2022 Honda Stepwgn: A smarter way to move the family
The Stepwgn Spada is a clever, straightforward family MPV that shows that being practical doesn't have to be boring
In Bangladesh, multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) are especially popular because families often need high-capacity vehicles to carry children, elders, or groups comfortably. Their flexible seating and spacious interiors are perfect for school runs, weekend trips, and daily commuting in traffic-heavy cities.
Compared to sedans or SUVs, MPVs offer a practical balance of comfort, space, and convenience, making them a preferred choice for large families or those who prioritize usability and versatility.
However, for the longest time, the go to option for car buyers were the Toyota Voxys and Noahs. This is where the 2022 Honda Stepwgn Spada (non-hybrid) steps in. It is a clever, straightforward family MPV that shows that being practical doesn't have to be boring.
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The Stepwgn Spada is designed for contemporary families with a tall, boxy profile that maximizes room, features sliding doors for easy entry, and adjustable seats.
It offers powerful performance without the hassles of a hybrid system thanks to a dependable 1500 cc turbo under the hood. The Spada trim is one of the most logical and well-balanced options in its class— incorporating a hint of sportiness into its practical origins.
The Stepwgn Spada sports a clean, boxy exterior. At the front, it features a chrome grille with boxy LED headlights on both ends along with DRLs. Unlike most Hondas you see roaming around Bangladesh's roads, this one stands out in terms of its design language.
It lacks the curves you'd typically find in a CR-V or a Civic. Although, the design choice for the side mirrors, the shape of the DRLs and the plethora of large glasses all around to ensure as much light and visibility as possible are what ultimately confirms that it's definitely another example from Honda.
The unit we reviewed came with a rear spoiler and it rides on factory specced 16-inch alloy wheels. There are sliding doors on both sides which makes accessing the interior easy, while its tall profile maximizes interior space.
Getting inside, you're greeted with a cabin that is practical and tech-forward. At the centre of the dashboard, there is a 11.4-inch infotainment system which is decently large considering this is a Japanese vehicle. Unlike many JDM (Japanese domestic model) vehicles however, it does come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
Other than that, there is a full digital gauge cluster, dual-zone climate control, and a 360° camera.
Like many other MPVs, comfort is where the Stepwgn Spada shines the most. It offers a very family‑friendly seating layout with three rows. The second row features two captain's seats that can slide not just forward and back, but also side-to-side — a clever design that can let a driving parent reach back to a child more easily. These seats also recline, and on higher trims come with seat heating, leg rests and armrests for greater comfort.
The third row is raised slightly, giving passengers a better view out the front, and the cushions are thicker for improved comfort. Both the second and third rows can fold flat into the floor, making it easy to convert the cabin into a large cargo hauler when needed as well. It also comes with the Honda Sensing safety features.
Under the hood, it is powered by a 1500cc turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the same engine found in the Honda Civic. Paired with a smooth continuously variable transmission (CVT), this setup provides comfortable acceleration, making it ideal for both city traffic and highway runs, even when fully loaded.
One might think that a 1500 cc engine will be too weak for overtakes or quick acceleration. If it was a naturally aspirated engine with no electrical assist, this would have been true to some extent. However, this is where the turbo kicks in.
The turbocharged powertrain offers plenty of low-end torque for carrying passengers without feeling sluggish, while remaining fuel-efficient and easy to maintain. Unlike the hybrid variant, this non-hybrid model avoids the complexity of an additional electric powertrain, giving families a practical, reliable, and versatile MPV option in Bangladesh.
In conclusion, the 2022 Honda Stepwgn Spada non-hybrid strikes a compelling balance between practicality, comfort, and technology. Its spacious, flexible interior, user-friendly features, and reliable turbocharged engine make it an ideal choice for families in Bangladesh who require a versatile and dependable MPV.
In terms of pricing, it is currently positioned in the same segment as the Toyota Noah and Voxy with the trim we reviewed being priced between Tk58 lakhs to Tk60 lakhs. However, with the plethora of features and practicality that Stepwgn has to offer, the price is more or less justified. The addition of a sunroof or a panoramic roof would've just been the cherry on top.
For households that prioritize space, convenience, and peace of mind on every journey, the Stepwgn Spada stands out as a smart and well-rounded option.
Specifications:
Engine: 1500 cc DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder Turbocharged
Transmission: CVT
Power: 145 hp at 6,200 rpm
Torque: 203 Nm
Price: Starts from Tk58 Lakh
