It’s been an exciting year in the Philippine automotive industry. This year, we got a lot of new cars and a lot of new brands. For those who are not immersed in automotive news, keeping track of the latest models can be a chore, so we’ve created this list to help you out.
For most people, cars are just a means of getting from point A to B but we believe that they could also be more than that. So we have customized our criteria to reward those that stand out.
For a more detailed description of how I came up with the scores, watch the video below.
The vehicles on this list will be given scores on the following criteria, with 1 being the lowest and 10 the highest
A.) Market disruption: This category rewards vehicles that stir the pot. Those that make the competition seem outdated, obsolete or less desirable. And those that define their category.
B.) Value for money: This measures how much car buyers get for their money. A vehicle that offers excellent performance and features at a competitive price point will score highly in this category
C.) Selling point. This rewards vehicles that excel in at least one area—whether that’s cutting-edge technology, superior on-road handling, excellent off-road performance, or unparalleled comfort. Rather than being a jack-of-all-trades, the best cars in this category excel at something specific, making them attractive to buyers who want more than just an average vehicle.
D.) Cool factor: Cars are about more than just numbers. The emotional connection they evoke is what makes them special and I believe a huge part of that emotional connection is derived from the way they present themselves. This category is all about road presence—the cars that turn heads, spark conversation, and exude character. While subjective, it recognizes that some cars leave a lasting impression well beyond their specs
Qualifications
- Only vehicles launched in the Philippines in 2024 qualify.
- Price cap of ₱10,000,000.
- I must have personally driven the cars.
10.) Foton Tunland V9: P1,998,000
The Foton Tunland stands out head and shoulders above all other pick ups in its price bracket. -literally. It’s the biggest pick up that you can buy for the price, dwarfing even the mighty Ranger Raptor. Aside from its size, it also is the most premium pick up that you can buy for the price. Its interior looks and feels vastly more opulent and more spacious than any of the diesel pick ups in its price bracket
Market Disruption: 7/10
Value for money: 6/10
Selling Point: 6.5/10
Cool Factor: 7.5/10
Total: 27 Points
9.) Jetour T2: P2,498,000
The big and boxy frame of the T2 stands out among the sea of Chinese crossovers that often look quite alike. It’s one of the first Chinese SUVs to offer this rugged, off-roader styling, earning points for being a trailblazer. Under the hood is a 2.0 turbocharged petrol engine that produces 251 hp and 390 Nm of torque, sending power to all four wheels
a.) Market Disruption: 7
b.) Value for Money: 5.5
c.) Selling Point: 7
d.) Cool Factor: 8
Total: 27.5 Points
8.) Vinfast VF3: P745,000
Theres definitely a growing market for EVs in the Philippines but with our current infrastructure, few people are gonna choose it as their only car. Most will still have an ICE vehicle for those long road trips or those times when charging becomes inconvenient.
At P745,000, the VF3 is priced low enough that it could be a 2nd car for a middle class family. If you opt for Vinfast’s battery subscription program, you can get it for an even lower price of 645k. Aside from its price, what makes it stand out is its distinctive styling that manages to simultaneously look cute and macho
a.) Market Disruption: 6
b.) Value for Money: 7.5
c.) Selling Point: 7
d.) Cool Factor: 7.5
Total: 28 Points
7.) MG 3 Hybrid+ P1,088,000
At 1,088,000 pesos, the MG3 is one of the most affordable hybrids that you can buy. Despite the price, it’s packed with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, power adjustable leather seats and decent looking screens. Being a hybrid, you get extra perks such as coding exemption and excellent fuel economy. I was able to get 25 kpl on a trip from QC to Subic. Overall, it’s a well-rounded, budget-friendly choice with modern tech and excellent fuel economy
a.) Market Disruption: 7.5
b.) Value for Money: 7.5
c.) Selling Point: 7.5
d.) Cool Factor: 6
Total: 28.5 Points
6.) BMW i4 M50: P5,990,000
The i4 M50 is the car-equivalent of a raised middle finger to everyone who ever said that EVs are a boring means of transportation. It has 537hp and, a ridiculous 795Nm of torque, which is enough power to propel it from 0 to 100kph in just 3.7 seconds. That’s a lot quicker to a hundred than the previous generation f80 M3.
a.) Market Disruption: 8.5
b.) Value for Money: 5
c.) Selling Point: 7
d.) Cool Factor: 9.5
Total: 30 Points
5.) Ford Bronco: P4,998,000
The Ford Bronco is as purpose built as they come. From its features, to its robust chassis and drivetrain to its macho and retro looks, there’s no mistaking that this is first and foremost and off road focused SUV. If off road performance and road presence are important to you, and you have a budget of about 5 million, this is the best SUV for the money.
a.) Market Disruption: 7.5
b.) Value for Money: 5
c.) Selling Point: 8.5
d.) Cool Factor: 9.5
Total: 30.5 Points
4.) BYD Seal 5 Premium: P1,198,000
The BYD Seal 5 is so aggressively priced that it has stripped a lot of cars of their selling point. It sells from 948,000 to 1,198,000. It’s a plug in hybrid that sells for less than regular hybrids. The advantage of plug-in hybrids is that you can charge them from an external source so they don’t have to rely entirely on the internal combustion engine for charging. With an EV range of 115 km, the Seal 5 can function as an electric car for city driving, while also offering the flexibility for long road trips without the worry of range anxiety.
a.) Market Disruption: 9.5
b.) Value for Money: 9.5
c.) Selling Point: 9
d.) Cool Factor: 5
Total: 33 Points
3.)BAIC B30 Dune 4×4 HEV P1,888,000
This 4wd hybrid SUV is the quiet overachiever of the year. It boasts a combined 400hp and 685Nm of torque out of its 2.0L ICE engine and dual electric motors. All that power doesn’t come at the expense of running cost as it’s a hybrid with excellent fuel consumption. It comes in two variants, a 2wd and 4wd variant priced at 1,588,000-1,888,000 respectively. For a 4wd, Hybrid SUV with as much power as it has, that is ridiculously good value for money
a.) Market Disruption: 9
b.) Value for Money: 8
c.) Selling Point: 9
d.) Cool Factor: 8
Total: 34 Points
2.)Ford Ranger Raptor V6 P2,739,000
When Ford Launched the Ranger Raptor V6 at the 2024 Philippine International Motor show, it took a lot of people by surprise, including yours truly. First because there was no prior teaser to it, and second because it’s priced much lower than expected. At 2.7 million pesos, it’s just 16% more expensive than the regular Diesel Ranger Raptor. Aside from the more powerful 400hp V6, it also comes with a number of improvements over the diesel variant including: Adaptive Fox Shocks, Variable Dual Exhaust and a locking front differential.
a.) Market Disruption: 9
b.) Value for Money: 9
c.) Selling Point: 9
d.) Cool Factor: 8
Total: 35 Points
1.) BYD Sealion 6: P1,548,000
The sealion 6 is one of the most disruptive cars released this year. When it launched at 1.58 million pesos, it suddenly made a lot of vehicles feel obsolete or overpriced. What made the Sealion 6 a compelling choice was that it was a plug in hybrid that was priced about the same or even slightly lower than regular HEVs. Because it’s a plug-in hybrid, you don’t have to rely on the internal combustion engine for charging so you could use it as an EV as long as you could keep the battery charged. And with an EV range of 105km, you can use it in the city for several days before it would need charging. It’s the ideal choice for those who want the perks of having an EV without the hassle of range anxiety. Additionally, the Sealion 6 is packed with features. It has autonomous driving features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, a 360 camera a premium and spacious interior and huge screens. It just ticks a lot of boxes in a lot of right ways
a.) Market Disruption: 9.5
b.) Value for Money: 9.5
c.) Selling Point: 9.5
d.) Cool Factor: 7
Total: 35.5 Points
The BYD Sealion 6 is our Car of the year. Our top 10 list ranges in price from 700k to almost 6 million pesos. I think all of them are interesting in their own way. If our top pick isn’t the one for you, I think you’ll be able to find one here that will fit your budget, your preferences and your needs.
