2024 was filled with groundbreaking launches, and we reckon that it’ll be more of the same in 2025. Disruptors are keen to shake up the local market even further, while legacy automakers are throwing the gauntlet in tech and electrification.
If anything, we’re expecting to be busier than ever given all the changes happening in the automotive landscape. At least it keeps us employed, right?
While it’s difficult to predict what cars will be launched in the next 12 months, we’ve come up with a couple we’d like to see in 2025. Granted, it’s not a definitive list, but you might agree with some of the models we’ve put down.
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1) Ford Everest Tremor
It’s confirmed that Ford will bring in electrified models to the country soon, but there is another one we’re hoping lands here in 2025. As the American automaker still won’t confirm an Everest Raptor, we at least saw the premiere of the Tremor in 2024. It’s already out in Australia and is built in Thailand. Surely, there’s a market for a junior Everest Raptor in the Philippines, right? Bonus points if Ford PH gets to bring in the V6 turbodiesel, too.
2) Honda HR-V e:HEV
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Honda’s e:HEV powertrain is one of the best out there. As much as we dislike using cliches such as ‘powerful yet efficient,’ it really applies for Honda’s hybrid system. With that, we’d really like to see the electrified version of the HR-V. With the promise of turbo levels of performance with double the fuel economy, it’s something we’d like to see here soon. Plus, the hybrid model is the best-selling crossover over in Japan, so there’s cool points there.
3) Honda Prelude
This is a bit of a stretch, but why else would Honda Cars Philippines publish a Prelude video in its socials? Surely, that’s a hint right there. The production version is coming soon, along with full specifications. Should Honda bring it here, that means we could see two sporty models in the country with the other being the Civic Type R. We don’t mind getting spoiled like this. At all.
4) Hyundai Palisade
If 2024 was the year of performance for Hyundai, 2025 might be more for luxury. That’s because the redesigned Palisade just made its world premiere, and there’s a good chance of it coming to the Philippines. It won’t be a volume model, for sure, but we’d like to see it here because it will represent the future of Hyundai SUVs. We’re hoping the version we get here comes with a front bench seat.
5) Hyundai Staria Hybrid
Diesels are the norm with large vans here, but Hyundai has all the potential to shake things up. But that will only happen if the local subsidiary decides to bring in the Staria Hybrid in 2025. It’s now available in South Korea, Oceania, and Europe, but it’s unknown if it will appear in Southeast Asia. Given that we’re one of the biggest markets for the Staria in the region, we reckon it’s worth bringing in the electrified van in the country.
6) Isuzu Mu-X
Following the launch of the heavily updated D-Max, it probably won’t be a massive surprise if the new Mu-X will land in the country sometime in 2025. Still, that doesn’t shake away the excitement we have to that model. Fingers crossed it also gets all the upgrades now in the D-Max, and it’s an SUV we’re really looking forward to driving soon.
7) Lexus LBX Morizo RR
Speaking of crossing fingers, we’re also crossing our toes for the Lexus LBX Morizo RR. It has all the ingredients that make it a winner as its practical subcompact crossover body is wrapped around GR Yaris mechanicals. You get rally car DNA with bigger back seats so you can scare more passengers along the way. What’s not to like?
8) Lexus LX 700h
If you’re in the market for a full-size SUV, chances are fuel efficiency isn’t one of your biggest concerns when it comes to buying a car. Still, there might be a couple of folks out there who’d still like these mammoth 4x4s to drink a little less fuel. Should Lexus Philippines bring in the LX 700h, it might just be answered prayers for them.
9) Mazda MX-30 R-EV
As range-extended electric vehicles gain more traction here, we reckon 2025 is a good time for Mazda to roll out its MX-30 R-EV. With an estimated range of over 640km, that can be boosted even further thanks to its plug-in capabilities. Of course, it can also charge by itself, acting like a normal hybrid. But the takeaway here is Mazda embracing electrification on its terms by using a rotary engine. Stubborn? Yes, but we love Mazda more for it.
10) Nissan Patrol
Nissan is taking quite a pounding in the news lately, but if there’s a glimmer of hope in 2025, it would be with the new-generation Patrol. Sales and deliveries will begin soon, for the Middle East at least. Locally, it’s already been previewed and we’re pretty sure Nissan Philippines is keen to get those orders in and send them to customers as soon as possible.
11) Nissan Magnite
While we’re certain that the redesigned Patrol will be a hit, what Nissan really needs right now is more sales volume. That is why the Magnite will be such a crucial model for the brand, especially in Southeast Asia. We want to see it land soon here, not only because we’re genuinely curious about it, but also because the brand’s future literally hangs in the balance. Its success or failure will determine Nissan’s fate before the end of the decade, along with other mainstream models.
12) Subaru Forester
Locally, Subaru has been relatively quiet. While we did get new variants of existing models, we didn’t see any major changes in the lineup. We’re hoping that will soon change once the next-generation Forester arrives here. Of course, that will all depend on the local distributor, but they better be quick. The Forester we still have here isn’t getting any younger and in dire need of a refresh.
13) Toyota Alphard PHEV
Toyota is one of the pioneers of electrification in the country. Which is why it’s odd why there’s still no plug-in hybrid model sold in the Philippines. Hopefully, the company considers adding the Alphard PHEV to the local lineup, not just to bolster the electrified portfolio but to give more choice to consumers. Besides, who wouldn’t want a 300hp leather-lined luxury van that can still do 16.7km/L in mixed driving conditions?
14) Toyota GR Yaris
It’s already out in neighboring countries, and we’re patiently waiting for its local debut. Given its success in the local market, we wouldn’t be too surprised if the facelifted GR Yaris comes here. We’re still plenty excited, though.
15) Toyota Vios
We’ll keep this one brief. Please, Toyota, bring in the new-generation Vios here now. It’s been too long since it made its world premiere already, and the current model isn’t exactly a spring chicken. Also, the subcompact sedan market needs some action right now, and the all-new Vios is just the ticket
