The 10 Most Popular Top Gear PH Car Reviews of 2021: A Decade-Defining Look Back at Automotive Trends and Consumer Preferences
The automotive landscape of 2021 in the Philippines was a vibrant tapestry of innovation, resilience, and evolving consumer priorities. Despite the lingering shadows of the global pandemic, the local car market defied expectations, marked by a surge in new model introductions and refreshes that kept enthusiasts and buyers alike on the edge of their seats. As we look back from the vantage point of 2026, the reviews that captured the most attention during that pivotal year offer a fascinating glimpse into the forces shaping the industry and the decisions guiding Filipino motorists.
At TopGear.com.ph, our mission has always been to provide readers with the most comprehensive, insightful, and unbiased coverage of the automotive world. This includes not only breaking news and exclusive features but also in-depth car reviews that serve as essential resources for potential buyers. The year 2021 was no exception, as our team of seasoned automotive journalists put a diverse range of vehicles through their paces, from budget-friendly city commuters to rugged off-roaders and luxurious family haulers. The response from our audience was overwhelming, with certain reviews garnering exceptional traffic and engagement, reflecting the shifting priorities and tastes of the Filipino car buyer in the post-lockdown era.
As we compile the numbers from that landmark year, one trend becomes immediately apparent: the enduring strength of Toyota, the aggressive challenge from Chinese manufacturers, and the growing demand for vehicles that offer a compelling blend of practicality, technology, and value. The following compilation of the 10 most popular Top Gear PH car reviews of 2021 serves as a definitive record of the vehicles that resonated most with our readers, influencing countless purchase decisions and shaping the trajectory of the Philippine automotive industry as we head further into the 2020s.
1) The 2021 Toyota Fortuner 4×2 G AT: Redefining the Base Variant Experience
The Toyota Fortuner has long been the undisputed king of the Philippine SUV market, a nameplate synonymous with reliability, resale value, and on-road presence. However, in 2021, the conversation surrounding the Fortuner shifted, thanks to a renewed focus on the value proposition of its base variant. Our review of the 2021 Toyota Fortuner 4×2 G AT, penned by one of our senior automotive journalists, revealed that this particular model was far from the stripped-down, bare-bones offering that many consumers might expect.
“The Toyota Fortuner’s base variant is anything but bare,” the review began, setting the stage for a surprising revelation. “There’s a handful of features inside this thing product planners could have easily left out, including the upgraded touchscreen infotainment system, intuitive instrument cluster, and backup camera.” This statement alone signaled a departure from the industry norm, where base models are often laden with compromises to keep costs down. The inclusion of these seemingly premium features demonstrated Toyota’s understanding of the modern Filipino buyer, who expects a certain level of comfort and technology even in their entry-level vehicles.
The review further elaborated on the significance of this approach: “At the very least, packages like this should be the standard for base variants unless manufacturers plan on going absolutely bland with them.” This sentiment resonated deeply with readers, as it articulated a long-held desire for more thoughtful product planning from automotive brands. The Fortuner 4×2 G AT, in essence, set a new benchmark for what consumers should expect from a base model SUV, proving that affordability does not have to come at the expense of a satisfying ownership experience. The review highlighted the vehicle’s comfortable ride quality, its surprisingly refined interior for its class, and its overall competence as a daily driver and family vehicle.
The popularity of this review underscored the fact that the Fortuner’s appeal extends far beyond its off-road capabilities. For many Filipino buyers, the Fortuner represents a status symbol, a vehicle that conveys success and capability. The 4×2 G AT variant offered a more accessible entry point into this aspirational ownership experience, making it a particularly relevant option for a broad spectrum of the market. This review’s high search volume can be directly attributed to the fact that a significant portion of potential Fortuner buyers begin their research with the base model, seeking to understand the value proposition before considering higher trims.
2) The 2021 Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 4×4 AT: The Benchmark for Midsize Pickups
The midsize pickup segment in the Philippines is fiercely competitive, with a long history of rugged, dependable workhorses that have become integral to the national psyche. Among these titans, the Toyota Hilux stands out as a legendary nameplate, revered for its durability and off-road prowess. The 2021 Toyota Hilux Conquest 2.8 4×4 AT, however, emerged as a particularly compelling offering, blending its traditional strengths with a newfound level of comfort and refinement that appealed to a wider audience.
Our review of the Hilux Conquest 2.8 4×4 AT, one of our most trafficked articles of 2021, recognized this shift in market dynamics. “What Toyota has on its hands with the Hilux Conquest is perhaps the most comfortable all-around package in the midsize-pickup segment,” the review stated, immediately positioning the vehicle as a category leader. This was no small feat, given the stiff competition from rivals such as the Isuzu D-Max and Ford Ranger, which have long been praised for their own merits.
The review delved into the specifics of what made the Hilux Conquest so appealing, noting that “while it does feel a bit spartan in some aspects, it compensates by providing a vehicle that’s just as capable of carrying heavy loads as it is ferrying you within city limits.” This dual capability—the ability to seamlessly transition between heavy-duty work and comfortable daily driving—is the Holy Grail of the midsize pickup segment. The Hilux Conquest, in 2021, arguably achieved this balance better than any other contender.
The review’s high popularity stemmed from the fact that pickup trucks are among the most searched-for vehicle types in the Philippines, particularly in the midsize 4×4 category. Potential buyers in this segment are typically highly informed and conduct extensive research before making a decision. The Hilux Conquest 2.8 4×4 AT represented a significant upgrade in terms of interior appointments and on-road refinement compared to previous generations, making it a particularly attractive option for those who use their pickups for both work and family transport. Furthermore, the Conquest trim level, with its distinctive styling and enhanced features, appealed to buyers who desired a vehicle that made a statement as well as performed a function.
3) The 2021 Toyota Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT: The Enduring Reign of the Family MPV
The Toyota Innova has achieved near-mythical status in the Philippine automotive landscape, a benchmark against which all other family-oriented MPVs are measured. For years, it has dominated its segment, maintaining its position as the go-to vehicle for Filipino families in need of space, comfort, and reliability. Our review of the 2021 Toyota Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT, one of the most-read articles on our site in 2021, sought to determine if this venerable nameplate could maintain its crown in an ever-evolving market.
“So, is the Innova still the king of its own domain?” the review posed a question that was on the minds of many Filipino car buyers. “The answer, naturally, is a resounding yes.” This unequivocal endorsement confirmed what most already suspected: despite the lack of direct competitors, the Innova remained the undisputed leader in its segment. The review highlighted the vehicle’s continued relevance, noting that “even without any direct competitors to oppose it, the Toyota remains a solid choice for families and for anyone who needs to move bodies in the city and on long road trips.”
What set the Innova apart, according to our review, was its unmatched ability to balance passenger comfort with cargo flexibility. While the review did note a limitation—that “don’t expect more than six of those people to be comfortable inside, despite what the brochure claims”—it also acknowledged the vehicle’s superior ride quality compared to many SUV alternatives. “In fact,” the reviewer asserted, “I’d put the Innova ahead of some midsize SUVs as a family car.” This bold statement underscored the Innova’s unique position in the market, offering a level of refinement and driving enjoyment that belied its MPV roots.
The overwhelming popularity of this review speaks to the Innova’s enduring appeal and the deep emotional connection many Filipinos have with this vehicle. For generations, the Innova has been the backdrop to countless family memories, from school runs to provincial road trips. The 2021 model, with its updated features and improved efficiency, continued this legacy, making it a particularly hot topic for readers seeking the latest information on this beloved nameplate. The review’s high search volume reflects the fact that a substantial portion of the Philippine car market prioritizes family-friendly vehicles, and the Innova remains the gold standard in this category.
4) The 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 4×4 LTD: Setting a New Standard for Luxury PPVs
Building on the success of its base variant, Toyota’s higher-end offerings also commanded significant attention in 2021. The 2021 Toyota Fortuner 2.8 4×4 LTD, in particular, emerged as a standout model, representing the pinnacle of the brand’s PPV (Passenger Pickup Vehicle) lineup. Our review of this premium variant, one
