7 Best People Movers Australia

A great solution for larger families, corporate groups, taxi drivers and any driver that needs to seat 7+ passengers in comfort, people movers are always in demand. Read on to find out more about seven of the best people mover vehicles currently on the market.

1. Kia Carnival

The Carnival was the Winner of the Auto Trader 2022 Best New Car award, Drive Car of the Year 2022 and AutoGuide's 2022 Family Vehicle of the year. It's styled like an SUV (probably because it shares a platform with the Sorento). The Carnival is a spacious, well-equipped people mover that's designed for comfort. Reviewers are quick to praise the third row in the Carnival. The three seats are full-sized and passengers can enjoy the same features and benefits as second-row occupants.

Powered by a 2.2l, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine (148kw/440Nm), the Carnival has more than enough torque to shift when it needs to. A 3.3l V6 petrol option (205KW/336NM) is available for around $2,000 less. Prices for the diesel Carnival start at around $49,480.

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2. Hyundai Staria

The Staria is similar to the Carnival in many respects, not least because they share a common platform (N platform). Both are eight-seater people movers that have petrol or diesel engine options. The differences are mainly in the dimensions of the two and the various features available.

The Staria is longer and higher, albeit the same width. Unfortunately, this doesn't translate particularly well into more space. The Carnival uses under-seat storage. Storage also includes seats that fold completely flat, providing additional flat storage space.

In terms of features, whether the Staria or the Carnival will be a better fit for your needs depends on personal preference. The Staria has the option of real leather trim, for example, as well as a full-size spare tyre, rather than a temporary option. In contrast, a higher spec Carnival benefits from 12 speakers as opposed to 6, heated rear seats and a longer warranty (seven years vs five years).

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3. LDV G10

There are probably two key things to be aware of when considering the LDV G10. The first is that it's significantly cheaper than other people movers. Before you rush off to buy one, the second thing to be aware of is the G10 currently only has a 3-star ANCAP safety rating. That said, if cost is a consideration, you and your passengers may well be safer in a modern G10 than an equivalently priced, older people mover with worn or dated safety features. Note that, along with the Odyssey, the G10 is being withdrawn at some point this year - if you want one, you'll probably need to start looking in the used market.

Reviewers are impressed by the comfort and range of tech in the G10. They're also quick to praise the handling, particularly over challenging terrain. Unfortunately, the petrol engine is a thirsty one, with fuel consumption of around 11.7l/100km.

4. VW Caddy

Excellent build quality and a wealth of tech and safety features are all hallmarks of the Caddy. It's a seven-seater that's available in two formats. Either a petrol 1.5L TSI engine with 84kW of power and 220Nm of torque or a 2.0L 90TDI diesel engine option with 90kW of power and 320Nm of torque. Reviewers praise the driving experience and are also impressed by the suite of safety features that VW has included. If safety is a priority, the Caddy is a good choice. That said, there are cheaper options out there that are better equipped.

Prices start at around $45,490 for a base-spec Caddy, rising to $49,990 for the Caddy Life.

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5. Toyota Granvia

The Granvia is available in six- or eight-seater variants. Based on Toyota's HiAce work van, the Granvia is extremely spacious. It's also only available with a 2.8l, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine (130kW/450Nm). Second-row seats in particular are well-appointed. Owners can select captain's chair style seating, complete with adjustable foot and headrests, as well as a reclining option.

It is a little short on tech - the infotainment screen is only 8.0", rather than the 10.25" options found in others of this class, for example. Importantly, its safety features are excellent, incorporating a good selection of static installations as well as Toyota's suite of autonomous safety features: Toyota Safety Sense.

Prices for the Granvia start from $65,150.

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6. Honda Odyssey

If you want to invest in a new Odyssey, you'll need to be quick. Honda has confirmed that it is withdrawing the Odyssey from the end of 2022. Drivers lucky enough to get their hands on an Odyssey are impressed by its build quality - this is a vehicle that's built to last. The engine is a naturally aspirated 2.4l petrol option that delivers 129kW/225Nm. Reviewers are satisfied with overall performance, but do stress that you get what you pay for - the entry point for the Odyssey is several thousand dollars cheaper than the Carnival, for example, and this shows in the handling, quiet and comfort of the ride, particularly over longer distances.

Features are adequate, but lag behind pricier options. There are only two USB points in the whole vehicle and single (rather than dual-zone)climate control, for example.

With a starting price of just $44,250, it's one of the cheapest in class, but its budget basics credentials do show through at times.

7. Mercedes V Class

If you want a people mover that will get you and your passengers from a to b in impressive comfort, why not consider a Mercedes V Class? With enough space for up to eight occupants, the V Class benefits from little luxury touches that add to the driving experience. Temperature-controlled cup holders for example, and a refrigerated compartment. If you don't mind some heavy lifting, you can also turn the second-row seats around so that they either face forward or back. There's also an optional table that can be slotted into the back, as well as a modular infotainment system, ambient lighting and a panoramic sliding sunroof.

With a starting price of $83,130, this isn't a cost-conscious choice but could work well in a corporate fleet or for families with a more generous budget.

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