Just when we thought 2023 was a huge year for the local automotive landscape, 2024 doubled down on car launches. Seriously, we didn’t know how to split ourselves in covering all of them.
And yet, we’ve managed to cover as much as we can. By our reckoning, we saw over 80 new cars enter the Philippine market, not to mention countless newcomers trying their luck here.
But out of the 80+ models, we did our darnedest to narrow it down to the biggest and most significant ones this year. We slimmed the list down to 17, and believe us, it was the smallest we can go.
So, without further ado, these are the local launches of 2024 that stirred the motoring landscape
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
4 Ultra-luxury SUVs to get if you've got money to burn
5 used large SUVs for the price of a brand-new Suzuki Jimny 5-door
1) BYD Seal 5 DM-i
It can be charged with gas, through a plug, or all by itself. It can run over 1,000km without having to visit a fuel station, and it can be yours for under a million pesos. It sounds like the stuff of fantasy but that’s exactly what the BYD Seal 5 DM-i aims to offer. On top of that, you can get a fairly sizable sedan for subcompact car money, and it’s not like it’s a bad-looking car, either. BYD’s electrified sedan has all the right ingredients to be a success. Time will tell if it succeeds.
2) BYD Sealion 6 DM-i
With hundreds on the road nowadays, it almost feels like the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i has been around for a long time. Just weeks after its launch, we’ve seen countless on our roads, an impressive feat for a relatively young company that’s in the middle of an image change. The specs made all the right noises, and who wouldn’t say no to an SUV with decent space, strong performance, and over 1,000km between fill-ups. Like the Seal 5 DM-i, the price was just right, too.
3) Ford Bronco
Despite never being officially sold in the Philippines, the Ford Bronco has gained a cult following here. And after nearly 60 years of waiting, it finally landed in the country through official networks. It was well worth the wait, too, as it was one of the best 4x4s we drove this year. Hugely capable off-road, surprisingly civilized on pavement, and with 350hp under the hood, it can chase down a few so-called sports cars…while wearing mud terrain tires. This bucking Bronco is no one-trick pony.
4) Ford Mustang
While we’re on the subject of horses, Ford Philippines thought it would be a great idea to bring in the all-new Mustang here in the same year. We’re glad they did, though, as the redesigned Mustang is a revelation that can silence the sports car snobs. Forget the memes that say American cars can’t turn. The Mustang easily banishes that by reigning in nearly 500hp with finesse and delicacy one expects from more expensive metal. It’s deservedly the sole survivor of the muscle car class.
5) Ford Ranger Raptor V6
When we drove the V6 twin-turbo Ranger Raptor in Vietnam in 2023, we asked, no, begged Ford to bring it to the Philippines. You, dear readers, agreed with our sentiments, so here we are now with the fastest and thirstiest Ranger Raptor in the country yet. With nearly 400hp and heaps more torque under the hood, it’s a true one of a kind vehicle in its class.
6) Honda Civic e:HEV
For those doubting that electrification dulls everything down, they need to try out the new Civic e:HEV first. The compact sedan class’ benchmark-setter is actually better electrified as it’s faster than the turbo variant and even more engaging. You get V6-levels of power and acceleration and easily over 15km/L even in bad traffic conditions. It’s guiltless performance that carries the spirit of the iconic SiR.
7) Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai re-entered the Philippine compact sedan market in a rather unusual way. Years after it was discontinued locally, the Elantra returned to the country but not as a sensible and practical family car. Instead, we got the Elantra N complete with 276hp, track-tuned suspension, and an exhaust system that pops and bangs for attention. We’re not complaining, though.
8) Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
What else is left to say about our 2024 Car of the Year? The Ioniq 5 N was the best car we’ve driven all year, and it’s not just because of the price to performance ratio. It’s fun and involving to drive, for starters, and it’s engaging to drive without being intimidating. If anything, it’s the friendliest 600hp beast we’ve driven, but it driving experience is far from diluted. It makes all the right noises, literally and figuratively, and Hyundai has just showed the world that an EV can be fun when the roads get twisty.
9) Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Following the high-performance N models, Hyundai Philippines showed off its practical and sensible side with the launch of two electrified crossovers. Alongside the facelifted Tucson is its hybrid version, while the big and boxy Santa Fe gets electric assistance, too. These Hyundais are some of the most pleasant crossovers to drive, and hybridization makes them even more refined.
10) Isuzu D-Max
It’s tough being the first sometimes. While the third-generation Isuzu D-Max ushered in a new wave of pickups in 2019, it’s now right in the middle of its life cycle with fresher competition coming in. Which is why the updated version arrived just in time, along with a whole host of improvements to keep it relevant in the market. The best part? The four-wheel drive models finally come with a much-needed rear differential lock. We’re hoping Isuzu adds that to the facelifted Mu-X down the line.
11) Kia Sonet
It took a while but we’re glad it’s finally here. When Kia brought in the Sonet in 2024, we were glad that there’s a small, reasonably priced crossover that can give the Toyota Raize a good run for its money. We weren’t disappointed during our first impressions drive with it, and the public has responded positively by actually buying the little Kia. Big Test soon, anyone?
12) MG 3
We’re glad MG brought in the MG 3. There aren’t a lot of models in its size segment anymore, but that didn’t stop the British-Chinese automaker from having a crack at it. With hybrid power available, MG made a bit of an accidental hot hatch, too, with nearly 200hp wrapped in its subcompact body.
13) Mitsubishi Triton
Yes, people have said a few things about its looks, but one cannot deny the talents and abilities of the all-new Triton. Performance and drivability are leaps ahead of the old Strada, and it’s safe to say it’s one of the best pickups we’ve driven in 2024. If you need any more proof, this pickup even made the top ten finalists for Japan Car of the Year 2024–2025, a tough and rare feat. Now, who are we to disagree?
14) Mitsubishi XForce
Seemingly tired of Honda and Toyota hogging all the fun, Mitsubishi finally rejoined the subcompact crossover market in 2024 with the XForce. It may be based on the humble underpinnings of the Xpander, but Mitsubishi managed to give its small SUV a personality of its own. Not only that, it boasts a unique traction and stability control system that serves as a substitute for all-wheel drive. Sure, it’s won’t go as far off-road as a Montero Sport or Triton, but among its peers, the XForce can go down the beaten path for longer.
15) Suzuki Jimny 5-door
For those who always wished the Jimny came with an extra set of doors, their wishes were finally granted in 2024. The extra length now means one of two things. You can either use it for carrying more people in (relative) comfort, or use the added space for cargo. Either way, the body stretch expands the appeal of the tiny 4x4, making it a far more usable SUV for daily use.
16) Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Lexus GX
Given that the Prado is a model with a (very) extended life cycle, the arrival of the new generation was a huge deal, indeed. It made its world premiere in 2023 and finally landed here in 2024. Oddly enough, it was its more luxurious twin, the Lexus GX, that came here first, but we don’t mind that at all. We’d gladly take either version of these SUVs. Now, if only we had at least P5-M or were gold medal Olympians…
17) Toyota Tamaraw
Nobody really does massive car launches in December, but Toyota truly saved the best for last in its roster. Months after previews and teasers, the Tamaraw has finally returned to the lineup. The revived version goes back to its more utilitarian roots with its dropside and UV body styles. Like past Tamaraws, it’s based on the Hilux and proudly made in the Philippines. Deliveries begin in January 2025 and we can’t wait to try it out for ourselves.
