Car Comparo: Toyota Avanza vs Suzuki Ertiga as a family MPV

When searching for a family car, the MPV segment usually pops into mind due to its practicality, versatility, and relatively affordable price point. But with the many choices available in the market, searching for the right one for you and your family can be a tough task.

In order to help you, we thought of comparing the 2 most searched MVPs on our website based on the data from the last quarter of 2016. Interestingly, the Toyota Avanza and the Suzuki Ertiga came out as the top choices of our users. Let’s find out which comes out on top in this edition of the AutoDeal Car Comparo.

Price

The Suzuki Ertiga 1.4L GL AT has a sticker price of P799,000 while the Toyota Avanza 1.3L E AT can be bought for P807,000. The P8,000 gap may seem a bit too small to make a difference, but for a family that could mean a month’s worth of groceries, gas, or in some cases tuition.

With that in mind, this round goes to the Ertiga. Can the Avanza catch up?

Engine

Under the hood, the Suzuki Ertiga has a 1.4L gasoline engine that can produce 95 hp and 130 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Toyota Avanza carries a 1.3L gasoline engine with the same amount of horses but has less pulling power (121 Nm of torque). On top of that, both powerplants are mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The difference isn’t much but the additional torque offered by the Ertiga would come in handy when you’re hauling your family and luggage. The slight edge in power helps the Ertiga win in this round.

Dimensions

One of the more important factors when buying an MPV is its size. The Ertiga measures at 4,265 mm long, 1,695 mm wide, and 1,685 mm high, along with a wheelbase of 2,740 mm. Meanwhile, the Avanza is listed 75 mm shorter, 35 mm slimmer but it is 10 mm taller than the Ertiga. On the other hand, the Avanza’s wheelbase is shorter by 85 mm. 

This means that the Ertiga offers more shoulder- and leg-room compared to the Ertiga. Although the Avanza gives a little bit more headroom, but the small gap isn’t enough to turn things around.

As such, the Ertiga extends its lead to 3-0.

Safety & Security

As for safety and safety, the Ertiga and the Avanza both come standard with driver and front passenger airbags. What separates the 2 MPVs is the ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and ISOFIX. The said safety features are all available in the Avanza 1.3L E AT giving it a significant edge over the Ertiga. We don’t know about you, but when it comes to family, safety is top priority.

With that, this round goes to the Avanza.

Features

As a family car, the interior features can spell the difference between a pleasant or a stressful trip with the kids. While both MPVs are covered in fabric upholstery, the Ertiga takes this round with its multimedia touchscreen audio headunit with navigation compared to the Avanza’s 2-DIN headunit. 

Even with the Avanza’s dual manual air conditioning, the Ertiga’s headunit can keep the kids (or even adults) entertained throughout the ride.

Verdict

With these points to consider, the Suzuki Ertiga 1.4L GL AT wins over the Toyota Avanza 1.3L E AT. The bigger dimensions, better entertainment system, and relatively affordable price of the Ertiga makes it the winner of this comparo.

However, the slight edge offered by the Toyota Avanza can be enticing to those who prefer safety above everything else.