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Title: 15 Philippine New Car Launches We’d Like to See in 2026
We’re keeping our fingers crossed for a thrilling year of automotive debuts in the Philippines.
by Anton Andres | Dec 24, 2025
New Cars 2026
PHOTO: Manufacturer Press ILLUSTRATION: TopGear.com.ph
CAR MODELS IN THIS ARTICLE
Subaru Forester
Subaru Forester
Nissan Patrol
Nissan Patrol
Ford Everest
Ford Everest
Toyota Alphard
Toyota Alphard
Toyota Vios
Toyota Vios
Isuzu MU-X
Isuzu MU-X
Honda HR-V
Honda HR-V
Lexus LX
Lexus LX
Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai Palisade
Toyota GR Yaris
Toyota GR Yaris
Hyundai Staria
Hyundai Staria
2025 was a landmark year for new car launches in the Philippines, but we’re forecasting that 2026 will be even more electrifying. With automotive disruptors continuing to challenge the status quo and legacy automakers escalating their game in technology and electrification, the local market is poised for a major shakeup.
For those of us who cover the industry, it’s shaping up to be an exceptionally busy year. The pace of innovation is accelerating, and as a result, our calendars are filling up rapidly with events that will shape the future of driving in the Philippines.
While pinpointing the exact models that will debut in the next twelve months is always a challenge, we’ve compiled a list of vehicles we’re eagerly anticipating. This isn’t an exhaustive roster, but it’s a collection of cars that could genuinely excite Filipino drivers and significantly impact the market. We’ve included a mix of eagerly awaited refreshes, all-new generations, and models that represent the cutting edge of automotive technology, from high-performance sports cars to practical yet innovative family vehicles.
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1) Ford Everest Tremor
PHOTO BY Ford
The whispers about Ford bringing electrified models to the Philippines are growing louder, but there’s another highly anticipated vehicle we’re hoping makes its debut in 2026. Although Ford has yet to confirm an Everest Raptor for our market, we saw the exciting premiere of the Everest Tremor in 2025. Already available in Australia and built in Thailand, the Tremor represents a compelling middle ground between the standard Everest and the extreme Raptor. It’s easy to see the appeal for the Philippines, a market that loves robust, capable SUVs. With its enhanced off-road hardware and distinctive styling, the Tremor offers a factory-backed option for buyers who want more than the standard Everest but don’t need the full-blown Raptor experience. The potential addition of the V6 turbodiesel engine to the Philippine lineup would only sweeten the deal, providing a potent and refined powertrain that’s perfect for both daily driving and serious adventure. We’re optimistic that Ford Philippines recognizes the market demand for this capable variant and will bring it to our shores in 2026.
2) Honda HR-V e:HEV
PHOTO BY Honda
We’ve consistently championed Honda’s e:HEV powertrain as one of the best in the business. While we generally avoid hyperbole, it’s hard to deny that Honda’s hybrid system truly delivers on its promise of combining performance with exceptional fuel efficiency. It strikes a near-perfect balance that’s often elusive in the hybrid segment. That’s why we’re particularly eager to see the electrified version of the HR-V arrive in the Philippines. In a market where fuel prices continue to be a major consideration for consumers, a vehicle that offers near-turbo levels of performance while achieving double the fuel economy of a conventional gasoline engine is a compelling proposition. The hybrid model has already proven its success by becoming the best-selling crossover in Japan, demonstrating its broad appeal and technical excellence. Its arrival in the Philippines would inject some much-needed excitement into the compact crossover segment, offering buyers a stylish, refined, and highly efficient option that stands out from the competition. We believe the HR-V e:HEV has the potential to be a game-changer in the local market.
3) Honda Prelude
PHOTO BY Honda
While this might seem like a long shot, there are strong indicators that suggest the Honda Prelude could make a comeback in the Philippines in 2026. Honda Cars Philippines recently published a Prelude video on its social media channels, a move that many interpret as a clear hint of the model’s potential return. The production version of the Prelude is nearing its debut, and with it will come full specifications that will help us better understand its positioning in the market. Should Honda decide to bring it to the Philippines, it would create an exciting scenario where we could see two sporty Honda models available locally, with the other being the formidable Civic Type R. Having two distinct performance offerings from a single brand would be a dream come true for driving enthusiasts in the country. It would provide options for different levels of performance and driving engagement, catering to a wider range of enthusiasts. The prospect of adding another engaging driver’s car to the Philippine market is something we’re wholeheartedly in favor of.
4) Hyundai Palisade
PHOTO BY Hyundai
If 2025 was the year of performance for Hyundai in the Philippines, it appears that 2026 might pivot more towards luxury and refinement. This shift is largely thanks to the redesigned Palisade, which recently made its world premiere to considerable acclaim. With its bold new styling, significantly upgraded interior, and advanced technology features, the new Palisade represents a major step forward for Hyundai’s flagship SUV. There’s a strong possibility that it will make its way to our shores in 2026. While it may not be a high-volume model due to its premium positioning, its presence in the Philippine market would be significant. The Palisade serves as a showcase for Hyundai’s latest design language and technological capabilities, demonstrating the brand’s ability to compete with established luxury players in the full-size SUV segment. We’re particularly interested in the prospect of the version with a front bench seat for the middle row. This configuration offers added practicality and flexibility, allowing the Palisade to carry up to eight passengers comfortably. It’s a feature that would further enhance its appeal for larger families and those who frequently transport groups of people.
5) Hyundai Staria Hybrid
PHOTO BY Hyundai
In the Philippine market, large vans have traditionally been dominated by diesel powertrains, a trend driven by the demand for torque and fuel efficiency in heavy-duty applications. However, Hyundai has the potential to disrupt this established norm with the introduction of the Staria Hybrid. This innovative powertrain combines the practicality and space of the Staria with the benefits of electrification, offering a compelling alternative to traditional diesel offerings. The Staria Hybrid is already available in markets such as South Korea, Oceania, and Europe, demonstrating its global availability and technical maturity. While its arrival in Southeast Asia is yet to be confirmed, the Philippines stands out as one of the region’s most significant markets for the Staria. This strong existing customer base makes a compelling case for introducing the electrified version to our shores. For Filipino consumers, the Staria Hybrid could offer a unique proposition: the commanding presence and interior space of a full-size van combined with the smoother, quieter operation and potentially lower running costs of a hybrid system. It would provide a fresh and innovative option in a segment that has seen limited evolution in recent years.
6) Isuzu Mu-X
PHOTO BY Isuzu
Following the successful launch of the heavily updated D-Max pickup truck, it seems highly probable that the new-generation Isuzu Mu-X SUV will arrive in the Philippines sometime in 2026. The D-Max and Mu-X share a common platform and powertrain components, so it’s logical that updates to one would eventually carry over to the other. However, even though its arrival may not come as a complete surprise, the excitement surrounding the new Mu-X remains undiminished. We’re particularly keen to see if it inherits all the significant upgrades now present in the D-Max. These enhancements likely include improvements to the interior, technology suite, and potentially even powertrain refinements, all of which would significantly elevate the Mu-V’s appeal. The current generation of the Mu-X has been a strong contender in the Philippine market, but a fresh iteration with the latest improvements would further solidify its position. For Filipino families and individuals who rely on a capable and dependable SUV, the prospect of the new Mu-X is something to genuinely look forward to. It represents the evolution of a trusted nameplate, promising to deliver the reliability Isuzu is known for, now with added modern comforts and capabilities.
7) Lexus LBX Morizo RR
PHOTO BY Lexus
If there’s one vehicle that perfectly encapsulates the “why not?” spirit of modern automotive engineering, it’s the Lexus LBX Morizo RR. This concept, now reality, takes the stylish and practical subcompact crossover body of the LBX and stuffs it full of the high-strung mechanicals from the rally-bred GR Yaris. The result is a recipe for pure driving excitement. It’s a car that defies easy categorization, blending the everyday usability of a crossover with the raw performance DNA of a track-focused machine. The prospect of such a vehicle hitting the Philippine market is incredibly tantalizing. Imagine having the agility and compactness of the LBX combined with the thrilling acceleration and handling characteristics of the GR Yaris. It’s a combination that promises to
