The Best 8 SUVs you can buy in the Philippines today

The Philippine roads have more potholes than plot holes in a badly written movie. Traversing these thoroughfares with a low car may evoke a feeling of anxiety. Why drive a sedan when you can drive a car that can just roll over road imperfections without trouble? 

This is where SUVs shine. On top of being a head taller than most cars in the Philippines, it also helps that you won’t be thinning out your wallet for fuel money because these cars run on diesel. 

With the formula clear and out in the open, manufacturers find it easy to push out their own models for the buying public. Looking at all the options available may make your head spin because almost every car in the list has these basic features: a diesel engine, seven seats, high ground clearance, and a ladder frame chassis that defines it as an SUV. 

The Nissan Terra continues to sell in the Philippines. While the SUV was late to the market back then, it's as strong as ever now. The interior of the Terra is currently one of our top picks in the segment given that it has indeed stepped up a class in terms of refinement. Also smooth is the comfort that this SUV brings in comparison to the rest of the field. Equipped with all of the features that you need and more, the Terra should definitely be a candidate for your next car. 

Another American entry, the Ford Everest delivers a premium interior with light steering for a midsize SUV. Featuring muscular lines and bold styling, consumers are spoiled in terms of features in the top-of-the-line trim while maintaining its Ford ruggedness. With the most up-to-date model, Ford continues to cement its stance in the category, fielding a model that is arguably the most well-equipped and arguably most comfortable in its class. 

A strong contender, not only in its segment but in the Philippine market; the nameplate was one of the original few that started the midsize SUV trend. While prior models have a rounded look, this SUV prominently features Mitsubishi’s updated dynamic shield design. The Montero Sport is a valued companion to many drivers for its clean-cut interior and driving dynamics. Though on the older side, the Montero Sport continues to be a reliable choice for many Filipinos who know and love the Mitsubishi brand. With this model, you get respectable specs and a good engine that is shared between its top-of-the-line and its base model trims. 

Isuzu has leveled up its mu-X. Instead of keeping up with the affordable image that the previous generation established, Isuzu felt that it was time to really double down on its SUV to move it from being an alternative to the prime choice for many buyers. Given that Isuzus is robust and tough, you won't immediately think that while looking at the mu-X. A little more class here and there doesn't hurt the mu-X and the added technology features like smartphone pairing and even adaptive cruise control in some variants make this a comparable option in the market today. 

The king of sales in the midsize SUV segment, the Toyota Fortuner proves that a brand and an iconic nameplate can make a huge impact with regard to consumer trust. Notably, the renowned model has undergone an extensive refresh, with the Fortuner now having additional variants including the Q and LTD. It is one of the first nameplates to become a household name. It is a force to be reckoned with, and a definite leader in its segment for the foreseeable future. 

You might not think about the Jimny as an SUV since it looks more like a toy than an average workhorse, but this model is on this list precisely because it's one of the most lovable and surprisingly capable models out today. It's charming, lightweight, easy to drive, and it has a cult following with a ton of aftermarket support, so what more could you ask for? Perhaps more doors and more seats would be great, but if you just want a toy, this has to be on your list. 

The Nissan Patrol is the culmination of the Japanese brand's expertise in building off-road yet luxuriously capable vehicles. The Patrol is still one comfortable cruiser that boasts in terms of cabin space and convenience features. For the Philippine market, it is currently the biggest SUV being offered by Nissan which stands above the midsized Terra. It is also worth noting that the Patrol is one of the few SUVs in the market still powered by a V8 gasoline engine.

Toyota is definitely the biggest and baddest boss in the full-size SUV market in the Philippines. The Japanese brand's legendary Land Cruiser name is now in its 300 series, and it's currently one of the most in-demand models in the market today. Based on its popularity and the brand's inability to keep it in stock, it deserves a spot on the list simply for its notoriety and its updates. A twin-turbo V6 engine is on this generation, and it also delivers a new look to the Land Cruiser name, much to the delight of fans. While it may be the newest, there will still be some loyal to the 200 series. Whether you prefer the 200, 300, or any of the older models, you can't deny the Land Cruiser's appeal.