Not all cars are made equal, but some fit the criteria better than others. Many growing families would gravitate towards a larger passenger capacity like an MPV or a minivan. If you’re looking to upgrade to a larger ride, here are the best seven-seater cars in Malaysia we wholeheartedly recommend.
Which Seven-Seater Car In Malaysia Is Best For Your Family?
Seven-seater cars, known as multipurpose vehicles (MPV), are convenient for families as they offer space and storage to fit their growing families.
MPVs are often compared with sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in the automotive market. However, which vehicle in the E-segment should you go for?
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Battle Of The Segments: MPVs vs SUVs
Before choosing the right car for your family consider looking into both segments first. Here’s a brief overview of these two vehicles.
MPVs
An MPV is designed to fit larger groups of people and can accommodate between five to seven passengers leaving room for cargo.
MPVs are often called minivans due to their appearance and how they are utilized. It is perfect for growing families, especially in practicality, safety, and everyday commutes.
SUVs
An SUV, on the other hand, is designed for rough terrains and surfaces. SUVs have roots that can be traced back to 4×4 vehicles.
They usually have larger storage space than regular cars but can only house five people at best, though some models can seat up to seven.
SUVs are perfect for families who value the rigidity of their chassis. This adds a layer of safety as the car is prepared for rough terrains and has plenty of features.
Before you choose, here are some questions you should answer before you make your decision.
- How big is my family and can they fit in this vehicle?
- What is this vehicle for and what would my daily driving activities be like?
- What are the safety features I need in this vehicle?
- How many things can I carry in this vehicle?
Here’s a quick fun fact: The average size of a Malaysian family is usually between three to five people consisting of a mom, dad, and two or three kids. So, a seven or eight-seater car would be the perfect choice.
Read More: 5 Best SUVs for Less Than RM100K
Here are 5 MPVs In Malaysia You Can Upgrade to Fit Growing Families
To help you with your decision-making process, we’ve narrowed it down to these seven-seater cars that are perfect for your family.
Perodua Alza
Perodua Alza is a locally-made seven-seater MPV and it’s a perfect car for big families in Malaysia. This car has everything an MPV needs and comes with an affordable price tag.
With its 6 flexible seating arrangements which include Front Semi-flat mode and 4-passenger mode, this MPV gives you the freedom to fold up any seats to suit your family’s needs and comfort.
Some of the safety features that can be found in the Perodua Alza include:
- Dual SRS Airbags
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
- Brake Assist (BA)
- ISOFIX System
Toyota Avanza
Toyota Avanza is a mini seven-seater MPV that does look like a mommy van. The recent facelift has a redesigned exterior and a sportier look with 15-inch alloy rims and BI-LED headlamps.
Though it was initially made to be a basic mover that carries people or cargo from point A to point B without any fuzz, it’s a family favorite in Malaysia.
A family of five to seven people would be able to sit comfortably as this MPV is built with comfort and convenience in mind.
Some of the safety features that can be found in the Toyota Avanza include:
- Traction control system (TCS)
- Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
- ISOFIX System
Mitsubishi Xpander/Nissan Grand Livina
The Xpander is the latest compact MPV vehicle by the former rally-legend company in 2019. Dubbed the “small compact MPV” by the brand, Mitsubishi claims it takes inspiration from crossover SUVs which have been growing in popularity.
This compact MPV can also be had with a Nissan badge. Nissan launched the second generation of the Grand Livina as a rebadged Mitsubishi Xpander the same year it came out.
Only one specification can be had in Malaysia – a 1.5L four-cylinder petrol engine and a four-speed automatic gearbox. However, the Nissan Grand Livina has a higher displacement at 1.6L.
Here are the safety features for both cars as they are quite similar:
- 360-degree camera
- Built-in dashcam
- 2 SRS Airbags
- Active Stability Control (ASC)
- Traction Control (TC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution System (EBD)
- Hill Start Assist (ASA)
- Brake Assist
- Rest Reminder
Toyota Innova
The Toyota Innova is one of Malaysia’s favorite family cars mainly due to its spacious interior. This MPV in Malaysia can seat seven people comfortably because of its body-on-frame chassis.
Furthermore, due to its large body frame, third-row passengers do not have to compromise their leg space like other MPVs.
To top it off, there are 13 cup and bottle holders. – perfect for families with kids!
Here are some of the best safety features of the Toyota Innova.
- 7 SRS Airbags
- Emergency Stop Signals
- Impact Absorbing Body and Frame Structure made of high-tensile steel sheets and supplementary materials.
- ISOFIX System
Nissan Serena
One of the best-selling points of the Nissan Serena is the powered sliding doors that make it easier to get in and out nor about your little’s one hand getting caught between the doors.
Apart from that, these seven-seater car seats are spaced in 2×2 rows, as well as a comfortable three-seater in the third row.
This allows a walkway in between the middle row seats, so even if your baby is strapped in their child seat, your other kids can still easily usher in and out of them.
Here are some of the best safety features that make the Nissan Serena special.
- 6 SRS airbags
- Traction control system (TCS)
- Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
- ISOFIX System for child seats.
- Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) with Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD)
Toyota Vellfire
Probably the king of all MPVs in Malaysia, the Toyota Vellfire needs little to no introduction. A businessman and politician favorite, this seven-seater luxury MPV is almost everywhere on Malaysian roads.
The Vellfire, sometimes known as the Alphard in certain countries boasts four generations of release in Malaysia, with the latest model just launched in 2023.
Specifications for the Vellfire/Alphard are all across the board but the main staple is the 2.5L, four-cylinder petrol engine and a CVT transmission. Below is a basic spec sheet of the 2017 Vellfire:
- Sunroof
- Pre-collision safety system
- 360-degree surround camera
- JBL sound system
- Semi-leather seats
- Power tailgate
- Dual power sliding doors
We hope this little guide will be able to help your decision-making choices before you decide because in the end, what matters the most is the happiness and the safety of your family.
Also Read: Best Used SUVs in Malaysia
Upgrading Your Vehicle? Sell Off Your Old One And Get A Seven Seater With CARSOME!
Give your family the room they need to grow with the right car. If you’re looking to upgrade to a bigger ride, CARSOME has discounts for SUVs and MPVs of up to RM1,000 from the 1st to the 31st of May, 2024!
Additionally, if you bring in your car to trade in, your old car can get appraised up to RM1,500! Make an appointment here for an inspection and browse our wide selection of MPVs and SUVs today.
