The Best Family Cars Under 600 Million VND: ‘I Chose the Honda City – Its Rear Seats Are Even Spacious Than Those in the Higher Segment’

Here’s a recap of the Trên Ghế show aired on August 21 on HTV9.

In this episode of Trên Ghế, host Đăng Việt and guest Trần Giáp discuss the ‘Car for Family’ category at the 2025 Car Choice Awards.

The first question is, according to Mr. Giáp, what defines a family car?

It’s not easy to define a family car as there is no one-size-fits-all standard. The term ‘family’ can refer to a couple, a family of four, six, or even an extended family of eight to ten members. Different family sizes will require different types of vehicles. Additionally, the choice of a family car also depends on the family’s financial situation.

However, generally speaking, a family car should meet certain criteria: comfort for all passengers, long-distance safety, and convenience. If a vehicle meets these requirements, we can tentatively call it a ‘family car.’

Categorizing family cars by vehicle segment is also challenging. Each family has different expectations and numbers of members, but typically, a family car will have five or more seats, and a two-seater is rarely considered a family car.

We, the organizers of Car Choice Awards, have maintained the ‘Car for Family’ category for many years. As you mentioned, there are indeed many criteria that constitute the concept of a ‘family car.’ So, does a family car need to balance all aspects, such as being suitable for both the driver and passengers, fuel efficiency, and convenience, instead of focusing on a single aspect?

In Vietnam, a car is still considered a significant asset. We often opt for versatile vehicles rather than specialized ones for individuals or families.

In developed countries, it is common to have two cars: a small car for city driving and a larger vehicle (SUV or MPV) for family outings on weekends. Particularly in the US and Europe, MPVs are favored for their spaciousness, comfort for all passengers, and suitability for long-distance travel.

In Vietnam, as road conditions have improved, there is less need for a pure SUV to navigate rough terrain, and a front-wheel-drive car can suffice. Therefore, Vietnamese families can choose between CUVs, SUVs, or MPVs. Nowadays, most families own only one car, so they may have to compromise on certain aspects, such as a slightly cramped interior or fewer amenities. As long as the vehicle meets the basic transportation needs, it can still be considered a ‘family car.’

It’s challenging to find a model that satisfies all requirements, and if there is one, it’s likely to be very expensive. This is because car manufacturers usually target a specific group of customers. For example, it’s rare to find a sunroof in a B-segment car, and if it does, the price will be high. On the other hand, some brands enhance convenience (ADAS, leather seats, large screens, dual-zone climate control, etc.) while maintaining the same price as the previous generation, making customers feel like they’re getting a good deal. This shows that they carefully balance production costs and customer benefits.

So, what’s the equation here? Are manufacturers taking a loss, or how are they managing to strike a balance?

Regarding family criteria, a car should provide comfort for all family members. For instance, a two-door car can seat four people, but the rear seats are usually cramped and only suitable for children. The trunk space is also limited, making it inadequate for long journeys. In contrast, a family car typically has adequate air conditioning or rear vents, and the roof is not too low, ensuring comfort for taller passengers. Usually, family cars are driven with three to four occupants daily, and rarely with seven. Nonetheless, comfort and convenience should take precedence over driving feel.

Additionally, a family car must ensure comfort for children, preventing motion sickness on long trips. Models that emphasize a coupe or pickup style may cater to personal preferences but are rarely considered ‘family cars.’ For instance, many people choose pickups for their driving feel and the ability to upgrade for off-roading. However, pickup trucks are not ideal for families as the rear seats are less comfortable, and storing items in the truck bed is inconvenient. While some families accept these trade-offs to indulge their hobby, pickups are generally not considered family cars.

The 2025 Car Choice Awards organizers have divided the ‘Car for Family’ category into different price ranges. With a budget of under VND 600 million, which model would Mr. Giáp recommend?

With a budget of under VND 600 million, considering the official prices of new cars, it would be challenging to purchase MPVs. Therefore, I would lean more towards sedans.

We can consider B-segment sedans such as the Toyota Vios, Honda City, and Hyundai Accent. All of these models offer spacious interiors and large trunks suitable for trips to hometowns or vacations. Another option is the Mitsubishi Attrage, which has simpler amenities but still gets the job done. 

If you’re looking for something more distinctive, you might want to consider the Suzuki Swift, Toyota Raize, Kia Sonet, or Hyundai Venue. Generally, in this price range, you’ll mostly find B-segment sedans or small A+ segment SUVs/crossovers. It depends on your needs, purposes, and preferences.

If you had to choose one representative model, which one would it be?

I would choose the Honda City. This car meets all my personal requirements.

Firstly, the City offers the best driving feel in its segment, which is important to me as someone who drives frequently. Secondly, it comes equipped with various safety features. Thirdly, the interior is spacious, especially the rear seats, which offer more room than some higher-segment vehicles.

Compared to its competitors, the City has a more powerful engine, producing 119 horsepower, while others in the segment typically offer around 105 horsepower. Additionally, I appreciate the car’s chassis. Whether driving in the city or on winding roads, the suspension doesn’t feel soft, causing a floating sensation for the passengers. With the City, you can confidently tackle curves and downhill slopes without worry.

Thank you very much, Mr. Giáp.