US Car Reviews
Our Top 10 Cars of 2024: A Comprehensive Review
As we step into 2025, the automotive landscape continues to evolve, with new models pushing the boundaries of innovation, performance, and efficiency. Our team has spent the past year rigorously testing and evaluating the latest vehicles to bring you our definitive list of the top 10 cars that defined 2024. From groundbreaking electric vehicles to robust off-roaders, this list represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering and design.
Jerome Tresvalles
Jerome Tresvalles on Jan 08, 2025
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Our Top 10 Cars of 2024
Top 10 Cars of 2024
As we step into 2025, our excitement for the new cars debuting this year is undeniable. However, with the latest launches still a few months away, we decided to take a moment to reflect on what we think were the most outstanding releases from 2024.
Our top 10 list of cars for 2024 features capable off-roaders, sensible sedans, tough trucks, to fire-breathing coupes. So, fasten your seatbelts as we take a trip down memory lane to revisit what we believe were the standout vehicles of 2024.
Suzuki Jimny 5-Door\nSuzuki Jimny 5-Door\nWe start our list off with the highly venerated Jimny 5-door, a more practical version of the Jimny off-roader launched near the beginning of 2024. \n\nWe loved the 3-door Jimny for its sophisticated 4×4 system and ageless iconic design that can turn heads even on the high streets. However, our only complaint regarding this model was its limited interior space. Though it had rear seats, the second row could only be realistically used by children or for extra luggage. Thanks to a longer wheelbase and the addition of two more doors though, the Jimny 5-Door version fixes those issues.\n\nWith a starting price of P1,558,000, there are certainly more affordable, and more practical versions out there. We believe, however, that the Jimny provides something less tangible. This 4×4 off-roader exudes character at every corner, and when you put it to the test on challenging terrain, the unique experience it delivers could more than justify the cost.\n\n9. Kia Seltos\nKia Seltos\nAt number nine we have the Kia Seltos. Priced at P1,158,000 for the top-of-the-line 1.4 SX AT variant, the facelifted Seltos had a jump in price compared to the pre-facelift version, but, it also comes with a ton of upgrades.\n\nThe 2024 Seltos gets a striking makeover, starting with a refreshed front end featuring a new grille, redesigned headlights, LED daytime running lights, and a revamped bumper with black highlights and a skid plate. Higher trims include LED headlights. At the rear, it boasts an updated LED lightbar, sharper LED taillights, and a skid plate to match the bold front design. On the sides, 17-inch alloys with 215/60 tires stand out, complemented by black plastic skirts and fenders.\n\nInside, the Seltos’ interior has been refreshed and modernized. The base LX and mid-range EX have sporty analog gauges with a 4.2-inch multi-info display, while the top-tier SX upgrades to a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.\n\nWhat we adore the most about the Seltos is its peppy 1.4-liter engine found in the SX variant. Thanks to a turbocharged, the small engine delivers lots of power and torque. Coupled with agile handling, the Seltos is a crossover that’s also a lot of fun to drive.\n\n8. Toyota Zenix\nToyota Zenix\nAt number eight is the highly anticipated Toyota Zenix Hybrid, the successor to the Innova MPV. Bigger inside and out, the Zenix boasts a striking design and a spacious boot capable of carrying all the luggage you need as Toyota has finally addressed the seat folding arrangement for the third row seats.\n\nThe Zenix offers two powertrain options: the non-hybrid M20A-FKS gasoline engine and the M20A-FXS hybrid system. The M20A-FKS delivers 172 hp at 6,600 rpm and 205 Nm of torque between 4,500 and 4,900 rpm.\n\nThe M20A-FXS hybrid pairs a 150-hp, 188-Nm engine with a 112-hp electric motor, producing a combined output of 183 hp and 393 Nm of torque, balancing performance with fuel efficiency.\n\nThe aspect of the Zenix that impressed us the most is that despite being a gasoline-powered people carrier, the Zenix is capable of achieving 22.3 km/l on the highway, and 13.7 km/l in the city. In addition, Toyota has engineered the hybrid system to kick in as smoothly as possible, which means unless you’re really paying attention, you won’t realize when the gasoline engine or electric motor kicks in.\n\n7. Mitsubishi Triton\nMitsubishi Triton\nNext up is the Mitsubishi Triton. In 2024, we bid goodbye to the Strada and welcomed its replacement, the Triton. It’s really the same truck just with a different name so there’s no need to get emotional about it.\n\nWe were able to drive the top-of-the-line Mitsubishi Triton Athlete 4×4 and we were really impressed with its looks, capabilities, and price proposition. Priced at P1,909,000, the Triton Athlete is a considerable bargain when you put it against other top-end pickup trucks in its class. \n\nPowering the Triton is Mitsubishi’s new 2.4-liter 4N16 four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The range-topping Triton Athlete 4×4 delivers an impressive 201 hp and 470 Nm of torque, while the GLS and lower variants offer a solid 181 hp and 430 Nm. Power is managed by a six-speed automatic transmission, with 4×4 models like the Athlete featuring Mitsubishi’s advanced Super Select 4WD-II system and an active brake-controlled Limited Slip Differential (LSD) for enhanced off-road control. In addition, Mitsubishi has improved the ride even more and has packed in a sophisticated terrain management system ensuring you’re always on the move, whatever surface you’re driving on.\n\n6. Nissan Z\nNissan Z\nThe next car on the list is a doozy, it’s the Nissan Z. Priced at P3,988,000, the Nissan Z is one of the few dream cars available on the market that can be attained. Nissan did more than just rewrap the latest Z with a new exterior, they went to work engineering every bit of this beast from the engine, down to the chassis. \n\nPowered by a VR30DDTT 3.0-liter V6 engine, it produces 378 hp and 475 Nm of torque, sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission. Stopping power comes from four-piston Akebono brakes, paired with 19-inch Rays forged wheels fitted with 255/40/R19 tires in the front and 275/35/R19 at the rear.\n\nInside, the Z is equipped with a 12.3-inch customizable digital instrument cluster, allowing drivers to monitor vital stats and conditions. Its nine-inch NissanConnect infotainment display supports Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and includes USB-C and USB-A ports for charging and connectivity. Enhancing the experience, an eight-speaker Bose sound system comes with Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement. \n\nOn the move, the Nissan Z is a ton of fun providing smiles for miles with each step on the gas pedal. In terms of feel and handling, the Z responds well to every input, allowing you to feel in control all the time. Plus, if you’re looking for a more authentic experience, Nissan also offers the Z with a six-speed manual transmission for the exact same price as the automatic.\n\n5. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid\nHyundai Santa Fe Hybrid\nTaking the fifth spot on our list is the Santa Fe Hybrid. The hybrid version of the Santa Fe impressed us with its almost electric vehicle-like drive, its abundance of features, its very spacious cargo area, and its comfortable interior. \n\nThough the looks are subject to debate, there’s no denying that the Santa Fe Hybrid (or any variant for that matter) is a well-executed crossover with head-turning looks. Priced at P3,330,000, the Santa Fe HEV costs a pretty sum, but we believe the experience and quality it provides are well worth it.\n\n4. Kia Sonet\nKia Sonet\nMoving forward to the more economical side of
