The 20 Best-Inquired-For Vehicles in the Philippines (2021)
You’re in the market for a new ride, and you’re scrolling through AutoDeal, checking out the specs, the prices, and the reviews. But what are other Filipino car buyers looking at? What’s got everyone buzzing?
Well, you’ve come to the right place.
For the past several years, I’ve been deep in the trenches of the Philippine automotive industry. I’ve seen trends come and go, watched as new brands shake up the market, and witnessed the rise and fall of certain models. And let me tell you, 2021 was a year of fascinating shifts.
We’re seeing a continued evolution in what Filipino drivers want. While some stalwarts remain, others have climbed the ranks, and a few newcomers have made a significant splash. It’s a dynamic landscape that reflects the changing needs and preferences of the modern Filipino consumer.
So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into the definitive list of the 20 most inquired-for vehicles in the Philippines for 2021.
Honda City
The Honda City has long been a fixture in the subcompact sedan segment, and its 2020 redesign brought a fresh wave of excitement. This isn’t just a facelift; it’s a complete transformation that positions the City as a more mature and sophisticated contender.
Honda has injected an Accord-like design language into the City, giving it a premium look that belies its price point. But the updates aren’t just skin deep. For the first time in recent memory, the City is available with a brand-new engine—a dual-overhead-camshaft unit that offers a refined and capable performance.
What makes the City stand out is its ability to blend style, substance, and Honda’s renowned reliability. It’s a car that appeals to first-time buyers, young professionals, and families who want a dependable daily driver with a touch of class.
Mitsubishi Strada
Mitsubishi has a strong foothold in the Philippine market, particularly in the pickup truck segment. The Strada, their midsize pickup offering, continues to hold its ground despite being around for a few years.
While it may not have received the most recent updates compared to some rivals, the Strada’s enduring popularity is a testament to its solid engineering and Mitsubishi’s brand reputation. Filipinos trust Mitsubishi for durable, workhorse vehicles, and the Strada delivers on that promise.
Its robust build quality, dependable engine, and capable performance make it a favorite for those who need a vehicle that can handle both urban commutes and tougher terrains.
Mitsubishi Montero Sport
Following closely behind its pickup sibling is the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. This midsize SUV has been a dominant force in the Philippine market for years, and its appeal continues to resonate with buyers.
The Montero Sport gained significant attention back in 2016, and while it hasn’t seen a complete overhaul since 2019, it remains a compelling option. Newer models may have introduced more advanced features, but the Montero Sport’s proven track record and robust performance keep it high on many Filipinos’ wish lists.
It offers a comfortable ride, ample space, and the kind of reliability that has made Mitsubishi a household name in the Philippines.
Toyota Wigo
The Toyota Wigo is a familiar sight on Philippine roads, and its continued presence in the top inquiries is no surprise. However, its 17th-place ranking is a bit lower than some might expect, signaling a broader market shift.
We’re seeing a trend away from smaller vehicles towards larger, more utilitarian options. As lockdowns eased and travel restrictions loosened in 2021, Filipinos were once again embracing the idea of bigger cars that could accommodate family trips and weekend getaways.
Despite this shift, the Wigo remains a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers and first-time car owners. Its fuel efficiency, compact size, and Toyota’s legendary reliability make it a practical and sensible option for navigating the urban jungle.
Nissan Terra
The Nissan Terra made quite an impression when it was redesigned, and it continues to be a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment. Nissan took a bold approach with the Terra’s redesign, particularly with its interior, which received a complete overhaul.
This model garnered significant attention upon its release, and it stands out as one of the better-driving SUVs in its class. The combination of comfort, technology, and capable performance makes the Terra a compelling choice for those who want a blend of refinement and utility.
Honda Brio
Honda’s Brio has managed to maintain its popularity despite being launched back in 2019. This small hatchback continues to turn heads with its sharp design and impressive performance, outperforming its segment rivals in many aspects.
The fact that the Brio is still generating significant interest after several years on the market suggests that a refresh or updated version might be on the horizon. Honda’s new design language, which we’ve seen in the City, Civic, and Accord, could soon make its way to the Brio.
Even without the latest updates, the Brio remains a strong contender thanks to its stylish aesthetics and best-in-class engine performance. It’s a testament to Honda’s ability to create vehicles that appeal to the Filipino palate.
Toyota Fortuner
The Toyota Fortuner has been a dominant force in the Philippine SUV market for years. Its continued presence near the top of the list is no surprise, especially with the excitement surrounding its recent updates.
The introduction of the LTD variant has created a new benchmark for the Fortuner lineup. With its sharp, modern looks and Toyota’s reputation for reliability, the Fortuner remains a top choice for those seeking a capable and stylish SUV.
While it’s a familiar nameplate, the Fortuner continues to evolve, offering Filipinos a blend of comfort, performance, and the kind of resale value that makes it a smart long-term investment.
Toyota Rush
The Toyota Rush has seen a dip in its ranking, moving from the top ten to the thirteenth spot. This decline could indicate a shift in consumer preferences, with many buyers perhaps looking to upgrade or explore different vehicle segments.
The Rush, a seven-seater MPV, was once a dominant force, but the market may be experiencing a saturation of this segment. Alternatively, many consumers who wanted a Rush may have already acquired one, leaving less room for new inquiries.
Despite the drop, the Rush still generates considerable interest, suggesting that an update could significantly boost its ranking. With nearly five years since its debut in the Philippines, a refresh could re-energize the model and bring it back into contention.
Toyota Vios
The Toyota Vios continues to reign supreme as the number-one ranked subcompact sedan in the Philippine market. Its local production and cult following among enthusiasts, business owners, and transport providers make it a formidable player.
The Vios ticks all the right boxes for a daily driver: reliability, fuel efficiency, and a comfortable ride. Its exploits in the Vios Racing Festival, powered by Gazoo Racing, have further cemented its reputation as a capable and engaging vehicle.
For companies, transport providers, and individual owners, the Vios represents a safe, dependable, and proven choice that continues to dominate its segment.
Mitsubishi Xpander
The Mitsubishi Xpander, once a chart-topper, has moved down to the eleventh spot. This decline, along with the Rush’s lower ranking, might suggest that the seven-seater fever is cooling off somewhat.
The Xpander was a game-changer in the Philippine market, unseating Toyota as the most inquired-for model at one point. It offered a compelling blend of style, comfort, and practicality that resonated with Filipino buyers.
The introduction of the Xpander Cross added another dimension to the lineup, but perhaps the market is signaling a preference for something different. Only time will tell if this trend continues, but for now, the Xpander remains a strong contender despite the shift.
Suzuki S-Presso
Breaking into the top ten, the Suzuki S-Presso stands out with its quirky and distinctive design. When it first launched, this micro-SUV turned heads with its unique styling, earning it a reputation as a bit of a “quirk machine.”
Despite its compact 1.0-liter engine, the S-Presso offers a surprisingly capable drive, especially when paired with its manual transmission. The fact that manual gearboxes remain popular in the Philippines is a testament to the driving skills and preferences of many Filipino motorists.
The S-Presso’s affordability and maneuverability make it an attractive option for those navigating congested city streets, while its unique personality sets it apart from the crowd.
Geely Coolray
The Geely Coolray has been a revelation in the subcompact crossover segment. This Chinese-made model has shaken up the market with its impressive value proposition and premium features, securing its place as a top inquiry for nearly three years.
What sets the Coolray apart is its combination of luxury-like interior materials, a potent 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, and a price tag that undercuts many rivals. It offers a driving experience that rivals more expensive vehicles, with brisk acceleration and a comfortable ride.
The Coolray has proven that Filipino buyers are open to new brands, particularly when those brands deliver exceptional value and a compelling overall package.
Isuzu mu-X
The Isuzu mu-X made a strong debut on this list, landing in the eighth spot despite being relatively new to the market. This midsize
