FAQs

In this column we endeavor to answer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about cars in general and even specific makes or models in particular—technical or otherwise. If you have questions of your own, “like” our Facebook page (STAR Motoring) and post your questions there. Selected questions published in the STAR Motoring section every Wednesday get to win a freebie. Do take note that while we will try to answer most of your motoring-related questions or issues, this is not a consumer complaint helpdesk or hotline. 

This week’s question: I’m in the market for a roomy, reliable, and easy-to-maintain diesel-powered, pickup-based 7-seat SUV like the ones on the (Toyota) Fortuner and (Ford) Everest category. Which one would you recommend?

Answer: You’re in luck because the 7-seat SUV is one of the most popular segments in the industry and hence has one of the biggest number of players. Off the top of my head, there’s the Fortuner and Everest that you’ve mentioned, plus the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, the Isuzu Alterra, and the Chevrolet Trailblazer. There are also other diesel-powered 7-seat SUVs like the mid-sized Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, and even the compact-sized Chevrolet Captiva—but these are not pickup-based SUVs so we’ll just stick to the five models we first mentioned.  

Aside from space and reliability, you did not mention other parameters to consider like overall refinement, power, and fuel economy. If you want sheer space, the Alterra fits the bill. It’s among the longest in this class and this pays off in generous legroom inside. The Fortuner is spacious as well. This isn’t to say, though, that the others are cramped inside. We’re talking no more than an inch or two in differences in legroom, headroom, or elbow-room.    

Reliability and ease of maintenance? The veterans (Everest, Fortuner, Alterra) have the edge, with the Montero Sport not far behind. The Trailblazer is too new to make any pronouncements on its reliability. Chevrolet, however, has made improvements in leaps and bounds with regards to product quality so I wouldn’t call it a risky buy. Availability of spare parts is also an issue with maintenance and here, the advantage again goes to the veterans, which usually—but not always—have more spare parts in stock. 

I would also add weight to refinement and ride quality. These vehicles load more people than your average passenger car and are often taken on long drives so it’s also important that the occupants are comfortable on the journey. Here, I give the nod to the Montero Sport and the Trailblazer. For me, the Montero Sport is the class-leader in low NVH (noise/vibration/harshness) as well as in overall refinement. You’d feel it in the small details like the how the buttons and switchgear operate, the whisper-quietness of the aircon even in full blast, or even the muted tick-tock of the signal lights when signaling to turn.

Bonus points, however, go to the Alterra for its kick-ass 5.1-channel 10-speaker subwoofer-equipped surround-sound triple-LCD monitor audio/video system that plays everything from DVDs to MPEGs via iPhone/iPod, Bluetooth, USB, or even an SD card.