4 rides for fun family nights

The month of February, as most of us know, is the Valentine’s month. As such, many folks have been out and about together as couples.

Sounds romantic, but the month of hearts isn’t actually exclusive to love birds. Instead, it can also be a time to reaffirm familial love - the warm and close relationship between your nuclear and extended family. 

The aforementioned, of course, will involve fun times with the fam in activities like eating out at a restaurant, going on an adventure out of the city, or something as simple as hanging out at any of the picturesque locations in the country. 

But, to be able to do the said activities, one will need a competent ride that can fit more than just five people. So, what are the best vehicles one can take on family dates? Let’s find out here. 

Toyota Zenix 

One vehicle a prospective buyer should consider when looking for a ride capable of taking the entire family on wholesome date nights is the Toyota Zenix. 

For starters, the top-of-the-line Q Hybrid variant is exempted from the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program, or “coding scheme.” As such, it will allow you freedom of movement within Metro Manila any day of the week. 

For reference, the top-spec Zenix Q Hybrid utilizes a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. It is relatively peppy, with a maximum output of 183 horsepower (hp) and 188 Nm of torque, and it likewise promises less emissions, as well as better fuel economy. 

Here is a table detailing the mechanical specifications of the Toyota Zenix Q Hybrid: 

Model	Toyota Zenix Q Hybrid
Engine	2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline
Drivetrain	Front-wheel-drive
Transmission	Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Horsepower	183
Torque	188 Nm
Hybrid system	Electric motor, high voltage battery
Front suspension	MacPherson strut
Rear suspension	Torsion beam
Brakes	Front and rear discs

Of course, the Zenix Q Hybrid is a good candidate as a family-friendly ride due to its three-row seating arrangement. Plus, it has leather upholstery, which means resistance to wear and tear and some degree of protection against staining. 

Other creature comforts available aboard the Toyota Zenix Q Hybrid, include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Power-adjust driver’s seat
• 50:50 split-folding third row
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Power-folding side mirrors
• Drive mode selector
• Captain seats (second row)
• Second row power recline and power Ottoman
• 10.1-inch infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Automatic air-conditioning
• Wireless smartphone charging pad

Additionally, the electrified version of the Zenix has loads of gear that will help keep your family safe. It has ISOFIX child seat anchors, anti-lock braking, stability control, hill-start assist, seven airbags, and a 360-degree-view camera - among others. 

Reinforcing the said safety gear is a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS). The said suite includes a pre-collision system, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Price-wise, the Toyota Zenix Q Hybrid starts at P1.968 million. The entry-level, non-hybrid Zenix V, on the other hand, retails at P1.67 million. 

Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid

Another good candidate fit for family date nights is the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid. It comes in with an affordable price ranging from P954,000-P1.178 million, and it is also exempt from the coding scheme. 

At the maximum, the Suzuki-made multi-purpose vehicle can seat up to seven occupants. It also has a decent number of creature comforts, such as fabric upholstery, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Automatic air-conditioning - among others. 

While it lacks an ADAS suite, the Ertiga Hybrid makes do with its array of standard safety features. For the aforementioned, it was kitted out with anti-lock braking, ISOFIX child seat anchors, a reverse parking camera, hill-hold control, stability control, and rear parking sensors. 

Propelling the Ertiga Hybrid is a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine paired with a 12-volt hybrid system. It also utilizes a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. 

Here’s a table summarizing the mechanical specs of the top-spec Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT: 

Model	Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT
Engine	1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline
Drivetrain	Front-wheel-drive
Transmission	Four-speed automatic
Horsepower	103
Torque	138 Nm
Front suspension	MacPherson strut
Rear suspension	Torsion beam
Brakes	Front disc, rear drums

GAC GS8

For families who want the smooth ride quality of a crossover mixed with ground clearance and tall stance of a sports utility vehicle, there’s the GAC GS8. 

Sure, GAC Motor Philippines has a good number of three-row models, but the GS8, particularly the top-spec trim, stands out due to its ability to go on rougher-than-usual terrain. The aforementioned is thanks to its 4x4 system. 

Granted, it isn’t a full-blown off-roader, but the GS8 4x4 variant has enough panache to take one’s family comfortably to outdoorsy activities like camping, stargazing, or sightseeing. 

Plus, the mid-size ride has a wealth of creature comforts, which include the following: 

• Power-adjust front seats
• Leather-upholstery
• Triple-zone automatic air-conditioning
• Ventilated front seats
•  Ambient lighting system
• 14.6-inch infotainment system
• Wireless smartphone charging pad

More importantly, the GS8 was fitted with a comprehensive safety kit. It also has an ADAS suite consisting of adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning, among others. 

Last but not least, the GAC model will make any dad (or grandpa) enjoy the drive thanks to its beefy 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mill. At maximum, the said powertrain can generate up to 248 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It also uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox. 

Pricing for the GAC GS8 starts at P2.398 million for the 4x2 version, while the top-spec 4x4 trim retails at P2.648 million. 

Here is a table showcasing the mechanical specs of the GAC GS8 4x4: 

Model	GAC GS8 4x4
Engine	2.0-liter inline-4 turbocharged
Drivetrain	4x4
Transmission	Eight-speed automatic
Horsepower	248
Torque	400 Nm
Front suspension	MacPherson strut
Rear suspension	Multi-link
Brakes	Front and rear discs

Toyota Hiace Commuter Deluxe

For the family date nights when you just want to bring your immediate family, plus grandparents, one or two uncles, and several cousins, there’s the Toyota Hiace Commuter Deluxe. 

Sure, the other higher-spec Hiace variants, such as the GL Grandia and GL Grandia Tourer, have more features. Still, the entry-level trim can seat a whopping 15 occupants (including the driver). The aforementioned means no one will get left behind, and nobody has to sit out on long-distance, out-of-town family trips. 

 

Despite its status as the entry-level Hiace trim, the Commuter Deluxe still has plenty of creature comforts to boast. It has fabric-clad seats, an eight-inch infotainment system, manual air-conditioning, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety-wise, the 15-seater van also comes with dual front airbags, anti-lock braking, and a reverse camera. 

For making good pace on highways, the Toyota Hiace Commuter Deluxe comes with a relatively powerful 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine. At maximum, it can generate up to 174 hp and 420 Nm of torque. It also uses a six-speed manual gearbox. 

Pricing for the Toyota Hiace Commuter Deluxe, as of this writing, is set at P1.851 million. 

Refer to the table below for the mechanical specs of the Toyota Hiace Commuter Deluxe: 

Model	Toyota Hiace Commuter Deluxe
Engine	2.8-liter turbodiesel
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel-drive
Transmission	Six-speed manual
Horsepower	174
Torque	420 Nm
Front suspension	MacPherson strut
Rear suspension	Leaf spring
Brakes	Front disc, rear drums

Final thoughts

There you have it, folks, the four best three-row rides for family date nights. It isn’t the most complete list of three-row nameplates, but do be aware that our list considers a variety of budgets. 

Additionally, we talk about the said rides as being for “family date nights,” but the ones mentioned above can also make for some of the best life-long companions for you and your family. 

So, which one’s your favorite? 

Also read: 

Loving your ride 101: OEM accessories for motorcycles

Love-mobiles: 4 crossovers you can use for date night

Check out some of the sexiest sedans available in PH