Best sedans in the Philippines for first-time buyers

Sedans are probably one of the easiest cars to drive around, along with easy driveability, they also suit the needs and tastes of first-time drivers. Its compact dimensions provide first-timers ease and confidence, especially when going through tight spaces. Not to mention, they’ll also save time and money from having trips to the gas station given the esteemed fuel efficiency of these cars. 

So if you’re a first-time driver and ready to purchase your first ride, then you might as well consider the following sedans we’ve listed below. Ranging from pint-sized to subcompacts, pick the ride that will capture your needs and wants as a first-time driver. Also, don’t hesitate to click on the ‘Get Quote’ button—it’s absolutely free. You could even request to test drive the cars so you would know what you’ll like about them, first hand.

First up is the Kia Soluto, which is the smallest offering in the brand’s Philippine lineup. Notably, it shares a number of mechanical components with the Hyundai Reina, from the platform to the 1.4-liter gasoline engine that produces 94 hp and 132 Nm of torque. Buyers have the choice of pairing the motor with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Notably, it’s one of the smaller options in the market to come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The most affordable Soluto in the range is the LX MT which is priced at P780,000 while the top trim EX AT is priced at P865,000.

This subcompact sedan is hailed as the longest in its class. Not only that, but the MG 5 is also big in terms of features, as opting for the range-topping 1.5 Style CVT will give you a push button-start system, a 10-inch infotainment system, and a sunroof. In terms of powertrain, the MG 5 is run by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that produces 112 hp and 150 Nm of torque. Its motor can either be paired with a five-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The MG 5 range starts with the Core MT, priced at P698,888. Meanwhile, if you want additional features, the Style CVT is the current range-topping variant for the MG 5, priced at P878,888.

Next on the list is the Mitsubishi Mirage G4. Like its hatch counterpart, the G4 is run by a familiar 1.2-liter engine that churns out 77 hp and 100 Nm of torque. You can even opt for a five-speed manual or a CVT, while it isn’t as flashy as some of its competitors, the Mirage G4 is practical in the sense that it gives you all of the necessities that you’ll need for your drive. Not to mention, your passengers also get more than enough leg and headroom which should allow them to stay comfortable throughout the entire trip. Prices for the Mirage G4 start at P769,000 for the GLX MT, if you want one with all the bells and whistles Mitsubishi offers, the GLS Sport CVT is priced at P929,000.

Just recently, the Suzuki Dzire has undergone a minor refresh. It only includes minor changes which include the revised fascia and new gauge cluster. The rest remains as it is, it’s still that small wonder many have come to love. This pint-sized sedan is motivated by a small and extremely efficient 1.2-liter gasoline engine that could either be paired with a five-speed manual or a five-speed AGS. The Dzire comes with a good amount of convenience features, this includes the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system that's exclusive to the top-of-the-line GL+ AGS. If you’re considering the Dzire, the range starts with the 1.2 GA MT at P609,000 and is capped off by the GL+ AGS at P819,000.

The Volkswagen Santana is currently your most affordable ticket to a German driving experience. This subcompact sedan has been around in the market for quite some time now, that’s why Volkswagen recently gave the car a new set of wheels, a better touchscreen infotainment system, and the addition of a tire pressure monitoring system. The Santana range consists of the S AT and SE AT powered by a 1.5-liter engine that’s solely mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. In terms of price, the Santana doesn’t break the million peso mark as the S AT is priced at P805,000, while the SE AT is priced at P948,000.

Next on the list is the Almera, Nissan’s offering in the compact sedan segment. Refreshed in 2023, the Nissan Almera now features the new version of Nissan’s V-Motion grille and NissanConnect Services for the range-topping VL variant. Powered by a 1.0-liter turbocharged inline-three gasoline engine, the Almera is fuel-efficient without sacrificing performance. Coupled with a stable and compliant chassis, the Almera is a sedan that can complement a newbie driver or an experienced veteran. The added security that NissanConnect Services provides is also a plus for large families that share a single car. The Almera range starts with the EL MT which is priced at P839,000 and ends with the VL Turbo which has a price tag of P1,149,000.

It’s probably one of the most spacious and well-equipped cars in its segment. The Honda City combines its simple yet desirable looks with good performance and practicality. All variants of the City come with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, and as of 2023, is only available with a CVT. Almost all of its trims except the E CVT, come standard with an eight-inch infotainment system that’s ready with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you’re aiming for the City, prices start at P973,000 with the E CVT variant and end with the City RS CVT at P1,128,000.

Philippine roads have been flooded with a bunch of Toyota Vios for years now. Like most Toyotas, the Vios does have a strong reputation in terms of reliability. With its recent upgrades, the subcompact sedan has become a more desirable option in the market. While the 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter gasoline engines were retained, select variants of the car now get a bunch of notable equipment such as the 6.75-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. New for 2021 though is its special GR-S trim which carries a number of aesthetic upgrades in order to make the subcompact sedan sportier than its standard variant. Plus, the new range-topping GR-S variant also comes with an improved 10-speed CVT. The Vios range starts with the Base MT variant at P696,000 and ends with the GR-S variant priced at P1,055,000.