Taking the whole family away is fun. But the first hurdle is the car. Grandparents, parents, kids, cousins, plus a pile of bags. One vehicle has to take it all.

Plainly, once: this is not a review. We have not driven or sat in any of these five. Everything here comes from the brands' published specs and press material. So we only tell you what the spec sheet promises, then hold it up against trips like Khao Yai, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai to see which household each one suits. They are grouped by price tier, not ranked.

Around THB 2 million, low end | Hyundai Staria Premium diesel

If the household is big, seats are the first question. The Staria Premium diesel has 11 seats in four rows (3+3+2+3). It costs THB 1,999,000 as the Malaysia-built import, THB 400,000 less than the Korea-built version that used to be sold. Specs: 2.2L turbo-diesel, 175 hp, 431 Nm, front-wheel drive, 8-speed automatic. Torque like that reads as promising for a full van heading uphill. Hyundai also lists power sliding doors on both sides, power side steps and a dual electric sunroof, which should go down well with the grandparents.

If the household is big, seats are the first question. The Staria Premium diesel has 11 seats in four rows (3+3+2+3). It costs THB 1,999,000 as the Malaysia-built import, THB 400,000 less than the Korea-built version that used to be sold. Specs: 2.2L turbo-diesel, 175 hp, 431 Nm, front-wheel drive, 8-speed automatic. Torque like that reads as promising for a full van heading uphill. Hyundai also lists power sliding doors on both sides, power side steps and a dual electric sunroof, which should go down well with the grandparents.

Around THB 2 million, low end | Hyundai Staria Hybrid

Same 11 seats (3+3+2+3), different heart. A 1.6L turbo petrol engine makes 178 hp and, with the electric motor, the system delivers 242 hp and 367 Nm, driving the front wheels. Prices start at THB 2,099,000 for the Modern trim (the Premium trim is THB 2,399,000). Hyundai quotes up to 17.2 km/L under the NEDC standard. That is a lab number and real roads will differ, but for a long run like Chiang Mai it is worth raising with the salesperson.

Same 11 seats (3+3+2+3), different heart. A 1.6L turbo petrol engine makes 178 hp and, with the electric motor, the system delivers 242 hp and 367 Nm, driving the front wheels. Prices start at THB 2,099,000 for the Modern trim (the Premium trim is THB 2,399,000). Hyundai quotes up to 17.2 km/L under the NEDC standard. That is a lab number and real roads will differ, but for a long run like Chiang Mai it is worth raising with the salesperson.

Around THB 2.5 million | Kia Carnival HEV 7-seater (Premium)

Smaller, with 7 seats, but row two has captain's chairs that Kia says can be removed and turned to face each other. That sounds good for a family that wants to chat all the way to Hua Hin. The body is 5,155 mm long. The powertrain is a 1.6L turbo petrol hybrid with a 54 kW motor, giving 245 hp and 367 Nm combined, plus a 72-litre fuel tank. It is priced at THB 2,499,000. A tank that size looks like good news for anyone who hates stopping for fuel on the highway.

Smaller, with 7 seats, but row two has captain's chairs that Kia says can be removed and turned to face each other. That sounds good for a family that wants to chat all the way to Hua Hin. The body is 5,155 mm long. The powertrain is a 1.6L turbo petrol hybrid with a 54 kW motor, giving 245 hp and 367 Nm combined, plus a 72-litre fuel tank. It is priced at THB 2,499,000. A tank that size looks like good news for anyone who hates stopping for fuel on the highway.

Around THB 3.5 million | Toyota Alphard HEV Smart

The HEV Smart is the entry trim of the MY2026 Alphard line-up, at THB 3,590,000. It seats 7, with two separate captain's chairs in row two. The 2.5L (2,487 cc) petrol engine makes 190 hp and 236 Nm, and with the electric motors the system output is 250 hp, sent to all four wheels via E-Four. Toyota cites up to 17.9 km/L from the Thai eco sticker. If the trip has mountain roads, or you want four-wheel drive on paper, this is the only one in this list that offers it.

The HEV Smart is the entry trim of the MY2026 Alphard line-up, at THB 3,590,000. It seats 7, with two separate captain's chairs in row two. The 2.5L (2,487 cc) petrol engine makes 190 hp and 236 Nm, and with the electric motors the system output is 250 hp, sent to all four wheels via E-Four. Toyota cites up to 17.9 km/L from the Thai eco sticker. If the trip has mountain roads, or you want four-wheel drive on paper, this is the only one in this list that offers it.

From THB 6 million | Lexus LM 350h 7-seater

This is a different price category altogether. The LM 350h 7-seater costs THB 6,290,000 (the price announced at launch; check with a dealer). The 4-seater is THB 7,590,000, but that one is about a few passengers sitting very well, not a whole-family trip. The wheelbase is 3,000 mm, and the 2.5L hybrid with E-Four gives 250 hp combined, with 17.9 km/L reported at launch. Lexus positions the LM as a chauffeur-driven experience, so it suits people who value passenger comfort over seat count.

This is a different price category altogether. The LM 350h 7-seater costs THB 6,290,000 (the price announced at launch; check with a dealer). The 4-seater is THB 7,590,000, but that one is about a few passengers sitting very well, not a whole-family trip. The wheelbase is 3,000 mm, and the 2.5L hybrid with E-Four gives 250 hp combined, with 17.9 km/L reported at launch. Lexus positions the LM as a chauffeur-driven experience, so it suits people who value passenger comfort over seat count.

So which one for which trip?

If your household is more than 7 people, only the Staria in this list gets you 11 seats. Pick the diesel for the lowest price and high torque, or the hybrid for the efficiency figure on long drives, depending on budget and route. If you are 5 to 7 people and like the idea of facing each other, the Carnival is worth a look. If you want captain's chairs and all-wheel drive, look at the Alphard. The LM is for special occasions when you want the elders to travel as comfortably as the brand promises. On luggage, the sheets we found give no clear numbers, so we will not guess. Go to a showroom, try your family's real bags and sit in the very back row. Our opinion: count heads first, talk luxury second.

Prices and specs are as published by the brands at time of writing (October 2026). Check with a dealer before you decide.

Price and spec information from the websites and press material of Hyundai, Kia, Toyota and Lexus Thailand; photos: manufacturer press images