The distances shorten when you drive the car of your choice. In this fast-growing world, we need a vehicle that comes with multiple functions to fit our diverse requirements. With myriads of car brands, models, and variants, MPV i.e. Multi-Purpose Vehicle, stands out in terms of comfort, class, capacity, and cost.
Multi-purpose vehicles are best for family trips and group travel. With a seating capacity of 5 to 9 passengers, these vehicles have been in trend for a long time.
The MPVs come in multiple options, seating capacities, and varieties, but the most favored and spotlighted is the 7 seater MPV. When traveling with your parents, wife, kids, and pets and still needing enough space for your luggage, an MPV can be your best companion, comprising efficiency, comfort, and space.
As the MPV market has diverse car models, let’s navigate through the top options available.
It is one of the best options in the MPV domain, which is coherent to the buyer’s needs. The Chrysler Pacifica has a 287-hp, 3.6-liter engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission under its hood. Having 5 doors and seating space for up to 8 passengers, it comes in petrol and a hybrid variant to fit the buyer’s choice.
The model has been ranked 3rd in the Minivan category by the U.S. News & World Report. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given it 5/5 stars in safety tests, which makes it one of the best buys.
Another top contender in the MPV category is Toyota’s ace model, i.e. Toyota Sienna. It only comes in a hybrid variety (a combination of an internal combustion vehicle and a motor operated by a battery). Having a 245BHP engine and a torque of 370 Nm, this MPV can reach a top speed of 180 km/h with a mileage of 10 km/l. The seating capacity in the car is extendable to 8 passengers. Also, the sliding doors add to the comfort. Its imparted performance has made it to grab the 5th rank in the Minivan category by US News Cars and has received 5 stars from NHTSA.
Kia has released its jumbo model, CARNIVAL, as a competitor in the MPV market, aiming to merge comfort with luxury. The model has a 2199cc, 190 bhp engine installed with an automatic transmission system for smooth running. Although it can fit 7 passengers, it also comes in 8 and 9 seating configurations. To match the current transition in fuel options, it comes in a hybrid variant too, to cut the cost of fuel. US Car News has given it 9.9/10 for value and ranked 4th in the minivan category by US News Cars, making it a good option for those in a hunt for a good MPV model.
Another potent competitor by Kia in the MPV market is Kia Carens. The 114 bhp engine thrusts the car to a cruising speed of 174 mph. Possessing 5 doors, it has enough space for 6 to 7 passengers and comes in fuel variants of petrol and diesel, with transmission variants of automatic and manual to calibrate according to the needs of the buyers. Its specifications and performances helped it earn 3 stars in adult safety and 3 stars in the child safety category in the Global NCAP crash test.
HONDA has always set a benchmark by providing the best-in-class models of cars. In the MPV category, Honda has come up with the ODYSSEY model, which is equipped with a 173 hp, 2356 cc engine. It comes with a CVT (continuously variable transmission) system, providing a better driving experience to the buyers. Although it can accommodate 8 people, it comes with 4 which can be a point to ponder. It has been awarded the best minivan of 2024 by US News Cars with 9.4/10 points and has also been awarded the best minivan in 2021. It has also been decorated with 5/5 stars for safety by NHTSA in 2024, making it one of the best MPV options.
Toyota has brought its INNOVA model to widen its reach into the realm of MPV. With a 1987 CC engine, the Innova Hycross gives a mileage of 16–23 km. It comes with CVT and e-CVT transmission options, fuel variants of petrol (GX, GX(O), GSLF) and hybrid (VX, VX(O), ZX), and the capacity to carry 6-7 passengers, but can go up to 8. These variants are instrumental in attracting the interest of the buyers.
The fundamental parameters for choosing a vehicle remain comfort, capacity, and cost. Though the price of cars depends on the variants of the model, the above choices provide insights into the options available based on their specifications. In recent times, SUVs and luxury cars have engulfed the personal vehicle market, but MPV remains the choice of the common man.
When you have a family, the two most pivotal decisions that you make are first concerned with the house and second with the car. For a medium-sized family, a 7-seater MPV can embrace your family and is good to get used to in multiple ways. It will cater to your and your family’s needs and buying it will be your best decision in picking a personal car. The above options provide a vivid outline for you to make a good choice before buying an MPV.
