Top 5 Cars for Long Drives and Family Road Trips

If you're planning a road trip in the Philippines and need a 7-seater or larger vehicle, here are five top recommendations that offer comfort, reliability, and ample space for passengers and luggage:​

1. Toyota HiAce Super Grandia/Super Grandia Elite ₱2,906,000 – ₱3,312,000

The Toyota HiAce had always been the go to choice for any family looking for a van that can comfortably seat the entire family for in town trips and extended road trips. While the Commuter and Grandia GL variants exists, those looking for an even more comfortable premium option can opt for the HiAce Super Grandia and the Super Grandia Elite. These premium variants features captain’s seats, leather upholstery, enhanced active safety features and a 2.8L diesel engine delivering 174 horsepower, ensuring both comfort, power, and reliability. The best part it despite losing out on the cramped seats of the lower variants, the HiAce Super Grandia and Super Grandia Elite can still accommodate up to 10 passengers making it perfect for those trips that involve the extended family.

2. Toyota Innova ₱1,185,000 – ₱1,750,000

Reliable, practical, and family-friendly, the Innova is a staple on Philippine roads, and for good reason. It comfortably seats 7–8 passengers depending on trim (with the top of the line V variant having captain’s seats), and is known for its fuel efficiency, spacious cabin, and long term reliability. Additionally, while not as rugged as the equally popular Toyota Fortuner, it shares the same 2.8L turbo diesel engine making more than adequate power, and has a ride comfort that is much better as well.

3. Ford Everest ₱1,829,000 – ₱2,570,000

This rugged-looking SUV may look like it’s only great off road, but in reality, it’s also extremely comfortable on road and especially on the expressway. It’s quiet, refined, and is the most tech-filled offering in its class. With its 7-seater layout, optional 4WD capabilities, and a strong 2.0L turbo diesel making 170 horsepower or 2.0L bi-turbo diesel making 210 horsepower engine options, the Ford Everest is ready to take all 7 members of the family out for those extended drives without giving anyone, including the 3rd row passengers body aches. Plus, it’s packed with driver-assist features so safety is definitely not forgotten with this model.

4. Toyota Fortuner ₱1,760,000 – ₱2,300,000

While definitely not the most comfortable nor most powerful vehicle in its class, the Toyota Fortuner offers a 7-seat configuration with options of a 2.4L turbo diesel engine making about 150 horsepower or 2.8L turbo diesel engine making 201 horsepower. It combines rugged off-road capabilities with efficiency and unparalleled reliability. Should anything happen on the way to the destination, any problems with Toyota Fortuners can easily be fixed by even a road-side mechanic given how popular they are and how abundant parts are, making this another good contender in this list.

5. Isuzu mu-X ₱1,600,000 – ₱2,200,000

Isuzu may not make that much passenger vehicles, but the mu-X is definitely something they got right. This mid-sized SUV that’s about the size of a Toyota Fortuner offers a 7-seat capacity with options for an economical 1.9L turbo diesel engine making 150 horsepower or a more powerful 3.0L turbo diesel engine making 190 horsepower. It provides a great option for those looking for a vehicle that can stand the test of time given Isuzu’s diesel reliability, and for those looking to tackle the worst roads you can face in the Philippines. The mu-X may not be the best road trip vehicle per se as its not the most comfortable, the most feature packed, nor the most economical vehicle in its class, but one thing is for sure, it will be ready to serve you not just for this year’s road trip, but for the road trips of decades to come. 

Each of these vehicles are great at what they do, but fall short on one aspect, price. With inflation going crazy these past few years, these vehicles have become out of reach to the average Filipino. But worry not as you can now get these vehicles for great prices even in 2025 as Automart.PH has used and second hand options available. Costing just a fraction of their prices brand new, Automart.PH’s inventory of used HiAces, Fortuners, Everest, etc. are set to still deliver you the same experience without the high price tag. We even have certified examples of some of these vehicles called Automart.PH Certified Vehicles that come with a warranty and a 5-day money-back guarantee to offer you the same level of peace of mind as buying them brand new. So check out Automart.PH now for your next second hand Toyota HiAce, second hand Ford Everest, second hand Toyota Innova, second hand Toyota Fortuner, second hand Isuzu mu-X and much more.