We’ve covered the SUVs that are making its way to Malaysia in 2023 and as we charge into the year at full steam, let’s look at the MPVs that are likely to be launched this year.

Honda BR-V - Still want the Veloz?

Kicking things off with the competitive category of MPVs that is the B-segment. Well, Honda markets it as an SUV but many buyers still consider the Honda BR-V as an MPV, hence our inclusion of it here.

Also read: All-new 2022 Honda BR-V launched in Thailand - Honda Sensing standard, RM 15k more than Veloz

Powering the all-new Honda BR-V is a new naturally aspirated 1.5-litre DOHC petrol engine borrowed from the current-generation Honda City, producing 121 PS/145 Nm, paired to a CVT.

Also Read: To cross RM 100k in Malaysia? 2022 Honda BR-V is now priced 13% higher in the Philippines

Honda Sensing ADAS is likely to be offered in Malaysia. Other features we’ll likely see are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, automatic air-conditioning, and remote engine start.

Hyundai Stargazer - Baby Staria

Competing against the Toyota Veloz/Perodua Alza, Mitsubishi Xpander, and the Honda BR-V, the Hyundai Stargazer is set to stir up the competition even further.

Also read: 20 photos to prove that the Hyundai Stargazer might scare off the Alza and Xpander

Power for the Stargazer comes from a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre Smartstream MPI engine that makes 115 PS/144 Nm. The engine is paired with a CVT (Hyundai calls it IVT) which sends power to the front wheels.

The interior appears a little sophisticated than its Japanese rivals with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard. Other features offered depending on variant is a 4.2-inch TFT colour LCD cluster, a wireless charger, and ambient lighting.

Also Read: If the Hyundai Stargazer and Mitsubishi Xpander aren't related, why do they look alike?

Toyota Innova Zenix - All new from the ground up

The Toyota Innova Zenix sits on the TNGA-C platform and just like the Toyota Veloz, the Innova will switch to a unibody chassis with a front-wheel drive (FWD) set-up as opposed to the rear-wheel drive (RWD), ladder-frame platform of its predecessors.

Powertrain comes in the form of a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Dynamic Force engine (M20A-FKS, 174 PS/205 Nm), while the Hybrid variants get an additional pair of electric motors (M20A-FXS, combined system output of 186 PS).

The latter has been confirmed for Malaysia. Both are paired to a CVT (e-CVT for the Hybrid).

Also Read: Higher specs than Indonesia, 2023 Toyota Innova launched in India with HyCross name

The Innova Zenix is equipped with a panoramic sunroof, a 10-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an electric parking brake, a digital instrument cluster, and rear seat infotainment screens available depending on variants.

The Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite of ADAS is available as well.

Also read: Toyota Innova Hybrid to launch in 2023? UMWT confirms 2nd hybrid model for Malaysia

Toyota Majesty - When an Alphard isn't big enough

The Toyota Majesty, as its name suggests, is a majestic van that can seat up to 11 people and comes with rear-wheel drive (RWD).

Also Read: The majestic Toyota Majesty is the 11-seater RWD Alphard that’s on sale in Thailand

Different markets receive the model under different names. For example, it is sold as the Toyota GranAce in Japan, Toyota Majesty in Thailand, Toyota Granvia in Taiwan and Australia, while those in the Philippines will know it as the Toyota Hiace Super Grandia.

Also Read: More expensive than the Alphard, here's all you need to know about the Toyota GranAce

To add to the confusion, the Toyota Granvia in China bears no relation to the Majesty/GranAce and is a twin to the Toyota Sienna. For this article, we’ll follow the nameplate used in Thailand, which is the Majesty.

Also read: A true rival to the Kia Carnival, the Toyota Granvia is the Sienna's Chinese twin

Powering the Toyota Majesty is the same 2.8-litre turbodiesel that is found on the Toyota Hilux Rouge. The oil burner makes 163 PS/420 Nm and is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Of note, the Thai-spec Majesty’s output is lower than the GranAce which is what it’s called in Japan (177 PS/450 Nm).

2023 BYD e6 – An electric MPV that could prove unique

The only electric vehicle (EV) in this list is the BYD e6, set to be the second model introduction after the BYD Atto 3 here in Malaysia.

Also Read: BYD e6 EV spotted in Malaysia, to be launched before Atto 3?

Only one variant of the BYD e6 will be offered in Malaysia, powered by a front-mounted electric motor that does 95 PS/180 Nm.

It has a 71.7 kWh LFP battery pack allows for a range of 522 km under the WLTP test cycle.

Also Read: BYD e6 to be Malaysia's first EV MPV; CBU, up to 522 km range, priced from RM 160k

Conclusion

And there we have it, the list of upcoming MPVs to be launched in 2023 in Malaysia. Note that this is not an exhaustive list as we might get a few surprises along the year, but these are the models we can expect to arrive this year.

Check out our list of upcoming SUVs here:

SUVs launching in Malaysia in 2023; from Omoda 5, to the new CR-V, and all the way to the Proton X90

7 EV SUVs launching in Malaysia in 2023: Toyota bZ4X, Smart #1, VW ID.4, and more

8 premium SUVs launching in Malaysia in 2023; from all-new Lexus RX to Ferrari Purosangue