SUVs have become more popular than ever over the last decade in almost all major automobile markets. The Philippines is no different. The increasing popularity has led carmakers to introduce new sub-genres like subcompact-SUVs, crossover-SUVs, and midsized SUVs. Each car in the segment comes in several trims, enabling customers to pick a car of their choice. In fact some of the compact cars don't qualify as a true-blue SUV. But manufacturers, wanting to cash in on the popularity of the segment, brand them likewise. No wonder, SUV is the fastest growing automobile segment anywhere in the world.
All leading manufacturers like Toyota, Kia, Suzuki, Ford and Mercedes-Benz have at least one SUV in their product portfolio. Kia Stonic is among the most affordably priced compact-SUVs in the Philippines market. The 2023 Kia Stonic has a starting price of ₱835,000. The Land Rover Range Rover, with a starting price of ₱16.99 million, is the most expensive model in Ph.
What are SUVs and why are they in demand?
SUV is the acronym for sports utility vehicle. As the name suggests, it's a car that comes with a lot of cabin space for sports and utilitarian needs. An SUV tries to give the best of both worlds. With a high roof and often a large rear, and increased ground clearance, passengers in an SUV have enough space to travel comfortably for long hours. That aside, there's a whole lot of space for luggage, camping equipment, work tools, pets, and almost anything. The more powerful SUVs are also used for hauling or towing. The 'sports' in the SUV don't mean that these are race track scorchers. It means that the car is suitably equipped for off-road travel. However, SUVs are typically used for highway journeys and rarely used on off-road. Also, continuous travelling on an off-road surface isn't recommended by car experts as that may damage the suspension system, no matter how tough it is.
SUVs have evolved over time. One of the earliest uses of utility trucks was during World War II, when all-terrain military vehicles were required to transport soldiers and logistics. This called for hardy and durable vehicles with lots of space, capable of handling unforgiving terrains. The entire purpose of the early SUVs, as late as in the mid-eighties, was focused entirely on utility and less on travelling comfort. Since the early nineties, SUVs have become affordable and companies started stressing on passenger comfort. As the years went by, more driver-assist equipment was added to these cars.
Fast forward to 2023-2024, and SUV buyers today are spoilt for choices regarding which SUV to buy. There's always a unique vehicle to match their lifestyle, from performance to luxury, from hybrid to all-electric, the options are plentiful. SUVs have a great road presence. They are either 5-seater or 7-seater vehicles. Especially in the 5-seater segment, the compact SUVs are trending more than ever. Recently launched facelift Ford territory, Kia Stonic, and Geely coolray are the most popular models in the compact SUV segment.
Some of high-end variants of common SUV come with all-wheel-drive. This helps the car tackle the toughest terrains since power is supplied to all four wheels. These cars have hardy mechanical parts that can withstand rugged use. But at the same time, all-wheel-drive SUVs are more expensive than other models in the segment. The Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Isuzu mu-X, Nissan Terra, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Ford Everest are among the more popular SUVs in the Philippines. Full-sized SUVs include the Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, and Ford Expedition.
SUVs in the Philippines 2023-2024
A number of new SUVs are slated to be launched in the Philippines market in 2023-2034. These include the 2023 Kia Mohave, MG RX8, Hyundai Santa Fe 2024, GMC Acadia Denali 2024. Kia Carnival LX 2024, Kia Seltos S 2024, Kia Telluride EX 2024, Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium, 2023 Toyota Fortuner, and several others. While some of these cars will be facelift versions, others will be all-new models.
What are the best SUVs in the Philippines
Toyota Fortuner
The Toyota Fortuner is one of the most popular SUVs in the Philippines and is often considered the benchmark in the midsized segment. The Fortuner has a bold and aggressive design which makes the car stand out from the crowd. With a high ground clearance, all-wheel capability, and a robust suspension, the Toyota Fortuner is a great car for long weekend trips.
The Toyota Fortuner is available in nine variants with either a 2.4-liter or a 2.8-liter diesel engine option. Transmission options include manual and automatic. The Toyota Fortuner GR Sport 2.8L 4x4 AT is the highest spec car. Even the entry-level Toyota Fortuner 2.4 G Diesel 4x2 MT is fairly equipped. The car runs on 17-inch wheels. It comes with a tilt and telescopic steering, four airbags, central locking system, child safety locks, engine immobilizer, and parking sensors. The cabin has fabric upholstery and the seats are comfortable for long-duration travel.
The Fortuner is a hugely dependable car. It comes with Toyota's brand reputation.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport
The Mitsubishi Montero Sport has consistently ranked among the most popular 7-seater SUVs in the Philippines. This car from the Japanese automobile major is a modern version of what a family car should be. The car comes with a lot of space for comfortable travelling. It has great ground clearance and is mounted on a robust suspension that’s needed to tread over the metro streets and unpaved provincial roads.
The Montero Sport comes with some great equipment. These include 8-way power-adjustable seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, user-friendly HVAC controls, hands-free access tailgate, electrical outlet and two USB charging ports for the rear passengers. The car is hauled by a turbocharged 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder diesel engine which produces 179PS maximum power and 430Nm peak torque. The motor is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
The Montero Sport has an exhaustive suite of safety features. These include antilock braking, traction control, rear parking sensors and multiple airbags, making it one of the safest midsized SUVs on Philippine roads.
Accroding to reports, the next next-gen Montero Sportexpected to launchin 2025.
Ford Everest
Well, the name says it all. The Ford Everest has earned its name as the toughest midsized SUV anywhere in the world. It's a hardy, off-road vehicle that can traverse all surfaces, without sacrificing the comfort of its occupants.
The 2023 Ford Everest had its global launch in March 2022. Ford Philippines is offering the SUV in five variants and four trim levels. Diesel powertrain options include a turbocharged, 2.0-liter engine and a bi-turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBlue unit. Automatic transmission options comprise a 6-speed and 10-speed automatic depending on the variant.
Ford has redesigned the SUV's interior. It now looks much cleaner and sophisticated. The Sports and higher models are a mix of leather and faux-leather with variant-specific styling. Eight-way power-adjustable front seats and power-folding third row seats come as standard.
The 2023 Ford Everest is a great improvement over its earlier version. There's a great amount of technology inside. The ride quality is better with the supportive seats and finely tuned suspension. The safety Everest's safety equipment is one of the best in class.
Recently, Ford Philippines discreetly raised prices on a number of Everest versions. The two highest-spec Titanium+ trims, the 4x2 and the 4x4, are now P30,000 more expensive, according to the automaker's website.
Nissan Terra
The Nissan Terra was the Japanese carmaker's entry to the Philippines midsized SUV segment.The car shares the same platform with Navara. The Nissan Terra is among the more comfortable ladder-on-frame SUVs in the market today, courtesy the multi-link rear suspension setup. The facelift Nissan Terra had its Philippines debut in September 2021, carrying various upgrades. Since then the Nissan terra has only got cosmatic update like'adventure-inspired' Terra Sport variant, starts at P2.1 Million launched in Feb, 2023.
The Nissan Terra is equipped with a dual-turbocharged 2.5-liter diesel engine which produces 190PS maximum power and 450Nm peak torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed automatic.
The Nissan Terra has a vastly improved interior. The lower variants get fabric seats. The higher trims come with new leather upholstery along with red and black interior color combination. Longevity and durability are the highlights of the Terra's seating system. The seats are comfortable and there's enough legroom and headroom. The cabin is airy and occupants don't have to squirm in their seats. The Nissan Terra comes with impressive safety equipment including multiple airbags.
Isuzu mu-X
The second-generation Isuzu mu-X received a significant upgrade in recent years, making it a more competitive and refined midsized SUV. Isuzu mu-X 2023 s available in 5 variants ranging from ₱1.65 Million to ₱2.505 Million.
It is available with two diesel engine options. These are a turbocharged 1.9-liter RZ4E enginewhich produces 148 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque and a 3.0-liter Blue Power unit with 188 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque.
The Isuzu mu-X comes with a refined cabin. The higher models of the seven-seater SUV come with a dual-zone automatic climate control unit with pollen filter. A 3-dial switch with pollen filter is available for the lower models.
Handling of the Isuzu mu-X is impressive. The car negotiates city traffic well and is a well-balanced performer on highways. All models of the Isuzu mu-X comes with anti-lock braking, brake assist, electronic stability control, brake override system, traction control, and hill-start assist. The higher trims have seven airbags. Even the entry-level RZ4E LS 4x2 AT comes with rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera. The Isuzu mu-X is a popular lifestyle car in the Philippines.
