Best 3-Row Family Vehicles Under $28K: Toyota Highlander vs Honda Odyssey vs Hyundai Custo

Market Context

While large three-row new energy SUVs dominate China's domestic market with average prices around $35K, budget-conscious families can find exceptional value in these gasoline-powered合资 (joint-venture) models priced under $28K. The Toyota Highlander, Honda Odyssey, and Hyundai Custo represent the most competitive options balancing space, features and affordability.

Understanding 3-Row Vehicle Needs

• Frequent full-family travel: Requires genuine third-row comfort for adults on medium/long trips
• Occasional group transport: Prioritizes second-row comfort with third-row emergency capacity

Comparative Analysis

FAW Toyota RAV4 Shines at 2025 Shanghai Auto Show with Strong Market Performance

Introduction

During the media days of the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, FAW Toyota showcased several new models, with the classic RAV4 SUV standing out due to its exceptional market performance. Despite the growing trend towards new energy vehicles, this traditional fuel-powered model maintains strong market appeal, consistently ranking in the top 10 SUV sales charts, demonstrating FAW Toyota's dominant position in the conventional vehicle sector.

Rugged and Stylish Exterior Design

The RAV4 has established itself as a proven model in FAW Toyota's lineup through years of successful sales and excellent reputation. Unlike typical family SUVs, the RAV4 adopts a more rugged design language that emphasizes muscular styling. The new model features redesigned front grille that appears more refined and sporty compared to previous versions.

The side profile showcases strong, three-dimensional lines with sharp character lines

FAW-Volkswagen Golf 300TSI R-Line Launched: Key Details for Global Buyers

Model Overview

Launch Price: 156,900 CNY (≈ $2,231 USD)

Body Type: Compact Hatchback

• Dimensions: 4289mm (L) x 1788mm (W) x 1479mm (H), 2631mm wheelbase
• Target Markets: Middle East, Americas, Africa (first-time China car importers)

Design & Configuration

Exterior Highlights

• Front Fascia: Flat air intake with connecting DRLs, hood muscle lines
• Lower Bumper: Tri-section design with aggressive air vents and honeycomb mesh
• Profile: Arched roof with shark fin antenna, rising character line
• Wheels: Dual-tone 5-spoke alloys (standard)
• Rear: Blackened 3D taillights, roof spoiler, diffuser-style lower bumper

Interior & Tech

• Cockpit: Volkswagen's latest digital layout with:
  • Multifunction steering wheel
  • Digital instrument cluster
  • Floating infotainment screen
  • Electronic shifter
• Deleted Features:
  • Metal sport pedals
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror (now manual)
  • Passenger mirror auto-tilt in reverse

Performance Specifications

Engine:

BYD Achieves Historic Milestone in 2025: Seagull Wins "World Urban Car" and Stella Li Named "World Car Person of the Year"

BYD Seagull Crowned "King of World Urban Cars"

The BYD Seagull made history at the New York International Auto Show by winning the "World Urban Car" award, marking the first time a Chinese automaker has received this prestigious honor. Competing against 12 global finalists, the Seagull impressed judges with its innovative design and exceptional urban mobility performance.

Key Achievements and Features:

• Market Dominance: Since its 2023 launch, the Seagull has achieved over 500,000 cumulative deliveries in China alone by July 2024.
• Global Eligibility: Qualified by being sold in at least two major markets across two continents with annual production exceeding 5,000 units (under 4.25m length).
• Smart Technology: Features include 12.8" touchscreen, fast charging, heated front seats, USB quick charge, plus advanced safety systems like AEB, blind spot monitoring, and lane

Dongfeng Nano 06 vs Chery iCAR 03: Which Chinese EV Suits Young International Buyers?

Introduction

As global automotive markets witness growing demand for affordable yet technologically advanced EVs, two Chinese models stand out in the competitive 100,000 yuan (approximately $15,000) segment: the Dongfeng Nano 06 and Chery iCAR 03. This comprehensive comparison helps first-time Chinese car importers understand which model better serves young, style-conscious buyers in emerging markets.

Design Philosophy

Dongfeng Nano 06

The "Quirky Cube" design language combines urban sophistication with youthful energy. Smooth body curves contrast with bold black fender trims, while the T-shaped LED headlights deliver futuristic aesthetics perfect for city driving.

Chery iCAR 03

Adopting a boxy, rugged silhouette with geometric lighting elements, this model appeals to adventurous buyers. The high-mounted bumper and angular lines create a tough visual statement suitable for off-road enthusiasts.

Dimensions

Lexus Shines at 2025 Shanghai Auto Show: Global Debut of All-New ES with "Time" Theme

Lexus Pavilion: Where Heritage Meets Innovation

At the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, Lexus presents an immersive "Time" themed exhibition, using light/shadow interplay and vehicle displays to narrate its 20-year evolution in China - from the first-generation LS to the all-new ES. The pavilion features a dedicated "Time Corridor" where visitors experience key milestones of the brand's Chinese journey through interactive displays and AI-powered photo customization, perfectly blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation.

All-New ES: Strategic Global Premiere in China

Marking Lexus' 20th anniversary in China, the all-new ES makes its world debut in Shanghai, underscoring China's pivotal role in Lexus' global strategy.

Design Philosophy

- The ES embodies "Time as Luxury" with minimalist cabin design focusing on human-space harmony and emotional connection
- Exterior draws from LF-ZC EV concept: new Spindle

Dongfeng Nissan Launches N7 All-Electric Sedan: A Game-Changer in the EV Market

Key Highlights

• Launch Date: April 27, 2025

• Price Range: $1,633 - $2,042 (5 variants available)

• Record-breaking: 10,100 orders within first hour

• Range: Up to 540km on single charge

Overview

Dongfeng Nissan has officially unveiled its groundbreaking N7 all-electric sedan, marking a significant milestone in the company's electrification strategy. The mid-to-large size sedan comes in five configurations across three trim levels (Air, Pro, and Max), with competitive pricing that makes premium EV technology accessible to a wider market.

Design & Technology

The N7 showcases Nissan's latest design language with:

• 710 high-power LED lights and 882 OLED units in its distinctive front fascia
• Split-type headlight clusters with through-type LED light bars
• Modern inverted L-shaped lighting signature

Inside, drivers are treated to:

• A 15.6-inch 2.5K central touchscreen with separate instrument display
• 256-color ambient

DiDi GAC AION L4 Robotaxi Debut

In a landmark showcase at AUTO SHANGHAI 2025, DiDi Autonomous Driving and GAC AION revealed their jointly developed Level 4 autonomous Robotaxi, marking a quantum leap in China's self-driving technology. This production-ready vehicle is set for mass production by December 2025, with pilot programs launching across China's major metropolitan areas including Guangzhou and Beijing from 2026 onward.

Cutting-Edge Autonomous Platform

The groundbreaking Robotaxi builds upon GAC Aion's "Tyrannosaurus" (T-Rex) architecture, specifically developed on the Aion V platform - China's bestselling electric SUV that's poised for European market entry. This technological marvel redefines autonomous capabilities with unprecedented specifications:

Advanced Sensor Suite

33 integrated sensors (65% more than industry standard) including:

• 10 LiDAR units (4 long-range detecting 200m objects + 6 blind-spot units with 10cm proximity detection)
• Multi-spectral infrared sensors
• High-resolution

BYD's "Shenzhen" - World's Largest Car Carrier Makes Maiden Voyage

Record-Breaking Ship Sets Sail with 7,000+ NEVs

The BYD "Shenzhen", currently the world's largest pure car/truck carrier (PCTC), embarked on its historic maiden voyage from Taicang Port, Jiangsu on April 27, 2025. The vessel carried over 7,000 BYD new energy vehicles destined for Itajaí Port, Brazil, setting a new record for China's single-batch NEV exports and marking a strategic leap in global automotive logistics for Chinese brands.

Key Specifications of "Shenzhen"

• Length: 219.9 meters
• Beam: 37.7 meters (accommodates 18 standard cars side-by-side)
• Maximum capacity: 9,200 standard car equivalent units
• Deck system: 16 decks with 4 adjustable levels using advanced lifting platforms
• Draft: 9 meters
• Distinctive livery: Red-and-white color scheme with BYD branding

This vessel represents BYD's fourth self-owned NEV carrier and currently holds the title as the world's largest PCTC. The company is already constructing its

Shanghai Auto Show 2025: Luxury Fuel SUVs Defy EV Trends with Bold Upgrades

Despite fierce competition from electric vehicles, legacy automakers showcased refreshed flagship SUVs at Shanghai Auto Show, proving fuel models still dominate premium segments in emerging markets.

Key Highlights

• Audi Q5L debuts Huawei Qiankun infotainment with 5th-gen EA888 engine
• Infiniti QX80 challenges Lincoln Navigator with 456HP twin-turbo V6
• Lincoln's 48-inch wraparound screen sets new luxury benchmark

Model Breakdown

1. All-New Audi Q5L

The German marque's best-seller receives its most radical redesign yet. Built on the PPC platform, it features:

• Sharper exterior lines with aggressive front fascia
• Huawei Qiankun smart cockpit system (first in Audi)
• Upgraded 2.0T EA888 engine (5th generation) paired with 7-speed DCT
• Quattro all-wheel drive as standard

2. Infiniti QX80 Flagship

Japan's answer to American full-size SUVs brings:

• 3.5L