We’ve covered a ton of car launches this year, both abroad and right here in the Philippines. Heritage brands have released new nameplates, concept cars have come to life, and up-and-coming Chinese brands have consistently given us something to talk about.
Based on our readership, here are the 10 most popular car launches of 2025. These launches only scratch the surface of what took place over the past year, and some of these vehicles haven’t even debuted in the Philippines.
Some of these cars could enter the local market next year, so be sure to keep up to date with Top Gear Philippines in 2026.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
First impressions: We take the Toyota GR Corolla out for a quick lap on track
Honda Civic RS e:HEV returns 30.1km/L, hybrid HR-V does 28.1km/L in DOE fuel-eco run
1) 2025 Toyota bZ3X
While the larger bZ4X is on its way to the Philippines, you guys were really interested in the smaller, sub-P1 million bZ3X. This China-made crossover would be Toyota’s answer to the affordable subcompact crossovers from, well, China, directly going against the likes of the BYD Atto 3 and the Geely EX5.
2) 2026 Mitsubishi Destinator
Mitsubishi’s newest nameplate wants a slice of the MPV and compact crossover classes, as well as any other market segment that has seven seats. The Destinator is also a bit of a sentimental launch as the Philippines was the first to preview it during the 2024 Philippine International Motor Show.
3) 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ
If you want to talk about sentimentality, look no further. The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is
a mix of new and old, tied together with classic FJ Cruiser styling. It was launched with a partial four-wheel-drive system and the Fortuner’s 2TR-FE 2.7-liter gasoline engine.
4) 2025 Toyota Zenix (eight-seater)
An eight-seater Zenix may sound like a pet project for your local tuner, but over in Malaysia and India, it’s an official offering from Toyota. And last we checked, it was only available with a gas engine. Hopefully, 2026 holds a hybrid eight-seater bound for the Philippines.
5) 2026 Toyota Hilux
The new design of the Toyota Hilux has drawn some mixed reactions—just ask Top Gear Philippines managing editor Leandre Grecia. Opinions aside, this new Hilux has introduced electrification to Toyota’s line of workhorses, and we’re definitely excited to try it out once it hits Philippine roads.
6) 2025 BYD Sealion 8
BYD flooded 2025 with one release after another. It seemed like a new BYD vehicle was launched every other week, but you all had your sights set on something else. The Sealion 8 was one of the Chinese carmaker’s first seven-seaters to go international—entering Australia with range-extended and performance trims. Shortly after, BYD Cars Philippines would launch a slew of six- and seven-seaters. We guess they heard you?
7) 2026 Nissan Navara
Just when it looked like Nissan was down for the count, the Japanese brand picked itself up and launched an all-new Navara. While this is technically a rebadged Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan had also enlisted a third-party tuner to improve the suspension. So far, the all-new Navara is set for Australia, with no confirmed Philippine launch.
8) 2026 Toyota Ativ HEV
While it first launched in Thailand, the hybrid Toyota Ativ would make its Philippine debut shortly after. Many of you asked if this would replace or succeed the Vios, but for now, the two will be sold side by side, with the Vios having only a 1.3-liter engine option.
9) 2025 Toyota Aygo X
If people assume that Filipinos love big, burly MPVs and SUVs, show them this list. The Aygo X was one of our most popular stories, standing as a hybrid, subcompact fever dream for Filipino car buyers. Making a tiny but mighty 114hp with a 1.5-liter engine, this little thing even comes in an adorable GR Sport trim.
10) 2026 Mitsubishi Grandis
Okay, maybe we do love our high ground clearance and seven-seater cabins. The Mitsubishi Grandis made its 2025 comeback as a rebadged Renault, but something tells us the Destinator stole its thunder.
