The most popular people movers in Australia in 2024

People movers have become the go-to choice for Australian families who need more than just a practical set of wheels – they need space, comfort and versatility.

In 2023, the People Mover segment totalled 2.4 per cent of total vehicle sales, with more than 14,000 units sold across the country. While seven-seat SUVs like the Kia Sorento dominate the family car market, there’s still a strong demand for people movers, particularly among large families, businesses and chauffeur services.

Australians have always loved people movers for their versatile storage options and ability to comfortably transport up to eight passengers. Whether it's for the school or sport run or weekend road trips, these vehicles tick all the boxes for practicality. And now with a range of options – from the futuristic Hyundai Staria to the ever-popular Kia Carnival – buyers now have a wide model range to choose from that suits their style, needs and budget.

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Let's take a closer look at some of the top contenders in this segment. From diesel and hybrid engines to cutting-edge technology and safety features, here are six popular choices help narrow your choice 👇

JUMP AHEAD

• Hyundai Staria
• Kia Carnival
• LDV MIFA
• Toyota Granvia
• Mercedes-Benz V-Class
• Lexus LM
• Verdict

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Hyundai Staria

• MSRP: $49,500-$67,500

Let’s start with the Hyundai Staria, a van-based people mover that can seat eight passengers. It has futuristic styling and carryover engines from the Kia Carnival. It measures 1990mm (height), by 1970mm (width), by 5253mm (length).

Model range and pricing

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Practicality and storage

Thanks to the van-sized interior, there is plenty of space. The boot is large with all seats up and there are eight seats in total. There are two ISOFIX points and three top tether points in the second row, but the Staria does not have any anchor points in the third row. So, for a young family with more than three kids, this might not be the best option.

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Powertrain choices and fuel consumption

Under the bonnet is a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 130kW and 430Nm. This is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

The second engine choice is a 3.5-litre six-cylinder petrol, which is paired to an eight-speed automatic that sends power to the front wheels and pushes out 200kW and 331Nm. For towing, the Staria has a 2500kg braked towing capacity and an unbraked figure of 750kg.

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Kia Carnival

• MSRP: $50,150-$76,210

The Carnival is Australia’s most popular people mover, and also the best-selling in the segment. It has also just received a facelift for 2024, which means you now get dual digital 12.3-inch screens, as well as revised styling and updated tech and safety systems. Plus, it gets Kia’s renowned Aussie ride and handling tune. It measures 1775mm (height), by 1995mm (width), by 5155mm (length).

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Model range and pricing

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Practicality and storage

There are plenty of nice features in the cabin including adjustable second- and third-row seating, copious USB ports, electric seats, and lumbar adjustment for the front row. For children, the Carnival has a total of five ISOFIX and five top tether points. There is also a space saver fitted on all models, except the GT-Line HEV-Hybrid.

The Carnival is often judged the best people mover in the segment as there is a model variant for everyone. Plus, it is reliably cheaper than most rivals in this category; it's loaded with equipment; and it has a stacked safety spec list. Above all else, it is a very family-friendly vehicle, whether you have three or more kids.

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Powertrain choices and fuel consumption

There are three powertrains to choose from, starting with a punchy 3.5-litre six-cylinder petrol. This is paired to an eight-speed automatic that sends power to the front wheels.

Then there's a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, mated to the same eight-speed automatic but with an all-wheel drive system for added traction. Taking price into consideration, the diesel is the best option.

There's also a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-hybrid that's exclusively paired to a six-speed automatic sending power to the front wheels. This powertrain is only available on the GT-Line, which is the most expensive variant.

Both the diesel and petrol variants can tow 750kg unbraked and 2000kg braked. The hybrid's unbraked capacity remains at 750kg, but its braked towing capacity is just 1000kg.

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LDV MIFA / MIFA 9

• MSRP: $53,990-$131,000

Model range and pricing

There are three models to pick from with a seven-seat configuration (a captain’s chair, 2-2-3 seating set-up). There is also a fully electric version that has 440km of driving range and additional luxury features to justify the premium price tag.

However, the third row isn’t as practical as the Kia Carnival and there is no eight seat option. It measures 1845mm (height), 1998mm (width) and 5280mm (length).

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Practicality and storage

Interior features include individual touchscreen controls, fold-out tables, and a dual panoramic sunroof.

For children, the MIFA only has one ISOFIX point in the third row and two in the second row. For a chauffeur business, the MIFA Luxe trim is worth considering, but for similar money the Carnival is the recommended people mover for young families and commercial businesses.

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Powertrain choices and fuel consumption

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine producing 160kW and 360Nm. It is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. Towing is rated at 750kg unbraked and 3000kg braked for the standard version - and the MIFA 9 has a braked capacity of 1000kg.

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Toyota Granvia

• MSRP: $68,306-$77,355

The Toyota Granvia is a eight-seat people mover based on the current-generation HiAce cargo van, with extra seats and amenities. This is essentially a successor to the Toyota Tarago.

The Granvia carries over the ultra-reliable 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine from the HiLux and HiAce. It's a sensible choice for a family buyer with a solid powertrain package, but it does have limitations with its seating arrangement and on-road ability. It measures 1990mm (height), 1970mm (width) and 5300mm (length).

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Model range and pricing

There are two trim levels to pick from, with the choice of six or eight seats and one powertrain choice only. There is space for small bags and you can transport eight people in comfort, but this may not be the best alternative if you’re loading large suitcases as well.

For children, the middle rows have three ISOFIX points, but nothing at the rear. If you step up to the VX with the captain’s chairs, then putting a baby capsule in the seat might be a challenge.

Climbing into the second and third row is also a challenge, as the floor is quite high and not all body types will fit into the snug VIP-style pews. This is also a downfall on both the LDV MIFA 9 and Lexus LM.

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Powertrain choices and fuel consumption

The Granvia is powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that produces 130kW and 450Nm. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. There is a downside to this powerplant, as it feels like a Toyota HiAce to drive. Braked towing capacity is 1500kg, with an unbraked towing capacity of 750kg.

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Mercedes-Benz V-Class

• MSRP: $113,832-$143,193

This model has been on sale in Australia since 2015, but the V-Class has now received a facelift with new styling and a revised cabin. Compared to its main rivals, the V-Class the best to drive and provides a very similar car-like experience to a W205.

If you’re trying to stick to a budget, this might not make sense as a family car, but it makes sense as a prestigious transport option as it has the brand image high-profile corporate VIPs would appreciate.

It's also one of the more practical options in terms of boot space, flexible seating arrangements, and it is proven to be very reliable and durable - no wonder limousine and private hire car companies like love having them on fleet. It measures 1880mm (height), by 1928mm (width), by 5140mm (height).

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Model range and pricing

The V-Class range is offered in three different models, with the choice of eight seats or a six-seat configuration on the V300 Exclusive.

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Practicality and storage

The eight-seat version is the best option for a family or a passenger transfer vehicle. Inside you’ll find dual-zone climate control, heated front-row electric seats with lumbar support, air vents throughout the cabin, and decent storage.

The V-Class might come across as a little plain compared to the back seat of the Lexus LM, but compared to most luxury rivals in this segment, the seats are more supportive for all passenger sizes – unlike the Lexus LM.

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There are also plenty of ways to alter the seat configuration to your requirements. The V-Class might be a bit expensive as a family people mover, but for an airport transfer mover or even a luxury hire car alternative, this wins for that purpose.

For children, the V-Class has six top teacher points and six ISOFIX points; plus, there's room for two large suitcases in the boot when all the seats are in place.

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Powertrain choices and fuel consumption

Buyers have the option of either the V250d which gets 140kW and 440Nm, or the V300d which delivers 174kW and 500Nm. Both engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V-Class also has a braked towing capacity of 2500kg and an unbraked towing capacity of 750kg.

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Lexus LM

• MSRP: $160,888-$220,888

This is the most expensive Lexus model you can buy. It's a people mover, but the further you move up the range the more comparable it is a luxury private jet in the second row. However, as a passenger-friendly option, there are limitations. It measures 1775mm (height), 1950mm (width) and 5130mm (length).

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Model range and pricing

Practicality and storage

Both the LM350h FWD and AWD Sports Luxury include a seven-seat configuration (2+2+3), which is the more sensible choice for a passenger-friendly alternative. The LM also includes a lot of luxury such as electrically adjustable seats that can be both heated and ventilated, sunshades, a remote control to turn on the massage seats, and HDMI ports for the rear screen.

For children, the LM includes ISOFIX points and top tether points for the two second-row seats but no child placement for the third row, which might limit its practicality for a growing family.

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The LM500 can only seat four passengers, which rules it out for a family with more than two children - as does its price point. As a limousine service vehicle, its boot space for luggage is impaired and the top-spec 500h Ultra only has a two-seat setup in the back. For a little less money, a Lexus LS saloon with a more refined twin-turbo V6 combined with air suspension would make more sense.

Ultimately if you’re looking for the best option, the less expensive and more passenger-friendly Mercedes V-Class is a better choice for both growing families and as a luxury transfer vehicle.

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Powertrain choices and fuel consumption

Under the bonnet is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a series-parallel hybrid system, which is similar to what is found in a Kluger Hybrid. Buyers have the choice between front- and all-wheel drive.

The second choice is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that is paired with a six-speed gearbox and an All-Wheel Drive system. Lexus Australia has not released any towing figures.

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Verdict

It’s easy to see why people movers remain a popular option for families, given they provide many practical advantages compared to any seven-seat SUV.

As the most affordable all-rounder, we would recommend the Kia Carnival, as it seats up to eight passengers and features all the premium features and technology most buyers in this segment would require. Thanks to the improved ride and handling tune for local conditions, the Carnival is also one of the most refined people movers to drive in this segment.

The Carnival is also backed by a seven-year unlimited warranty, along with eight years of roadside assistance and a comprehensive serving plan across the range.

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The petrol V6 FWD can be a bit thirsty, and the Hybrid version is only available in top-spec GT-Line guise that is priced from $76K. This leaves the 2.2-litre diesel AWD as the recommended, affordable option.

In terms of trim level, the Sport+ grade features all of the premium comfort additions like seat heating in the front and second row, a power tailgate with automatic side door entry, electric front seats with artificial leather, and a surround view monitor. Otherwise, standard equipment is generous and includes autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control.

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