When it comes to ferrying seven people in comfort, no other car can do the job as well as a big seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle. One might say that a seven-seater sports utility vehicle accomplishes the same task, but it’s hard to argue against the greater space and easier access offered by the large MPVs we’ve gathered here.
The Nissan Elgrand might be the oldest car in our story, but it definitely doesn’t look its age. Apart from boasting the most road presence, the Elgrand is also claimed to deliver a keener drive, which could attract family men still in touch with their inner boyracer.
Throwing its hat into this shootout is the Honda Odyssey. Unlike its predecessor, which has conventional doors, this new model comes with the convenience of powered sliding ones. The Odyssey will also be keen to prove that it hasn’t lost its saloon-like dynamics, despite its larger size.
The newest contender in this story is the Toyota Vellfire, a model previously only available from parallel importers. Mechanically identical to its Alphard sibling (save for a different exterior design), the Vellfire promises a cushier and even roomier cabin than before.
Which of these MPVs does the best job of pampering seven occupants?
In terms of on-road dynamics, the Honda Odyssey is hard to beat. Thanks to its relatively smaller dimensions, it’s the easiest to drive/park in built-up areas. And with a motor that’s peppy and efficient, the Odyssey’s performance is downright delightful, too.
If the Odyssey is ideal for city commuting, then the Nissan Elgrand is the one to choose for road trips up north. The Elgrand’s wider, more supportive seats and weighty helm make it even better than its two rivals when it comes to longer drives.
The Vellfire is like a luxurious mobile lounge, complete with “business class” captain’s chairs and pleasant amenities that include mood lighting. Its drawbacks are its comparatively tall body and equally “tall” price of $211,888, which at press time is $39,888 and $41,889 more expensive than the Elgrand’s and Odyssey’s respectively.
Toyota Vellfire 2.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 2494cc
Bore x stroke 90mm x 98mm
Compression ratio 10.4:1
Max power 179bhp at 6000rpm
Max torque 235Nm at 4100rpm
Power to weight 88.4bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT with 7-speed override
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.3 seconds
Top speed 170km/h
Consumption 11.6km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 200g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Double wishbones, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Toyo Tranpath R30
Size 235/50 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 7
Traction aids ABS, S-VSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4915mm
Width 1850mm
Height 1895mm
Wheelbase 3000mm
Kerb weight 2025kg
Turning circle 11.6m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $211,888 (after $5k CEVS surcharge)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Most upmarket cockpit, best captain’s chairs, quietest power train
– Highest price, awkward gap in third row, tallest access height
BEST IN REFINEMENT
Nissan Elgrand 2.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 2488cc
Bore x stroke 89mm x 100mm
Compression ratio 9.6:1
Max power 170bhp at 5600rpm
Max torque 245Nm at 3900rpm
Power to weight 86.1bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT with 6-speed override
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 12.6 seconds
Top speed 180km/h
Consumption 11.2km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 209g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Yokohama DB
Size 225/55 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 8
Traction aids ABS, VDC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4945mm
Width 1850mm
Height 1815mm
Wheelbase 3000mm
Kerb weight 1975kg
Turning circle 11.4m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $172,000 (after $10k CEVS surcharge)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Most supportive seats, most practical third row, weighty helm
– Thirstiest engine, no steering-wheel controls, relaxed performance
BEST IN LONG-DISTANCE COMFORT
Honda Odyssey 2.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 2356cc
Bore x stroke 87mm x 99.1mm
Compression ratio 10.1:1
Max power 174bhp at 6200rpm
Max torque 225Nm at 4000rpm
Power to weight 93.8bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT with 7-speed override
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.5 seconds
Top speed 196km/h
Consumption 12.7km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 187g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Torsion beam, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Dunlop SP Sport 270
Size 215/55 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, VSA
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4830mm
Width 1820mm
Height 1695mm
Wheelbase 2900mm
Kerb Weight 1855kg
Turning circle 10.8m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $169,999 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 5 years/unlimited km
+ Most efficient drivetrain, easiest ingress/egress, lowest sticker price
– Static-prone hi-fi system, smallest storage points, least attractive cockpit
BEST IN DRIVEABILITY
