 Nm of torque putting it right in the middle of what the segment has to offer in terms of power.

The Montero Sport also has features such as dual front airbags, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), ABS, Hill Start Assist (HSA), roll stability control, and more. Meanwhile, its interior has the basics making it a competitive choice for this segment.

Parents would love to make sure that their families are safe, especially on the road. That’s why some would go the extra mile to get a vehicle that’s equipped with tons of safety features.

Volvo XC90

If you’re one of those people, then you’re probably already looking at the Volvo XC90. This luxury midsize SUV has received top marks from the independent safety survey European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) and the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

It’s equipped with lane-keeping suite Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), 360-degree surround view camera, semi-autonomous driving system Pilot Assist. Aside from that, it features as Hill Descent Control (HDC), HSA, Driver Alert Control, Power Child Locks, and Rear Collision Warning. While those can already be a handful, we haven’t even scratched the surface, so to speak.

Anyway, the XC90 isn’t just an “armored tank” for your family. It also comes with luxury amenities making it one of the more desirable vehicles in its lineup like cruise control, leather upholstery, four-zone electronic climate control, and an eight-inch touchscreen display with 10 high-performance speakers, to name a few. Sadly, the Volvo XC90 may be a bit too expensive for the common Filipino family.

Honda City Hatchback

Well, we understand that not everyone can afford to shell out millions even if it’s for the safety of their families. That’s why we have included the Honda City hatchback on this list as it has already been proven to be safe thanks to its stellar ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating of 5-stars. For this hatchback, you get driver, front passenger, side, and curtain airbags. It also comes equipped with ABS, EBD, brake assist, immobilizer, security alarm, stability control, HAS, electronic door locks, and even ISOFIX child seat anchors.

On top of this, the car also features a modern and sporty design that was derived from its sedan counterpart the Honda City. While it is situated in the P1,115,000 range you are getting a lot of safety for what you pay for. 

While others look for something that fits their budget, some are in search for a vehicle that would fit their large family.

Nissan NV350 Urvan 18-seater MT

The Nissan NV350 Urvan, as its variant name says, can seat up to 18 average-sized Filipinos inside. What’s nice about the Urvan is that its rear cabin has 12 individual vents to spread the legendary air-conditioning capabilities of Nissan, making vent hogging a thing of the past.

In the event that you can’t fill up its occupant capacity, its seating configuration can be arranged so it can accommodate up to 6,000L worth of cargo. It also boasts its load-sensing valve which helps provide better braking power whether the van is full or not. Pulling all its weight will be a powerful 2.5L turbo-diesel engine that produces 129 hp and 356 Nm of torque.

Suzuki Ertiga

If driving a van isn't your thing and you want a much shorter vehicle that is still affordable then we recommend the Suzuki Ertiga. This multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) offers you a seven-seater capacity, great space for its price point, and a frugal 1.5-liter gasoline engine. It is also well equipped for its price point making it a go-to vehicle to get if you want a reliable family hauler that won't break the bank.

Ford Everest

New for 2022, the Ford Everest is better than ever with new tech and design. You have to see the new Everest and drive it. Its 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine is still one of the torquiest and most powerful diesel motors in a midsize SUV delivering 210 hp and 500 Nm of torque mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It makes for a great family car because it can seat seven, comes with an expansive cargo area, and its tech features are top-of-the-class with the Titanium variant. The top-spec model is still a little pricey, however, but if you save up, you'll get one of the best-equipped SUVs out there.