Suzuki Ertiga: Enticing alternatives

The Suzuki Ertiga is one of the more popular multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) in the Philippines. Its ability to seat seven occupants comfortably while still offering a decent amount of creature comfort amenities is one of the main reasons why it has been considered by many car buyers in the country.

Further, it is priced reasonably from P954,000 to P1.178 million.

In addition, the nameplate is now powered by a hybrid powertrain setup allowing most Filipino families to enjoy better fuel economy and contribute to the government’s efforts in electrifying the local automotive industry.

Nevertheless, not everyone might want this MPV from Suzuki. On that note, we check out some enticing alternatives to the Ertiga seven-seater.

Mitsubishi Xpander

Dominating the Philippine MPV segment is the Mitsubishi Xpander.

Its combination of good looks, spacious interior, and a handful of modern features allowed it to become a favorite among car buyers hunting for vehicles in the seven-seater category.

Notable exterior features of the Mitsubishi Expander include the latest iteration of the brand’s Dynamic Shield front fascia, its T-shaped front light cluster, sport utility vehicle-like body claddings and front and rear garnish, its tailgate spoiler, as well as the taillamps that mirror the ones at the front.

Inside, the top-of-the-line variant of this MPV from Mitsubishi gets a leather steering wheel, leather seats, an instrument cluster with analog and digital gauges, and a seven-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Power for the Mitsubishi Xpander comes from a 1.5-liter gasoline mill mated to either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Mitsubishi Xpander is priced from P1.068 million to P1.198 million.

Toyota Avanza

Another solid option for car buyers looking for a dependable MPV is the Toyota Avanza.

Like the aforementioned Xpander, the model also flaunts aggressive-looking features as well as a decent interior.

Outside, the Toyota Avanza gets split-type LED headlamps, LED clearance lamps, front fog lamps, an angry-looking front grille, blacked-out B- and C-pillars, a rear spoiler, and LED combination lamps.

The cabin of the Toyota Avanza boasts a urethane steering wheel, fabric seats, an instrument panel with analog and digital displays, as well as an eight-inch infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Under the hood of the range-topping model is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with a continuously variable transmission.

Per Toyota, the Avanza is priced from P833,000 to P1.059 million.

Nissan Livina

Nissan’s entry into the Philippine MPV segment is also a viable alternative to the Suzuki Ertiga.

The model is considered a sibling of the Mitsubishi Xpander as it is a product of an alliance between Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Renault.

Outside, the Nissan Livina offers a similar look as the Mitsubishi Xpander but wears Nissan’s V-Motion grille. To each of its side are slim LED daytime running lights, a large cluster containing the car’s headlamps, and an elegant silver accent at the front. It gets blacked-out pillars for that floating roof aesthetic, as well as a rear spoiler with an integrated third brake lamp and a pair of LED taillamps.

Inside, the Nissan Livina’s top-tier trim gets leather seats, a leather steering wheel, an instrument cluster with both analog and digital meters, as well as a seven-inch infotainment display with Bluetooth connectivity.

Propelling the MPV is a 1.5-liter gasoline powerplant married to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

The Nissan Livina is priced from P1.049 million to P1.229 million.

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV, Toyota Motor Philippines, and Roy Robles

Also read:

7-seater comparo: Suzuki Ertiga vs Honda BR-V

Here are the 7 stunning hues of the PH-market Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid

Cabin check: What’s inside the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid