After running the gamut all the way from affordable hatchbacks for first-time owners, to compact executive sedans that exude class and proffer driving thrills, we've finally arrived at our list for the high-flying family man or woman: Full-sized MPVs.
We hasten to add 'high-flying' because the people-movers you'll find under this list aren't exactly asking for chump change. After all, if you wanted three rows of seats while still prioritising economy, a number (or a couple) of competent machines do exist on the market. (We'll probably do a follow-up list on that in the future.)
But for those able to stretch their budgets a bit further, as well as for those who prioritise space and an extra je ne sais quoi from their family car in equal measure, this list of varied contenders might just do the trick.
In this series, the Editorial Team will explore different segments of the car market. We'll highlight some picks that you should consider, and also breakdown some of the pros and cons you should look out for.
Here are our editorial picks for full-sized MPVs around $300,000 today! (All prices correct at time of publishing.)
The cavernous, fuel-sipping pick: Kia Carnival Hybrid 7-Seater
Price: $284,999
Depreciation: $25,400/yr
Recently landing with a thorough facelift, Kia's largest member of the family now comes with a 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid engine that's friendlier to the wallet because of its surprising fuel efficiency, as well as its amenability to Singapore's taxes.
While its midlife updated has gifted it a nice dose of modern digitalisation, the Carnival Hybrid remains unchanged where it counts: With the sheer space it offers. It's the widest entrant on this list, which means your three passengers in the last row should still enjoy a decent amount of shoulder room. But where it holds the trump card is undeniably in hauling cargo. Even with all seats in place, the Carnival Hybrid boasts a massive 627-litre boot, making it excellent for road trips.
It's worth noting too that among all the names on this list, the Carnival Hybrid, even in the more upmarket seven-seater trim, is asking for the least money. Space aside, there are creature comforts to be enjoyed too, including ventilated seats in the first two rows, third row window shades and a healthy dose of safety systems.
Pros:
- Sheer space
- Fuel efficient and punchy hybrid drivetrain
Cons:
- You get a lot of car with the Carnival - but that's also a lot of car you have to manoeuvre around car parks and narrower roads
- Arguably less desirable/buzzworthy than the other names on this list
Read our review of the Kia Carnival Hybrid
The all-guns-blazing electric pick: Denza D9 Elite RWD (Grandeur AWD variant pictured)
Price: $294,888
Depreciation: $27,400/yr
Slice it however you may, $300,000 is a lot of money to be parting with for a car, so it’s just as well that you do it while being able to touch a bit of luxury. The DENZA D9, pioneering model for BYD's luxury sub-brand in Singapore, promises not just raw people-ferrying capability, but the possibility of moving about in cossetting silence.
A caveat: To meet the $300,000 budget, you'll have to opt for the less powerful, single-motor Elite variant. But that also means a better range of up to 520km, and even this has power (308bhp and 360Nm of torque) and features aplenty. Front and second row occupants get cushy seats with massage and ventilation functions, while a massive 1.1m2 panoramic sunroof makes its already spacious cabin feel larger still. Then there's the 'magical' drawer tucked beneath the centre console - a fridge with additional heating capabilities that can go from -5oC to 50oC.
Because of its electric drivetrain and soft suspension, the D9 is also a fantastic cruiser - though we noted in our review that the user experience from its full-digital interface could use a bit of extra polish. If you're willing to look past that, DENZA's contender is an excellent pick.
Pros:
- Plentiful equipment
- Premium-feeling cabin
- Smooth and punchy electric drivetrain
Cons:
- Can be rather daunting to drive as a result of its size and high shoulder line
- Doesn't have the most polished UI/UX
Read our review of the DENZA D9 (Grandeur AWD variant)
The charming pick: Volkswagen ID. Buzz LWB 7-Seater
Price: $303,900
Depreciation: $27,200/yr
Here's a car that should keep the kids in good spirits, put a smile on the spouse's face, and fuel endless envy from your neighbours and relatives.
Revived in fully electric form, the ID. Buzz picks up on the cheery charm of Volkswagen's iconic Kombi bus after a long, multi-decade gap. Its styling and powertrain may have been updated for the 21st century, but there's no confusing its lineage. Even the large 'VW' badge on its nose has been retained.
Objectively speaking, the ID. Buzz might not match up to the levels of equipment you'll find on the Carnival Hybrid, nor the palpable luxury found on the D9. But it counters with one-of-a-kind qualities that will entertain all onboard, such as its cheery dual-tone seats, a sprinkling of self-referential easter eggs, and a removable centre console called the 'Buzz Box'.
There are also bits that evince Volkswagen's intent to position this as a premium offering, such as the Harman Kardon sound system, and what is claimed to be the largest panoramic glass roof fitted onto any of its models with tech-y electro-chromatic tinting. In all, a solid neo-retro and inimitable offering. Just be careful of car parks with lower ceilings.
Pros:
- Arguably one of the most characterful cars - MPV or not - on the market
- Generous space for all onboard
Cons:
- Not as well-equipped as the other contenders on this list
- 1,985mm height means more limited choices with where to park too
Read our review of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz
The (bulletproof) used pick: Toyota Alphard Hybrid 2.5 Facelift (3rd generation)
Price: ~$220,000 - $300,000
Depreciation: ~$24,000 - $30,000/yr
The Toyota Alphard is, in many ways, omnipresent and time-transcending. At a time when people-movers seemed to be going out vogue, it endured as a name to be looked up to with high respect. An Alphard owner wasn't - and still isn't - necessarily always a family man or woman; he or she could also be a person of power/status that prefers something more discreet than an S-Class.
And it's not hard to see why. For those who know the car, the Alphard still boasts plenty of grandiose presence with its imposing size. It was also one of the first to have business-class wraparound captain's chairs in the second row, which came with ventilation functions and could recline.
While the latest Alphard Hybrid is more of a $400k car in today's COE climate brand-new, digging into the pre-owned market could net you a nice 3rd gen unit within our stated budget. We're highlighting the facelifted unit specifically (you'll have to filter for cars registered from 2022 onwards when sifting through our Used Car listings), which brings with it a more bling-y grille, an excellent suite of safety assistance features, and crucially, Toyota's unparalleled hybrid know-how.
It may not measure up directly to the tech seen from other names on this list, but the fact that its cabin remains so luxurious and welcoming today is testament to all the right notes Toyota was already hitting back then.
Pros:
- Brand and badge cachet
- Toyota's hybrid powertrains are the best are in the biz
- A tried-and-tested formula, likely to boast bulletproof reliability
Cons:
- Dated interior and outlook compared to the rest on this list
- Can suffer from too much height (1,990mm), a la the ID. Buzz
You can view available listings of the car here, and also read our review of the car when it was launched here.
Don't forget to check out these other Editorial Picks:
Editorial Picks: Compact Executive Sedans below $320k
