These aren’t your conventional vans and MPVs
by Billy Caluag
Toyota and Lexus have a new competitor
Well, yes and no. Denza is the Lexus to BYD's Toyota, but it aims to stand firm as an independent brand. That can get a bit confusing as Denza and BYD share platforms, software, designs, and even mobile apps.In the
by Billy Caluag
*It comes with an introductory P300,000 discount for the first 300 customers
Over the past few years, we've seen the arrival of one Chinese carmaker after another. For 2026, the first new brand to launch in our market is Denza.To the unfamiliar, Denza is the premium brand under another well-known Chinese
A base-spec Advance and a higher-end Premium trim, to be specific
After debuting in the Philippines, Chinese carmaker Denza has yet to launch its first vehicle. However, thanks to recently published homologation papers from the Land Transportation Office, we now have a good idea of what the brand's first release could be.
by Billy Caluag
It’ll head to South Korea and Europe later this year
Electric MPVs are in right now-and make no mistake, we're all for it-and now Hyundai wants a slice of the pie. Say hello to the new Hyundai Staria Electric.It's not a new name, of course, with the
Because supermarket runs aren’t exciting enough
If suburban life has gotten too monotonous for you, an interesting solution has just shown up at SEMA 2025. Enter the Honda Odyssey Type R.The first half of its name is clean and calm-a reliable minivan with more than enough
by Billy Caluag
The fourth-generation Elgrand has arrived
You may have heard that Nissan has been struggling of late. Back in May, it announced that it was cutting 20,000 jobs and closing seven factories worldwide in a desperate attempt to save some cash.And in an attempt to sell
by Greg Potts
BYD enters the minivan sweepstakes
BYD Cars Philippines and ACMobility are gearing up for yet another release, and this time the duo looks to take on the minivan segment. Reservations for the BYD eMax 9 DM-i are now open, but the full price and specifications have
by Billy Caluag
A must in the local lineup?
Truth be told, we thought BYD would take it a little bit easier this year. We couldn't be more wrong in that aspect, as the Chinese automaker has been launching cars in the Philippines left, right, and center. Aren't they
Think Alphard, but in Hangul
While not touted as a luxury minivan per se, the Kia Carnival is one of the nicest ways to move around the country. But over in its home market of South Korea, there's an even plusher luxury model called the Hi-
Joining its diesel- and gas-powered stablemates
The hybrid Kia Carnival has received top marks from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). Notably, this is the third five-star rating for the Carnival nameplate, as its diesel- and gasoline-powered versions received their perfect scores back in 2021.
by Billy Caluag
A Toyota Lite Ace with a modular interior? Yes please
You might have seen our story on the Daihatsu Gran Max from the 2025 Gaikindo Indonesia International Motor Show. Those colorful builds further prove just how fun the Toyota Lite Ace can be, but Modellista's work on the Toyota Sienta Juno
by Billy Caluag
It could enter production as early as this year
Do you remember the Toyota X-Van Gear concept? It was displayed at the Japan Mobility Show back in 2023 and was poised to be Toyota's avant-garde vision of a futuristic minivan for camping and other outdoor activities.From the
by Billy Caluag
If only we were RHD…
There's a lot of 'forbidden fruit' cars from Japan we wish were sold here. It includes kei cars, the Mitsubishi Delica, Toyota Crown, and so much more. Japan is also home to some of the most clever family vans out there
Two of the most compelling MPVs out right now
Incarnate zeitgeist is all the rage until it isn't, and everyone shifts the schtick to something else. It happens relatively quickly, and sometimes.... not for the better. Take the MPV: The genuine multipurpose vehicle, the minivan shape, may have fallen out
by Tom Ford
The perfect American minivan
The original Kia Carnival sold itself as a cheap alternative to the common minivan, but it didn't stay mini for long. The following one was 90mm wider and 250mm longer. It also boasted a more powerful 190hp 2.9-liter diesel,
by Niky Tamayo
It has the face of an emoji and a cinema inside
The extra-posh Mercedes-Benz Vision V van has landed in concept/prototype form at Auto Shanghai 2025. Presumably, the paparazzi aren't far behind.The all-electric (duh) luxury people carrier showcases some futuristic smarts that Merc reckons will 'revolutionize the
by Cat Dow
Why buy the diesel?
We'll admit that we're big fans of the Kia Carnival. Aside from being immensely spacious, it offers a wonderful riding experience, and great practicality. It's even pleasant to drive, if we're being honest.Our favorite would have to
As approved by the LTO
At the rate things are going, BYD is set to have one of the most complete ranges of electrified vehicles in its stable. There are models that serve the budget-friendly spectrum of the market with the Seagull hatchback and Seal 5
Big on seats, big on space
Filipino families, traditionally at least, are big. But aside from having multiple children, we tend to bring along the extended family around on trips. It probably explains why vans, MPVs, or anything with multiple rows of seats are a popular buy here.
Do you really need an SUV?
Sometimes, we have to ask ourselves if we really need an SUV. The common reason for getting one is because of ground clearance, and it's a valid reason. The thing is, when it comes to ultimate practicality for the family, it'
