Best MPVs in UAE 2021-22: Price, Specifications, Mileage, Colors, Images

The world of automobiles consists of multiple players that are spread across many categories. There are some categories that perform exceedingly well and generate oodles of cash for companies, whilst others aren’t all that revered or profitable. Then again, while this notion does not apply to every market or region in the world, MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) are rarely as eager in buyers’ minds as SUVs.

In many parts of the world, MPVs are often referred to as “people movers”. This stems from the fact that they are usually looked upon as utilitarian and basic, though that’s not always the case. Furthermore, in the past few years, MPVs have risen in popularity – albeit mostly among a small section of the population. Still, this means that there some that are worth mentioning. Therefore, here’s Cars24’s list of the best MPVs in UAE for 2021-22.

Best MPVs Prices in UAE

MPVs come in all sizes and at varying degrees of priciness. Even in a country known for its 4x4s and sports cars, the relatively humble MPV does not usually catch one’s eye. For the most part, people carriers are not known for their gorgeous exterior design, nor are particularly engaging to drive. Sometimes, they are also known as minivans, though the smallest of them are, more often than not, identified as MPVs.

In the United Arab Emirates, there are MPVs from many big brands. However, the fact of the matter is, only a few of the cars mentioned on this list sell in any significant scale. Even then, the numbers are nowhere near as impressive as those of the good old SUV. On the other hand, MPVs do have a few strengths that make them ideal for a certain type of car buyer.

Since their primary objective is to move people and their luggage, MPVs tend to have a pretty boxy exterior, accompanied by a practically-designed, spacious, and versatile interior. And just like many SUVs, several modern-day MPVs offer a high ride height and a commanding view of the road (relatively speaking). Moreover, newer models come packed with family-friendly safety and convenience features – making them ideal for, well, families. Also, you can hunt for affordable and well-maintained pre-owned cars for sale in Dubai or old cars in Sharjah on Cars24.

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Suzuki Ertiga

As the most affordable and one of the most compact MPVs in the country, the Suzuki Ertiga is perfect for small families with a tight budget. On sale since 2012, the Ertiga has gone through two model updates – the most recent one being in 2018. Erected on the marque’s HEARTECT platform as a 7-seater people mover, the Suzuki Ertiga costs around 53,000 dirhams and is sold by the Al Rostamani Group in the UAE.

In the meantime, you can look for even cheaper options on Cars24 – whether that be for certified used cars in Dubai or second-hand cars in Ajman. As for its dimensions, the Suzuki Ertiga measures in at 4,395mm in length, 1,735mm in width, and 1,690mm in height. Meanwhile, its wheelbase stretches 2,740mm and boot space comes in at 153 liters. In the UAE, the Suzuki Ertiga is available in up to 7 exterior colors that includes Cool Black Pearl Metallic, Glorious Brown Pearl, Magma Gray Metallic, Radiant Red Pearl, and Snow White Pearl.

The second-generation Ertiga looks sleeker and a touch more flamboyant than its predecessor. For instance, the front fascia now gets stylish projector headlamps with LED DRLs, a new grille with a subtle chrome lip, and a larger and sportier-looking front bumper with fog lamps. Suzuki has also changed the Ertiga’s side profile as it now wears new & fancier alloy wheels, a heavily revised rear quarter panel with a ‘floating’ roof design, and sharper creases on the bodywork.

The rear of the Ertiga comes with larger and more angular tail lamps, a redesigned rear windscreen and tailgate, plus a sportier and chiseled bumper. Overall, the new Ertiga looks more up-for-the-task than the old model, but it is certainly no beauty pageant contestant. Along with the outside, Suzuki also updated the interior of the new Ertiga. The design of the steering wheel, dashboard, and parts of the instrument cluster is all new. Other design elements that add to this cabin’s appeal are the gloss black bits on the dash, a full-width air vent up front, and a tablet-style infotainment unit.

While the quality of materials and textures have been improved over the old car, the overall quality of plastics is pretty bargain-basement. On a side note, the leather-wrapped steering wheel & gear lever, plus the HVAC dials feel decent. What is definitely impressive is the room in the second row, which also gets its own ceiling-mounted blower control. Of courses, given its compact size, the third-row definitely feels tight and is only meant for small children.

The Suzuki Ertiga equipment list also includes keyless entry with push-button start, automatic climate control, a touch-panel infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, split-folding rear seats with a center armrest, and a digital MID in the gauge cluster. Meanwhile, the Ertiga’s safety features include rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, dual front airbags, and ABS with EBD and Brake Assist. Power comes from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 103hp plus 138Nm of torque, with a 4-speed automatic bearing all the transmission duties. As for the top speed, that’s pegged at 170 kmph.

Mitsubishi Xpander

As one of the newest members of the Mitsubishi UAE family, the all-new Xpander is a 7-seat, compact MPV that costs around AED 60,000. In the United Arab Emirates, those looking for a brand-new Mitsubishi Xpander should head out to one of the many Al Habtoor Motors dealerships. And while its bold and butch styling cues and high ground clearance might lead some to believe this to be an SUV, the Xpander is undoubtedly an MPV.

One can also buy used Mitsubishi cars in Sharjah via Cars24, with enough options available in other emirates as well. Meanwhile, there are two trim levels and up to 6 exterior colors of the new Mitsubishi Xpander on offer in the UAE. The latter includes shades such as Deep Bronze Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Red Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, and Quartz White Pearl. In terms of its size, the Xpander spans 4,475mm in length, 1,750mm in width, 1,730mm in overall height, and has a wheelbase of 2,775mm.

Despite its compact size, the Xpander’s boot capacity is actually pretty impressive – capable of over 490 liters with the third row in place. Among most affordable MPVs in the region, the Mitsubishi Xpander is by far one of the most expressive and intentional designs. Taking inspiration from some of their recent projects and the XM Concept car, the exterior styling of the Xpander beckons one to look at it more than just once. The drama starts at the front, with the sculpted hood, Mitsubishi’s “Dynamic Shield” fascia, slender ‘Crystal’ LED position lights, bumper-integrated LED headlights, a silver scuff plate with integrated fog lamps – it is all quite a sight!

Moreover, the broad wheel arches, 205mm of ground clearance, two-tone machine-finished 16-inch alloy wheels, vivid character lines, and a faux floating roof effect – all match this MPV’s stylish aspirations. At the back, the Xpander features stylish tail lamps with peculiar LED running lights and a sleek rear bumper with a silver scuff plate plus an integrated fog lamp. This is definitely one of the better-looking MPVs in the market, price tag bar none.

Fortunately, the interior of the Mitsubishi Xpander, just like the exterior, looks and feels new and fresh. There are different textures and layers used on the dashboard and door pads, while the predominantly dual-tone interior playing host to an ergonomic yet well-styled center console, faux wood inserts, and even some satin silver trim. In general, the quality of build and fit-and-finish is much better than in the Ertiga. There are also loads of cubby holes and storage spaces in this cabin, including an underfloor storage area in the boot.

Having said all that, the third row will feel cramped for adults and is best left for two children. On the features front, the Mitsubishi Xpander comes sporting keyless entry & go, tilt & telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, cruise control, power-operated and closing wing mirrors, manual air-conditioning with a dedicated rear air circulator, a multi-information LCD display, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, and a Sony-tuned audio system.

The Mitsubishi Xpander comes with some pertinent safety features such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, Emergency Stop Signal system, Hill Start Assist, Active Stability Control, and rear parking sensors along with a rearview camera. Under the hood of the Xpander is a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated petrol engine with 103hp and 141Nm of torque. In the UAE, this motor comes mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox, propelling the MPV to a top whack of 180 kmph.

Toyota Innova

The Toyota Innova is perhaps one of the most important nameplates for the Japanese auto major in the region. It is not only bought by commercial operators, but also by private buyers. And while it may not be the brand’s cheapest MPV in the UAE, the Innova is one of its best-selling for sure. Based on the IMV platform, the second-gen Innova arrived in 2015, though it has since been facelifted. Starting from just under 100,000 dirhams, the Toyota Innova is available in the UAE through Al Futtaim Motors.

You can also buy used Toyota cars in Dubai via Cars24 for much less than the price of a new Innova. Speaking of which, the new model measures 4,735mm in length, 1,830mm in width, and 1,795mm in height. Moreover, the MPV has a wheelbase of 2,750mm and a boot capacity of about 300 liters behind the third row. In the UAE, the Toyota Innova is sold in two trim levels and can be had in one of 6 colors – Attitude Black Mica, Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic, Gray Metallic, Silver Metallic, Super White, and White Pearl Crystal Shine.

Unlike many other markets in the world, the UAE still gets the pre-facelift model of the Toyota Innova. This makes the outgoing iteration at least 5 years old in 2021. Having said that, people in the region have now grown used to the exterior design of the Innova. The front end gets a tall and wide grille with chrome embellishments, sweptback two-chamber headlamps, and bumper-integrated fog lamps and turn indicators.

The sides of the Innova come with gently flared wheel arches that house 17-inch alloy rims, chrome door handles, and blacked-out window surrounds. This is not a compact MPV by any measure, as it takes quite a bit of space on the road. Meanwhile, the back of the Innova gets a roof spoiler and large tail lamps with vertical lower extensions for the indicators. It might not be the best-looking MPV in the UAE, but it is certainly a ubiquitous and popular one.

The interior of the Toyota Innova features different colors, curves and sweeping lines for an interesting look. There is also some fake wood trim on the dashboard and steering wheel for that ‘upmarket’ feel, while the roof is backlit in blue, which does look quite nice in the dark. Being a Toyota, the positioning of all the important controls is logically laid out and easy to use. There are hard plastics in this cabin, but they don’t appear too cheap and will last a really long time. Moreover, the Innova’s cabin is fairly comfortable and unarguably spacious, capable of seating up to 8 occupants.

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The Toyota Innova comes with features like keyless entry, ambient LED lighting, automatic climate control with rear blower control, cruise control, a cooled glovebox, selectable drive modes, a 6-speaker audio system, and a 7-inch touch-infotainment screen with Aux, DVD, USB, and Bluetooth compatibility. The safety tech onboard the Innova includes 3 airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX anchor points, Hill-start Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning System, and a rear camera with parking sensors.

In the UAE, the Toyota Innova is only available with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder petrol motor that churns out 164hp and 245Nm of torque. This goes to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. Pedal-to-the-metal, the Innova will hit 100 kmph in around 11.5 seconds and a top speed of 170 kmph.

Citroen SpaceTourer

Based on Citroen’s modular EMP2 platform, the SpaceTourer is the French brand’s mid-size minivan that had its global launch back in 2016. Citroen dealerships in the UAE are under the purview of the Al Rostamani Trading Company, while the SpaceTourer costs in the neighborhood of 106,000 dirhams. Unlike the rest of the MPVs so far, the Citroen SpaceTourer is designed from scratch to be a minivan, and can seat up to 8 people.

On the other hand, if you want to buy a certified used car in Abu Dhabi or a well-priced second-hand car in Ras Al Khaimah, Cars24 is a great place to start. As for its actual physical footprint, the smallest variant of the Citroen SpaceTourer is 4,606mm long, 1,920mm wide, and 1,945mm tall at the roof. Meanwhile, the distance between the front and rear wheels is at least 2,925mm, with the minimum boot space rated at 224 liters.

Customers of the Citroen SpaceTourer have the option to choose from up to 8 exterior colors. There is Blanc Banquise, Orange Tourmaline, Brun Rich Oak, Noir Onyx, and Gris Platinum among others. Talking about styling, the Citroen SpaceTourer looks pretty decent in parts. Overall, though, this is a minivan, so even though it is French, the SpaceTourer isn’t exactly a showstopper in terms of its appearance. That said, it does have some chic-looking styling details on the outside.

At the front, the SpaceTourer sports Citroen’s trademark chevron logo in chrome, flanked by oval headlamps with LED running lights. Then there’s a protruding bumper with a central air dam, undermarked by air intakes and corner-mounted LED position lights and circular fog lamps. The boxy side silhouette of this van features a flat side facade with sliding rear doors, protruding fenders, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the rear of the SpaceTourer is just as flat as its sides. As always, there is the chevron logo that’s placed on the massive tailgate, while there are vertically-oriented taillights.

Stepping inside the Citroen SpaceTourer require you to climb onboard, which also means you sit high up enough. As for the interior itself, there are some soft-touch materials that look decent, but not everything in here is high-grade. But then the beefy leather-clad steering wheel, toggle-style climate control switches, rotary gear selector, and captain-style front seats look good. Meanwhile, the leather-clad seats are accompanied by twin-pane sunroofs, sliding & tumbling seats, large windows, and ceiling-mounted air-con vents.

The Citroen SpaceTourer comes equipped with keyless entry with push-button start, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment head unit with 3D navigation, ‘Mirror Screen’ with Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink, a head-up display, motorized & hands-free sliding side doors, cruise control, and dual-zone automatic climate control among others. Furthering the list are items such as rear parking sensors, front airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Grip Control, and ISOFIX anchor points.

Under the hood of the Citroen SpaceTourer lies a 2.0-liter turbo-four diesel engine that puts out 150hp and 370Nm of torque. It drives the front wheels through a regular 6-speed automatic transmission. If needed, the SpaceTourer can hit a maximum speed of around 175 kmph, while 100 kmph comes up in about 10 seconds.

Kia Carnival

Among the most commonly found minivans/MPVs in the nation, the Kia Carnival is pretty high up in the pecking order. While it is definitely not the best-selling model in the Korean brand’s UAE arsenal, it does sell a fair number of units. And now, there is the all-new fourth-generation model that has been launched, with a sticker price of AED 122,900. It is underpinned by the new Hyundai-Kia N3 platform, and is larger and more advanced than the previous model.

Meanwhile, Cars24 has certified used cars in Sharjah and other emirates. The all-new Kia Carnival may not be cheap, but it does come in 8 exterior paints – including Flare Red, Deep Chroma Blue, Astra Blue, Ceramic Silver, and Aurora Black Pearl. As is visible, the Kia Carnival is quite a large vehicle – measuring 5,155mm in length, 1,995mm in width, and 1,775mm in overall height. At the same time, its wheelbase spans 3,060mm, while boot space is just under 400 liters (with the third row in place).

When compared to its precursor, the fourth-gen Carnival comes across as a sharper, meaner, and more sophisticated vehicle. The design may be a touch eccentric for some people’s taste, but its slab-sided body coupled with some unique trim and detailing will make some stare at it – even though this is still a minivan. The muscular-looking front of the Carnival now sports swanky LED headlights with cool-looking LED running lights and a purposefully-sculpted bumper with chrome, LED fog lamps, and air vents.

The reworked side profile of the new Carnival boasts stylized trim pieces on the C-pillars, 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels, enlarged wheel arch extensions, and massive sliding doors. The rear of the new Carnival looks just as fancy as the front, with a full-width LED light bar & taillights, a roof spoiler, a power-operated liftgate, and a slim bumper with an integrated faux scuff plate, plus supplemental rear lighting elements.

The interior of the new Kia Carnival not only perpetuates the idea of refined luxury and comfort, it is also teeming with some cool new toys. The dual-tone cabin also utilizes plenty of soft-touch materials, high-quality leather, realistic-looking wood trim, metallic touchpoints, a new multi-function steering wheel, plus two large HD screens for the driver and the infotainment system. Available in either 7 or 8-seater formats, this cabin feels well-made and can even be had with airplane-style business-class-like second-row seats. At the same time, there’s enough versatility and space for storing everyday items.

The large greenhouse area and spacious cabin of the new Kia Carnival is matched by its extensive equipment list. Depending on the trim level, this large MPV can be had with adaptive cruise control, keyless entry & go, tri-zone automatic climate control with dedicated rear blowers, dual sunroof, heated & cooled front seats with electrical adjustment and memory settings, power-operated & hands-free rear doors, a wireless charger, dual 12.3-inch digital driver’s and infotainment displays, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay support, and plenty more.

Handling the Carnival’s safety aspects are features such as 7 airbags, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill-Start Assist Control, Blind-Spot View Monitor with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warning with Surround View Monitor, Safe Exit Assist etc. Meanwhile, the Kia Carnival sold in the UAE comes powered by a 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine that sends 268hp and 331Nm of torque to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Top speed is around 200 kmph, whilst the run to 100 kmph takes 8 seconds or so.

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Peugeot Traveller

A close cousin of the aforementioned Citroen SpaceTourer, the Peugeot Traveller is available in the UAE in its range-topping Long “Business” variant. Primarily meant to carry business executives or VIPs to/from the airport, the Peugeot Traveller Business retails for about 140,000 dirhams in the UAE. If you are in the capital and want one of these, head out to Omeir Bin Youssef & Sons.

However, if you want something that costs less than a brand-new Traveller, check out Cars24 for pre-owned cars in Fujairah. Being based on the Citroen SpaceTourer, the Peugeot Traveller is also not small in its dimensions. In its Long Business avatar, the Traveller measures in at 5,308mm in length, 1,920mm in width, 1,940mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,275mm. Furthermore, if needed, the Traveller Long variant can haul at least 912 liters of cargo behind the third row.

As far as its color options are concerned, the Peugeot Traveller is available in Artense Grey, Black Perla Nera, Rich Oak Brown, Nautile Beige, Ice Field White, Platinum Grey, and Tourmaline Orange. On the exterior design front, there are many similarities between the SpaceTourer and this Traveller. For starters, the whole bodyshell and silhouette is the same, and so is design of the wheel arches, front and rear bumpers, and the tail lamps. Of course, the Traveller gets Peugeot’s proprietary front grille and logos, and it has a different set of headlamps as well.

In the UAE, the Peugeot Traveller Long Business usually comes equipped with 8 seats. However, there are about 4 different seating arrangements and configurations that are possible – all depending on your requirement. And if you go for the niche VIP variant, it gets four individual captain seats at the back that face each other, along with extendable yet sturdy tray tables. The overall design of this interior, however, is mostly identical to the Citroen SpaceTourer. Having said that, the Citroen’s cabin does feel a little more upmarket in comparison.

The same story goes for the Peugeot Traveller’s features and equipment, which are pretty much the same as in the SpaceTourer. Buyers of the Traveller will get items such as keyless entry & go, automatic climate control with rear air vents, cruise control, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, a touchscreen navigation system with Bluetooth connectivity, plus 12V sockets and USB charging ports all around. As for safety, the Traveller gets all the basic passive and active countermeasures.

In the UAE, the Peugeot Traveller is fitted with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that chucks out 180hp and 400Nm of maximum torque. While this is the same motor as in the Citroen SpaceTourer, here it is in a higher state of tune. This means that the Traveller can hit 100 kmph in 9.8 seconds, but top whack remains at around 170 kmph. Also, the gearbox is the same 6-speed automatic as in the Citroen.

Honda Odyssey

On sale since the early-1990s, the Honda Odyssey is one of the best-selling minivans/MPVs in the world. While the latest fifth-generation version came out in 2018, it has since been updated with a facelift. Priced from just below 150,000 dirhams and available in 3 trim levels, the new Odyssey is sold via Al Futtaim in the United Arab Emirates. For Honda UAE, the Odyssey range is one of the most popular models on sale in the region.

In the meantime, you should scout Cars24 for good deals on pre-owned cars in Abu Dhabi and old cars in Umm Al Quwain. As for the Honda Odyssey, this minivan drives in with an exterior that measures 5,183mm in length, 1,994mm in width, and 1,765mm in height. Then there is its wheelbase of 3,000mm and a boot capacity of up to 1,093 liters with the rear-most seats arranged as such. Customers in the UAE can pick their Odyssey from one of 7 exterior paints: Copperhead Red, Crystal Black, Forest Mist, Lunar Silver, Meteor Blast, Obsidian Blue, and White Diamond.

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When put right next to its predecessor, the fifth-gen Odyssey features a more sculpted and aerodynamic-looking body. Of course, that doesn’t mean you will confuse this for anything other than a minivan. Up front, the Honda odyssey now comes with new ‘jewel-like’ LED headlamps with J-shaped LED DRLs, a sportier all-black grille, and less-portly bumper with sharper creases. Along the sides, the lines now look more distinctive, whilst the 18-inch alloy wheels are newer, and the D-pillars seem to float over the rear haunches.

Meanwhile, the rear of the new Odyssey gets completely redesigned & more angular tail lamps, along with a sportier roof spoiler, a chiseled tailgate with a thin chrome bar in the middle, and a better-looking rear bumper. That said, the Honda Odyssey still has a voluptuous look that may not be for everyone. On the other hand, not much has changed on the inside of the new Odyssey, save for some new trim and upholstery choices. However, you will have no complaints when it comes to the sheer amount of space and airiness on offer, plus the superbly configurable ‘Magic Seats’.

At the same time, the Odyssey’s cabin quality is not lacking as such. While there are some scratchy plastic bits, the fit & finish is actually good. And when it comes to its features, the Honda Odyssey is loaded with tech such as automatic LED headlights, a hands-free tailgate with height adjustment, power-operated rear doors, remote engine starter, passive entry with push-button ignition, adaptive cruise control, a power sunroof, full-leather upholstery, power-operated & ventilated front seats, tri-zone climate control, Active Noise Control, a 10-speaker audio system, an electronic parking brake, a wireless charger, an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, and 10.2-inch rear-seat entertainment screens.

The new Odyssey is also packed with modern safety features that include 8 airbags, ABS with EBD & Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Honda Sensing with Blind Spot Information, Forward Collision Warning with Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Honda’s LaneWatch camera. Providing propulsion is a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280hp and 355Nm of peak torque, that is aided by a 10-speed automatic gearbox as standard. Meanwhile, the sprint to the ton-mark comes up in just over 7 seconds.

Chrysler Pacifica

The latest generation of the Chrysler Pacifica has been around since 2016 and is the American marque’s leading minivan. Loosely based on the Chrysler 200 sedan platform, the Pacifica goes up against the likes of the Honda Odyssey and Kia Carnival in the UAE. Priced at around 150,000 dirhams, the Chrysler Pacifica came to the UAE in three separate trims.

Of course, maybe your budget is less than that of a brand-new minivan. In any case, you should explore Cars24 for used cars in Ajman (among other locales in the UAE). Coming back to the Chrysler Pacifica, it has been available in colors such as Bright White Clear Coat, Billet Silver Metallic, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl, Jazz Blue Pearl, and Velvet Red Pearl. On another note, this American minivan comes in at 5,176mm in length, 2,022mm in width, 1,777mm in height, and has an overall wheelbase of 3,089mm.

Pitted next to some of its competition, the exterior design of the Chrysler Pacifica doesn’t really stand out all that much. It is kind of like a big, soft blob of minivan with no real streak of engagement or visual magnetism. That is not to say that it looks bad, but it isn’t an MPV you would buy if you even remotely care about visual appeal. The smiling front fascia of the Pacifica features a mesh-type grille and lower air dam, paired together with soft-looking projector headlamps, fog lamps, and quite a bit of chrome.

Around the sides, the Pacifica gets even more chrome – chrome wheels, chrome mirror caps, chrome window surrounds, chrome-lined roof rails, and chrome lower-body strips. Meanwhile, the back of the Chrysler Pacifica gets LED running lights on its tail lamps, a subtle roof spoiler, and some chrome detailing on the rear bumper. In general, though, this is not a very exciting-looking MPV – not that most are.

As for the interior of the Chrysler Pacifica, there are lots of soft materials and storage cubbies. Moreover, the design is fairly ergonomic and combines different textures and colors to ensure you don’t get too bored behind the wheel. The seats are really comfortable and have enough cushioning for your bottom, though the fit & finish in the cabin isn’t exemplary. On a side note, this cabin is remarkably quiet. Meanwhile, the boot has enough space to carry a decent amount of luggage and the panoramic sunroof opens up loads of space in the cabin.

And it is not like the Chrysler Pacifica is running short of modern features. It can be had with automatic LED headlamps, automatic wipers, 20-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry with push-button ignition, an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, leather upholstery, electrically operated front seats with ventilation, Active Noise Cancellation, a large multi-information display in the gauge cluster, multi-zone automatic climate control with individual rear vents, an electronic parking brake, cruise control, and a 13-speaker Alpine audio system.

Needless to say, the Chrysler Pacifica comes loaded with several safety nannies to keep you and your passengers safe. There’s a raft of airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability and traction control systems, ISOFIX anchor points, all-around parking sensors with a reversing camera etc. Spinning the front wheels is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that makes 291hp and 355Nm of maximum twisting force. All this goes through a 9-speed automatic tranny, with the 1.9-ton Pacifica reaching 100 kmph in 7.5 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class

A lot of people would presume that the V-Class is a fantastic MPV/minivan, mostly because it wears the prestigious ‘Mercedes-Benz’ badge. However, that is not entirely true. Of course, it is far from the worst MPV on this list, and it still gets takers in the region. With a showroom price hovering around 190,000 dirhams, the V-Class is unarguably a premium minivan. In the UAE, one can buy a brand-new Mercedes-Benz V-Class, which is available in Long and Extra Long versions, either from Gargash or Emirates Motor Company.

Meanwhile, if you are looking for something less expensive, then Cars24 has a great inventory of affordable used cars in Abu Dhabi and other localities in the UAE. As for a new V-Class, it is available in exterior colors such as Crystal White, Dolomite Brown, Grey Titanium, Obsidian Black, and Navy Blue among others. The exterior dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class can go up to 5,370mm in length, 1,928mm in width, and 1,908mm in height at the roof. Then there is this minivan’s wheelbase of 3,430mm and cargo capacity of 1,410 liters.

In terms of its design, the V-Class is not as attractive as other Mercedes-Benz models, as you can see for yourself. However, it still gets the posh German brand’s large three-pointed star at the front, paired with a two-slatted grille, upswept headlamps with LED DRLs, a sloped hood, and a wide bumper with large air intakes. The side profile of the V-Class is just boring, as there is really not much going on here. There are character lines (that don’t add much character), a pretty flat roofline, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The rear of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is just as uninspiring. There are LED tail lamps, a massive rear glass panel, a barely-visible rear spoiler, but a functional split-folding rear tailgate. This may not be a very good-looking or attractive MPV as such, but the V-Class offers loads of space on the inside. Speaking of which, the interior of the V-Class has acres of room while also providing decent build quality and materials.

Of course, this being a Mercedes-Benz, the more you pay, the more equipment you get. In its poshest avatar, the V-Class comes with features such as multi-zone automatic climate control, radar-guided cruise control, a refrigerated center compartment, power adjustable front seats with memory settings, LED mood lighting, a panoramic sunroof, individual rear captain seats, a Mercedes COMAND infotainment head unit with 3D maps, and a Burmester surround-sound system. On the safety side of things, the V-Class gets a multitude of airbags, ABS & EBD with Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Active Parking Assist with 360-degree cameras, and ISOFIX anchorages.

In the UAE, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is mainly offered with a 2.0-liter turbo-four petrol engine that produces 211hp and 350Nm of torque – all going to the front wheels via a 9-speed automatic gearbox. Pushed to its limits, the V-Class will hit a maximum speed of over 200 kmph, whilst smashing past 100 kmph in 9.4 seconds.

Toyota Granvia

Many might be aware of the relatively common Hiace commercial van. However, what some of you might not be aware of is its upmarket minivan cousin – the Granvia. While the name might not sound all that cool or special, this is Toyota’s most premium MPV or minivan in the Middle East. Of course, it shares much of its underpinnings with the Hiace, but it is definitely not a cheap runabout van. After all, it does cost upwards of AED 190,000!

As with any new Toyota vehicle, the Granvia is only sold by Al Futtaim Motors in the United Arab Emirates. If you think you may not have that kind of cash on-hand, fret not, because you can buy used Toyota cars in Sharjah for far less. If you are still interested in a brand-new Toyota Granvia, it is available in 5 exterior colors that include Black, Grey Metallic, Luxury Pearl Toning, Silver Metallic, and White Pearl Crystal Shine.

Obviously, the Toyota Granvia is not a petite vehicle by any imagination. From nose to tail, this minivan stretches 5,300mm in length, while it measures 1,970mm in width and 1,990mm in height. The Granvia’s wheelbase comes in at 3210mm, with its rear cargo space capable of hauling plenty of luggage in its 6-seater format. When it comes to its design, the Toyota Granvia is not exactly a beautiful or particularly attractive MPV. However, its exuberant front end surely makes it a sight to behold – albeit, not for everyone.

The massive front grille is lathered with chrome, while the small LED headlamps look quite mean – so does the unabashed design of the front bumper. Overall, the front of the Granvia not only looks angry and intimidating, it also has a dash of premium. Since it is based on the Hiace van, the silhouette of the Granvia is boxy and flat. As expected, the sides of the Granvia have loads of chrome (the whole vehicle does, actually), multi-spoke alloy wheels that are specific to this minivan, flared fenders, and power-operated sliding doors.

The rear of the Granvia is not a beautiful sight, but it does have some eye-catching chrome treatment and large LED tail lamps. It is pretty clear that you are not buying this expensive Toyota MPV for its beauty, but for its animated exterior aspects and luxury. That naturally leads us to the interior of the Granvia. Here, the quality of leather, fit & finish, wood trim, seating comfort and adjustability, well-crafted and thought-out surfaces – all make a great impression.

On top of all this, the Toyota Granvia’s cabin is thoroughly spacious and quiet enough to rival some luxury sedans. Then there is this MPV’s features list, which is quite expansive, to say the least. Some of the most noticeable kit of the Granvia come in the form of keyless entry & go, radar-guided cruise control, dedicated puddle lamps, quilted leather upholstery, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, fully adjustable middle-row seats with a powered ottoman, LED ambient lighting, rear window blinds, an electrically-controlled rearview mirror with a rear-vision camera, front & rear automatic climate control, a 12-speaker audio rig, and a 7-inch infotainment system, among many others.

The Toyota Granvia also comes with safety features like 7 airbags, Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control, Hill Start Assist Control, all-around parking sensors with a reversing camera, ISOFIX anchor points etc. In the UAE, the Granvia is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 petrol powerplant that chucks out 277hp and 351Nm of twisting force. A 6-speed automatic gearbox handles this power and sends it to the rear wheels. While it doesn’t really matter, the Toyota Granvia can go past 100 kmph in 9 seconds or so.

Conclusion

The United Arab Emirates is not a location where MPVs or minivans thrive, especially not in the private car buyer’s market. However, they do have an impact on how this extremely busy auto region goes about doing its business. And when you have automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Kia participating, it is clear that this is not a segment that is being ignored.

Then again, there are some automakers that do have their own MPV or minivan representation, but that doesn’t equate to good sales. Having said that, it is good for consumers to have competition as that drives better deals and products. This is the case with the European and American offerings on this list – they may not be top sellers, but their existence has played an important role.

Of course, you could always throw big bucks on the likes of the V-Class or the two French minivans, but that will always be your choice. At the same time, you have something like the Toyota Granvia that costs nearly 195,000 dirhams! That’s a lot of money for what is, at the end of the day, a Hiace van underneath. Anyway, you could also argue that those that can afford such a premium MPV, won’t care much what others have to say about their purchase decision.

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