Vans are large vehicles that can carry both people and cargo. These types of vehicles can be widely seen on the Philippines roads as public commuters. Because of their utilitarian nature, large families often prefer vans to multipurpose vehicles (MPVs). Vans usually vary in size but they are usually bigger than SUVs and smaller than trucks.
Vans are classified by their high roofline and the two-box design. In fact, most vans have a boxy design for space maximization in the cabin. The high roofline allows people and taller cargo to be loaded into the vehicle. Vans usually have sliding doors and a rear hatch, so that entry and exit of people and cargo can be easier.
Vans are the best for those who want to carry many passengers around. Most modern vans have a seating capacity from nine to 18. Almost all modern vans come with a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive format. This means that the engine is located behind the vehicle’s front axle.
In the Philippines, vans have their own fan following. Vans with a 12-passenger capacity are often used as office transport. These vehicles are also used for outstation trips.
Market Info
The Philippines has a burgeoning market for van cars. Some of the most popular vans frequently seen include the Toyota Hiace, Foton Traveler, Hyundai Starex, Nissan NV350, and the Hyundai H350. Locally-made Foton Toano is one of the most affordable van cars found here. Chinese automobile manufacturer Maxus rolled out the V80 van in 2019. Toyota, meanwhile, launched the new-generation Hiace and the Hiace Super Grandia. Bigger, full-size vans available in the Philippines include the Foton Toano, Gazelle Next, and Hyundai H350.
Foton also has the Harabas TM300 in the wing-van and F-van trims. These are used for both passenger and cargo carrying. Volkswagen meanwhile launched the Multivan Kombi in July 2021. It’s the only Germany-soured automobile in the company’s Philippines portfolio. It’s more of a luxury MPV and is available only in the Highline variant. It has swivel seats for the second row as well as a multifunction folding table that allows the car to become a mobile office. The Suzuki APV has been the longest-serving van in the Philippines. It was launched in 2004. The vehicle can carry 8 people with extra room for luggage or bulk numbers of merchandise for business. It can also be of great use as a family van.
Popular Van Cars of 2022
Toyota Hiace
The Toyota Hiace is one of the most robust-looking vans available in the Philippines. It’s also the most trusted family carrier vehicle in the country. The sixth-generation Toyota Hiace was globally introduced in February 2019. It got an all-new shape, replacing the thin and long profile of the earlier generation. The van is equipped with a powerful 2.8-liter diesel engine which also hauls the Toyota Fortuner. The Hiace is available in 12,14, and 15-seat configurations. These variations are available in multiple variants including the 3.0 Cargo, Commuter 3.0 MT, and 2.8 Commuter Deluxe MT, 2.8 GL Grandia MT.
Maxus G10
The Maxus G10 is the Chinese manufacturer’s entry-level vehicle in the Philippines minivan segment. The G10 has typical minivan styling. But it has the class and refinement that can be found in most minivans these days. The 9-seat configuration comes with four captain seats. The cabin is spacious and airy and the seats are clad with a combination of fabric and leather. The Maxus G10 is equipped with a 1.9-liter turbocharged diesel engine. The car is available in the Elite AT and Elite AT Assist versions.
Maxus V80
Available for both passenger carrying and cargo hauling, the Maxus V80 is a van that can be used as a workhorse for businesses and families. The V80 has a sliding cabin door. The rear door is dual-swing for loading maximum cargo. The Comfort trim has 10 reclining seats at the back. The Maxus V80 is equipped with a powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine. The van can accommodate 18 passengers maximum. It’s available in Flex, Transport, and Comfort trims.
Ford Transit
The Ford Transit was introduced in November 2019 and is available in only trim in the Philippines market. It’s the first minibus to be launched by Ford Philippines. The Transit has been created to provide mobility and transport solutions. It’s loaded with safety features that include 15 three-point seatbelts. It’s a 15-passenger van that comes with multiple sockets. The cabin is big and spacious to ensure comfortable travelling even for long distances. It has a powerful air-conditioning system.
Hyundai Grand Starex
The Grand Starex is the most commonly seen van of its kind on Philippines streets. It’s the Korean manufacturer’s entry-level vehicle in the utility van segment. Being a tough and durable van, the Hyundai Grand Starex is capable of accommodating up to 12 people. The van has generous space inside the cabin which makes it an ideal vehicle for long rides. It’s equipped with a powerful 2.5-liter diesel engine. It’s available in multiple variants for passenger and cargo carrying.
Foton Toano
The Foton Toano is a people carrier and one of the most popular minibuses in the Philippines. It can carry a maximum of 11 or 15 passengers. With a high roof and spacious interior, the Foton Toano ensures maximum comfort during long travelling. The interior is minimalist with subtle chrome accents. The seats are comfortable and nicely cushioned. The Toano comes with a 2.8-liter diesel engine. The vehicle is available in the Standard and Executive trims.
