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 one 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.

GAC GS3 EMZOOM

The GAC GS3 EMZOOM not only starts at just P998,000, but you get quite a lot for your money as well. These include a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 174 hp and 270 Nm of torque, sharp styling all throughout, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system. So if you are on a budget, but need the practicality of a crossover that doesn't sacrifice on performance and comfort, the GAC GS3 EMZOOM is the one to get.

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.

MG G50 Plus

If a seven-seater is in your sights but the diesel-powered Montero is too much for you, MPVs are a great choice. The MG G50 is one such MPV that can provide practicality and comfort on a budget. With a price that starts at P1,048,888 and tops out at P1,288,888, the G50 Plus slides under the P1.5 million mark while returning great value for your money. 

DCT equipped variants come standard with an expansive 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, hill-start assist, and remote keyless entry. Furthermore, standard safety features include a vehicle stability control system, rear parking sensors, and anti-lock brakes. Overall, the MG G50 Plus accommodates a variety of budgets and delivers satisfaction no matter which variant you choose.

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.

Hyundai Santa Fe

Starting off on the premium side of things, we’ve got the Hyundai Santa Fe. Now in its fifth generation, the Santa Fe is now bigger, more luxurious, and best of all, safer all around. All variants of the Santa Fe come equipped with the same comprehensive safety features, ensuring that every buyer—whether they choose the 2.5T Calligraphy or the GLS 2WD—receives the highest level of protection.

The safety equipment includes dual front SRS airbags, side and curtain airbags, an anti-lock braking system with Multi-Collision Brake (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), Hill-Start Assist, a tire pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX anchors, and a vehicle immobilizer.

Additionally, the Santa Fe boasts Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of intelligent driver aids, which encompasses Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, a blind spot monitor, Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera. Sadly though, with the latest generation of the Santa Fe comes with a bump in price. However, if your top priority is safety above all else, the Santa Fe is guaranteed to surpass your expectations.

Nissan Kicks

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 Nissan Kicks on this list, as it has already been proven safe thanks to its stellar ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating of five stars. For this crossover, you get driver, front passenger, side, and curtain airbags. It also comes equipped with the full suite of Nissan Advanced Driver Assistant Systems 

On top of this, the car also features a modern and hip design that carries over with a fun-to-drive experience and great fuel efficiency thanks to its e-Power technology. The Nissan Kicks currently starts at P1,179,000 and tops out at P 1,544,000, which is a pretty good deal for the overall package.

GWM Haval H6 HEV

Another hybrid option on the market that boasts a ton of safety features, we have the GWM Haval H6 HEV. Aside from boasting a fuel efficient and low emissions powertrain, the H6 HEV also has an array of safety features in its arsenal.

These features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, intelligent cruise assist, blind-spot monitoring, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic emergency braking that can detect pedestrians, vehicles, and cyclists. Other neat features include a 360-degree camera system, an overspeed alarm that activates when you exceed 120 km/h, intelligent dodge, emergency lane-keeping assist, and automatic parking assist.

If those features haven't won you over yet, the Haval H6 also earned top ratings from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). Whether you’re on the road or in a tight spot, the Haval H6 HEV offers all around safety.

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 Hybrid

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 which now features electrification for added efficiency. 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

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. 

Chevrolet Trax

The Chevrolet Trax has grown in size in this recent revamp and shows in nearly every way possible. Not only is it longer and wider than before, but its interior space is also much bigger and better than its class competitors. It's also incredibly fun to drive with a potent 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that is willing to give you power at a moment's notice. Comfort is excellent, and you get a contemporary interior with a clear infotainment system and digital cluster. Give the Chevrolet Trax a go, we promise you won't regret it.

Interested in exploring the cars from this list? Visit AutoDeal.com.ph and check out our extensive Car Guide to kickstart your journey toward buying your new vehicle today!