Our 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.

We 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. 

We loved the 3-door Jimny for its sophisticated 4x4 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.

With 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 4x4 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.

At number nine we have the Kia Seltos. Priced at P1,688,000 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.

The 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.

Inside, 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.

What 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.

At 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.

The 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.

The 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.

The 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.

Next 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.

We were able to drive the top-of-the-line Mitsubishi Triton Athlete 4x4 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. 

Powering the Triton is Mitsubishi’s new 2.4-liter 4N16 four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The range-topping Triton Athlete 4x4 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 4x4 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.

The 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. 

Powered 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.

Inside, 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. 

On 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.

Taking 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. 

Though 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.

Moving forward to the more economical side of the spectrum we have the Kia Sonet. The variant we tested in particular is the Sonet SX 1.5 AT which is priced at P1,588,000. Quite pricey for a subcompact crossover but the Sonet balances this out with a starting price of P758,000 for the LX MT variant. 

The standard features of the Sonet include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, a four-speaker sound system with two additional tweeters, manual air-conditioning with rear vents, a multi-function steering wheel, and a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster.

The top-spec SX trim enhances the experience with single-zone automatic climate control, a larger 10-inch touchscreen display, a 10.25-inch TFT instrument cluster, and advanced driver-assistance features. 

Propelling the Sonet is a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, producing 113 hp and 144 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via either an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) or a six-speed manual transmission. The SX AT with IVT delivers impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 9.5 to 10 km/l in the city and up to 20 km/l on the highway. With its combination of economical performance and a wide range of features, the Kia Sonet earns a spot on our list as a great choice for beginner drivers, offering excellent value overall.

In the third spot is the first and only EV on our list, the BYD Atto 3. The Atto 3 makes it onto our list not just because it’s a good seller for BYD, but also because it’s just a good car full stop. 

The Atto 3 lineup consists of two variants: the Dynamic priced at P1,598,000, and the Premium priced at P1,798,000. Regardless of which variant you choose, the Atto 3 presents a very great package in terms of performance and features. 

The Atto 3 is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor that drives the front wheels, delivering 201 hp and 310 Nm of torque. Customers can choose between two BYD Blade Battery options: a 49.92 kWh battery providing a range of 410 km, or a 60.48 kWh battery offering an impressive 480 km of range. 

Inside, the Atto 3’s minimalist interior features a range of comfort and entertainment features. At the center is a 12.8-inch touchscreen media display, which can be adjusted to either landscape or portrait orientation. This multifunctional display provides essential infotainment features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while also managing various in-car functions and controls.

It’s a super reasonable car that’s available at a super reasonable price, and that’s why we love it.

This spritely looking hatchback has a hybrid variant that packs 191 hp and 250 Nm for just P1,088,888, it’s the MG3. 

It’s got angry-looking headlights and a proper amount of cuts and curves that make it an exciting hatchback to look at. In addition, thanks to its hybrid powertrain, you get all that power and still be able to achieve 9 km/l in city traffic and up to 21 km/l on the highway.

Inside, the MG3 Hybrid+ has a decent amount of convenience and safety features plus a spacious interior that is belied by its small size. Behind the wheel, the MG3 Hybrid+ is fun to drive and satisfying to push to the limit. All these traits in one package is why the MG3 Hybrid+ is in second place.

The top spot for our top 10 cars of 2024 is taken by a crossover that redefined the meaning of value, it’s the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i. Boasting a super-efficient hybrid powertrain, the Sealion 6 DM-i is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor that delivers a combined output of 214 hp and 325 Nm of torque delivered via an E-CVT. Electric power is sourced from an 18.4 kWh Blade Battery that delivers 80 km of pure EV driving. In tandem with the gasoline engine, the Sealion 6 DM-i can go to an extended range of up to 1,100 km.

Beyond the fuel efficiency, the Sealion 6 is generously equipped with a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, an Infinity 10-speaker sound system, and a slew of driver aids. All this kit is available at a more than reasonable P1,548,000. Fuel economy, great kit, coding-free driving, and an affordable price? The Sealion 6 DM-i has it all, and that’s why it’s our top car for 2024.

Want to check out all the cars we listed here? Head on over to the AutoDeal Car Guide where you can browse their specs features and get started on a purchase all in one place. Better yet, download the AutoDeal app today, available for both Android and iOS!