2010 Manila Auto Salon: 10 best SUVs, trucks and vans

Toyota Hilux. The sheer size of its tires make it perfect for off-roading and a peek at its undercarriage identifies it as being a capable one at that. Also, check out the ax that’s attached to the rear bumper. It's just begging to be used to chop up anything that blocks this fourth-generation Hilux's progress into the jungle.

Nissan Le Grand. Remember the subdued Itasha Mazda 2 in the 10 Best-Looking cars list? Well, this Nissan Le Grand is its opposite with its over-the-top design. Still, that didn't stop people from having their picture taken with this Itasha van. That it's also a rolling sound system makes it even harder to ignore.

Porsche Cayenne. Here's another capable off-roader. The low-profile tires and outrageous bodykit on this one, though, says that the only rock-strewn area it will cover would be the parking lot beside Bonifacio High Street.

Toyota bB. Here's another rolling sound system. You’ll be hard-pressed to count the number of speakers on this one as the driver's door alone has more than 10 already. It's even got some disco lights to complete the in-car party atmosphere.

Toyota Land Cruiser. The Toyota Land Cruiser is legendary and the 60-Series you see here aims to prove it even further, thanks to the extended stainless steel front bumper that houses the winch required for some serious off-roading.

Chevrolet Avalanche. This is an aberration as it is both an SUV and a pickup truck. Why? Because it's got a cargo bed that opens up to the cabin via the foldable rear seats, removable rear window and a folding panel.

Ford F-150. It'll be hard to miss this one as it's located near the entrance. This gas-guzzler though was converted by Alex Restoration into a rescue vehicle with the stock rear bed replaced with a custom-made one for the necessary rescue equipment.

Hyundai Tucson. The first-generation Tucson may be one compact SUV but here's proof it can be transformed into a mobile sound system. This one's owned by the distributor of Powerbass brand of speakers in the Philippines. Yep, it's her daily driver.

Mazda B2200. This pickup truck may be more than ten years old but its off-road modifications say that it can still go on for another decade more. Its tires are even bigger than that of the previously mentioned Hilux while its suspension components prove that axle articulation isn't a problem.

A-Toy Bodykits Party Bus. Now this is one vehicle that's an amalgamation of three different car brands. It’s got the grille and headlight of a Ford E-Series van mounted on a bodywork done by A-Toy Bodykits, which rides on the chassis of an Isuzu Elf and is plastered with graphics dominated by a Chevrolet Cruze.